Bristol, Rhode Island
What It Is Like to Retire in Bristol
Bristol, Rhode Island, is a deep water seaport situated on a peninsula with the Narragansett Bay on the west and Mount Hope Bay on the east. It is named after Bristol, England and is a historical town with the first battle, King Philip's War, taking place in 1675. During the Revolutionary War, the British Navy Bombarded Bristol twice. The town celebrates Independence Day in a big way each year and has the oldest continuously celebrated Independence Day in the country, with the festivities beginning on June 14th, and continuing through the 4th of July. This annual celebration has earned Bristol the nickname "American's Most Patriotic Town". Roger Williams University is located here, making it a college town. Picture of the Bristol Harbor courtesy of Wikipedia and Angusdavis; picture of Colft State Park courtesy of Wikipedia and SamFaz23; picture of the Start of the 231st Bristol 4th of July Parade in 2016, courtesy of Wikipedia and Kenneth C Zirkel, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Bristol and Home Prices
According to Realtor.com, the median listing price was $650,000 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Bristol
Bristol is located on the water and is a very walkable college town. Because of it's location, it is a boating community which offers beautiful scenery and many outdoor activities.
What Is Not Special about Bristol
Bristol does experience cold winters, the median sale price of homes is high, property taxes are higher in Bristol than in most other Rhode Island counties.
Who Will Like Retirement in Bristol
Retirees who want a scenic New England town with a very low crime rate, and who enjoy boating and all four seasons.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Boat building, manufacturing, tourism
Climate and Physical Environment
The average January temperature is 29 degress; the average July temperature is 74. The annual snowfall is about 33 inches.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Bristol has a waterfront Historical District; The America's Cup Hall of Fame is located in Bristol. The biggest celebration in Bristol occurs during the summer for two weeks in honor of Independence Day.
Crime
Bristol has a very low crime rate.
Medical facilities
St. Anne's Hospital is 14 miles away in Fall River, MA.
Transportation
Amtrak is 13 miles away in Providence. The nearest large airport is also in Providence and is about 25 miles away from Bristol.
Comments on "Bristol"