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Bristol, TN

Frequently asked questions

Bristol, TN

Bristol is a city in Sullivan County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 27,147 at the 2020 census. It is the twin city of Bristol, Virginia, which lies directly across the state line between Tennessee and Virginia. The boundary between the two cities is also the state line, which runs along State Street in their common downtown district. It is a principal city in the Kingsport–Bristol metropolitan area, which had a population of 307,614 in 2020. The metro area is a component of the larger Tri-Cities region of Tennessee and Virginia, with a population of 508,260 in 2020.

Bristol is known for being the site of some of the earliest commercial recordings of country music, showcasing Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, and later a favorite venue of mountain musician Uncle Charlie Osborne. The U.S. Congress recognized Bristol as the "Birthplace of Country Music" in 1998, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is located in Bristol. It also is the birthplace of Tennessee Ernie Ford. 

Bristol is the site of Bristol Motor Speedway, a NASCAR short track. The world's fifth-largest coal producer, Contura Energy, is based in Bristol. 

Before 1852, the land where Bristol is located was owned by Reverend James King. His son-in-law, Joseph R. Anderson of Blountville, Tennessee, bought 100 acres (40 ha) of the plantation and named it Bristol. The G.W. Blackley House, one of the oldest houses in Bristol, was constructed in 1869.

Bristol is located in the northeast corner of Tennessee, at 36°34′9″N 82°11′51″W (36.569135, −82.197489).

Bristol is located 20.95 miles east of Kingsport, Tennessee, 21.51 miles northeast of Johnson City, Tennessee, 38.74 miles northwest of Boone, North Carolina, 105.96 miles northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee, and 132.61 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.5 square miles (76.4 km²), of which 29.4 square miles (76.1 km²) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) (0.44%) is covered by water.

Bristol places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Bristol Family YMCA serves as a hub for fitness and community activities, featuring an array of fitness classes, sports programs, and wellness initiatives. Bristol Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Workout Anytime offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Relax and unwind at the Nest - A Wellness Retreat or at Valley Springs Spa, where you can enjoy a variety of spa treatments. Bristol Yoga Center offers yoga classes for all skill levels, promoting both physical and mental well-being. South Holston Lake is perfect for water-based activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Top sites in Bristol, TN are Bristol Motor Speedway, Steele Creek Park, and Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Population: 27,854 (2023). ZIP code: 37620. Area code: 423. Elevation: 1,676 ft (511 m). Area: 29.5 square miles (76.4 km²)

FAQs

Is Bristol, TN a city or town?

Bristol is a city in Sullivan County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 27,147 at the 2020 census. It is the twin city of Bristol, Virginia, which lies directly across the state line between Tennessee and Virginia. The boundary between the two cities is also the state line, which runs along State Street in their common downtown district. It is a principal city in the Kingsport–Bristol metropolitan area, which had a population of 307,614 in 2020. The metro area is a component of the larger Tri-Cities region of Tennessee and Virginia, with a population of 508,260 in 2020.

What is Bristol, TN is known for?

Bristol was recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1998 as the official "Birthplace of Country Music." The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) was formed and has been associated with the Smithsonian Institution since 2000. The BCM recently coordinated a funding drive to transform a historic building downtown, the old Goodpasture Motor Building on Cumberland Street, into the new Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Is Bristol, TN expensive?

The cost of living in Bristol is quite affordable. It is lower than the U.S. average by quite a bit, and low even compared to the rest of Tennessee. Over the years, Bristol’s job market has seen increases. Moreover, Bristol’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average of 6%, sitting at 3.4% (Nov. 2022). According to a July 2022 article in Livability, Bristol is ready for growth. “Bristol is ready. If you are looking for a business site, we’re ready at the business park,” says economic development team member Jon Luttrell. “If you work remotely, we’re ready. Need a place to just get away? We’re ready for that, too.”

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bristol

The Reserve Bristol

Bristol Motor Speedway

Steele Creek Park

Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Bristol Family YMCA

Bristol Regional Medical Center

Workout Anytime

the Nest - A Wellness Retreat

Valley Springs Spa

Bristol Yoga Center

South Holston Lake

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.