Settled in 1681, Bristol is home to nearly 23,000 Rhode Islanders. As one of Rhode Island’s original ports of call, Bristol is most known for having the Oldest 4th of July Celebration in America.
Bristol has positioned itself as a community that is an ideal place to work, live, and play. Bristol is ranked among the Best Small Towns in America, Safest Cities in America, and Most Interesting U.S. Destinations.
Location
Miles to Downtown Providence
*from Downtown Bristol.
Hours or Less to All Major Metros in the Northeast
*including Washington, Baltimore, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Hartford, and Boston.
International Airports Within 60 Minutes
*of Bristol.
Livability
Safest Community in Rhode Island
Source: Safewise, 2021
Healthiest County in Rhode Island
Source: U.S. News, 2021
County to Retire to in Rhode Island
Source: Stacker, 2021
Best College Town in America
Source: Elite Personal Finance, 2021
Best Suburb for Young Professionals in Rhode Island
Source: Niche, 2021
Best Place to Live in New England
Source: Money Inc, 2019
Cost of Living Comparison
Bristol is comparatively lower in overall cost of living than many popular New England suburbs. The Index Number includes groceries, housing utilities, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services.
| Towns | Index Number |
| Bristol, RI | 116 |
| Stonington, CT | 121.2 |
| South Kingstown, RI | 124.2 |
| Salem, MA | 125 |
| Mystic, CT | 125.8 |
| Portsmouth, NH | 127.8 |
| Barrington, RI | 129.6 |
| Newport, RI | 141.7 |
| Rockport, MA | 142.3 |
| Newburyport, MA | 142.5 |
| Oak Bluffs, MA | 147.2 |
| Arlington, MA | 171.2 |
Opportunities
Lowest Unemployment Rate
In Rhode Island
CTE Programs/Career Pathways Offered
Source: Bristol-Warren Regional School District
Community Job Board
Propel East Bay RI a new online job board dedicated to promoting work opportunities in Bristol County, Rhode Island. This free-to-use platform is available to local businesses, residents, and students.
Users have the ability to create online profiles to search, save, and apply to selected jobs. Businesses have access to a dashboard to manage job postings, create custom applications, and access job listing statistics.
Mobility
Minute Commute
*Average
Walk Score
*Downtown Bristol
Reduction in Mobility to Workplace
*Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Us
Eric Dickervitz
Operations Manager
Phone: 401-253-7000 ext. 133