Bristol 79 Exceptional
Bristol Livability #20 ranked city in Connecticut#1,858 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Bristol

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

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What's it like Living in Bristol?

Located in the state of Connecticut, Bristol is a mid-sized city with a population of 60,039 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Bristol is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Bristol, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.

Living in Bristol can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Connecticut, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Bristol and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, employment, housing and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Bristol has received a livability score of 77 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 92nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Bristol ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Bristol has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Bristol ranks very well for amenities (A-), crime (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A-).

If you're living in Bristol, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Bristol an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Lake Compounce, American Clock and Watch Museum, and New England Carousel Museum.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Bristol, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 79 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bristol apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Bristol is actually affordable. The median home price for Bristol homes is $198,600, which is 26.3% lower than the Connecticut average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bristol, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 23.7% lower than the Connecticut average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Bristol

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Bristol?

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Compare Bristol, CT Livability

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      Bristol transportation information

      Statistic Bristol Connecticut National
      Average one way commute25min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.1%78.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.9%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.5%4.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.0%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home4.6%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Bristol, CT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).