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Bristol, RI

Frequently asked questions

Bristol, RI

Bristol is a town in Bristol County, Rhode Island, United States, as well as the county seat. The population of Bristol was 22,493 at the 2020 census. It is a deep water seaport named after Bristol, England. Major industries include boat building and related marine industries, manufacturing, and tourism. The town's school system is united with that of the neighboring town of Warren. Prominent communities include Portuguese-Americans, mostly Azoreans, and Italian-Americans.

Until 1854, Bristol was one of the five state capitals of Rhode Island. Bristol is home to Roger Williams University, named for Rhode Island founder Roger Williams.

The southerly terminus of the East Bay Bike Path is located at Independence Park on Bristol Harbor. The bike path continues north to India Point Park in Providence, R.I., mostly constructed following an abandoned railroad right of way. Some of the best views of Narragansett Bay can be seen along this corridor. The construction of the East Bay Bike Path was highly contested by Bristol residents before construction because of the potential of crime, but it has become a welcome asset to the community and the anticipated crime was non-existent.

The Bristol-based Herreshoff boat company built five consecutive America's Cup Defenders between 1893 and 1920. The Colt Estate, now known as Colt State Park, was home to Samuel P. Colt, nephew of the man famous for the arms company, and founder of the United States Rubber Company, later called Uniroyal and the largest rubber company in the nation. Colt State Park lies on manicured gardens abutting the West Passage of Narragansett Bay and is popular for its views of the waterfront and sunsets.

Bristol is the site of the National Historic Landmark Joseph Reynolds House built in 1700. The Marquis de Lafayette and his staff used the building as headquarters in 1778 during the Battle of Rhode Island.

Bristol is situated on 10.1 square miles (26 km²) of a peninsula (the smaller sub-peninsula on the west is called Poppasquash), with Narragansett Bay on its west and Mount Hope Bay on its east. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.6 square miles (53.4 km²), of which, 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²) of it is land and 10.5 square miles (27.2 km²) of it (50.99%) is water. Bristol's harbor is home to over 800 boat moorings in seven mooring fields.

As of the 2010 census Bristol had a population of 22,954. The ethnic and racial composition of the population was 94.9% non-Hispanic white, 0.8% Black, 0.1% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.4% some other race, 1.4% from two or more races, and 2.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Health and wellness are paramount in Bristol, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Dawn Hill Home for Rehab and Healthcare stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Bristol Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include True Training Studio, Total Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in Bristol, such as the Mount Hope Farm Trail and Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge Trail. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Bristol, RI are Colt State Park, Linden Place, and Bristol Art Museum.

Population (2020): 22,493. ZIP Code: 02809. Area code: 401. Elevation: 0–131 ft (0–40 m). Area: 20.6 sq mi (53.4 km²).

FAQs

Is Bristol, RI worth visiting?

Bristol is best known for hosting the Annual Fourth of July Celebration which was established in 1785 and is the oldest continuous celebration in the United States. It also features boutique-lined streets, beautiful coastlines, delicious dining, and splendid history. Colt State Park and the East Bay Bike Path are two swoon-worthy attractions that lure visitors and locals who want to pedal or play.

Is Bristol, RI a nice place to live?

Bristol is a suburb of Providence with a population of 22,420. Bristol is in Bristol County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Bristol offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Bristol there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What is the crime rate in Bristol, RI?

With a crime rate for both violent and property crime combined of 4 per 1,000 residents, the crime rate in Bristol is one of the lower rates in America among communities of all sizes (lower than 82% of America's communities). One's chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bristol is one in 280. Compared to communities within Rhode Island, Bristol‘s crime rate is lower than nearly 85% of the state's cities and towns. Additionally, NeighborhoodScout analyzed all cities and towns in America with a similar population size to Bristol, and we found that the crime rate in Bristol is one of the lowest in the nation for its size.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Bristol

Dawn Hill Home for Rehab and Healthcare 

Bristol Parks and Recreation Department

True Training Studio

Total Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Mount Hope Farm Trail 

Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge Trail

Colt State Park

Linden Place

Bristol Art Museum

Visit Rhode Island

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.