$989,854Average Value$465Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Pebble beaches line most of the coast of the Bristol Ferry neighborhood.
A peaceful coastal community close to several amenities
Bristol Ferry was first established in 1658 as a transportation hub, and its ferry service grew in importance every year. By the 1800s, the port was a thriving maritime community. But once Mt. Hope Bridge was completed, the use of the ferry began to slow down. The port has since transformed into a quiet residential neighborhood, as it's best known as today. "It's a peaceful coastal community," says Ben Willett, an Aquidneck Island native and Realtor with Keller Williams Coastal. "But that doesn't mean there's nothing to do." The neighborhood sits by a public access point to the waterfront, where residents frequently take their families and four-legged friends for walks. To the northeast of Bristol is Montaup Country Club, and going south into the city reveals more options for shopping, dining, retail and entertainment. "It's a great spot because there's so much to do nearby, and it's Portsmouth, so nothing is too far," Willett says.
Generous sized homes in the Bristol Ferry neighborhood are often on neat tree-lined streets.
From ranch-style to colonial-inspired homes
Homes in this area tend to be different variations of beige, with wood paneling running horizontally on the outside. Architectural styles include ranches, Cape Cods, colonials and saltboxes. A potential homebuyer strolling through the neighborhood can expect to see houses sitting on yards with trees and room for driveways. Although there aren't any sidewalks, residents still walk or bike around the neighborhood. Pricing here runs on the steeper side, starting at $500,000 and going up to $3 million for newly constructed waterfront properties.
At the Phesant Drive Waterfront Public Access Point, a favorite pet can get a pleasant walk.
Walking by the shore at Sandy Point Beach
The Pheasant Drive Waterfront Access Point leads to a pebbly beach with seaweed and shells strewn about in the sand. Locals say this is an excellent spot for fishing, walking by the coastline or just taking some time to decompress. Several other beaches are located south of Bristol Ferry, including Sandy Point Beach. "It's a more secluded beach, great for walking; there's really cool sea glass and shells you can find in the sand," Willett says. He also says the island is ideal for scenic views: "Depending on which side you're on, you get a breathtaking view of the sunset or sunrise."
Jax Diner is close to Bristol Ferry, both in location and civic involvement.
Shopping & dining in Bristol Ferry
Dining and retail are found alongside East Main Road, which also takes residents into the center of Portsmouth. Foodworks is a minimalist modern diner with Belgian waffles, hot sandwiches and soups. Locals go here to satisfy their cravings for comfort food and catch up with friends. A bit closer to home is Ragged Island Brewing Company, a remodeled 1890s farmhouse that serves as a taproom. "It's one of my favorite places here," Willett says. "It's on acres and acres of farm & woodland, and of course, has great beer. They also throw a concert series during the summer and have food trucks come out on the lawn." For groceries, locals head to Clement's Marketplace, a family-run business that has been around since 1980.
Among the best golf courses in the state, Bristol Ferry is adjacent to the Montaup Country Club.
Golfing with coastal views
Sitting at the top of Portsmouth is the Montaup Country Club, which offers a semi-private 18-hole golf course. The club's signature hole is the Par 5 16th, which overlooks the water and Mt. Hope Bay Bridge. Visitors come here to test out their swing or grab a meal on the weekends. "Despite being a tiny area, there's a bunch of golf courses and country clubs nearby that people go to for fun," Willett says.
The Portsmouth High School is a paragon of educational opportunity,
Strong school spirit at Portsmouth High School
Willett says Bristol Ferry is by several "great" schools, reflected in the Niche scores. Hathaway Elementary serves over 400 students at the K-4 grade level and earns a B-plus from Niche overall. Portsmouth Middle School is slightly larger: nearly 650 students are enrolled in grades 5-8. However, the school still enjoys a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 and receives an A-minus grade. Portsmouth High School enrolls over 850 students at the 9-12 grade level, with a Niche rating of A-minus. The school is known for having a strong sports culture. In 2023, a senior won the state championship for the girls' high jump.
The Mount Hope Bridge opened in 1929 linking the Bristol Ferry neighborhood to the mainland.
Traveling across the Mt. Hope Bridge
Bristol Ferry is right next to Mt. Hope Bridge, allowing residents to travel between islands easily. The neighborhood is also by several roads, such as Highway 24, which leads to major cities such as Providence and Boston. Highway 158 takes commuters down into Newport, about a 10-mile drive. As of January 2024, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has suspended ferry services from Bristol to Providence.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bristol Ferry, Portsmouth sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Bristol Ferry, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $1,435,000, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Classic Hog Island summer-seasonal cottage, This 4 bedroom summer island home has 2 floors, with 2 bedrooms on the first floor and a bunk room and additional bedroom on the second floor. With wrap around deck enjoy the exceptional view, and the deck is set up for outdoor dinning, There is also a screened in porch and sliders to the deck from the living room. The home has a galley kitchen, indoor
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