What to know when moving to Bristol, PA
Bristol at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 41.7% of residents are renters and the median household income is $66,811.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent stands at $1,029, which is relatively affordable for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3.3% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for about $1,029 in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Bristol is home to about 22,585 people, with a median household income of $66,811. The education level shows that 23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which suggests a moderately educated population. With 41.7% of residents renting their homes, the area has a substantial renter presence. However, keep in mind that only 3.3% of the population commutes using public transit.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high public transit availability, as most residents rely on cars for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,029, which can fit various budgets.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $264,800, indicating a relatively affordable housing market for buyers.
- About 41.7% of residents are renters, reflecting a significant portion of the housing market.
- The poverty rate is 11.5%, which may impact community resources.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Pennsylvania's crime rates show some positive trends. The state has a violent crime rate of 228.5 per 100k, which is 29.8% lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime is at 1,363.9 per 100k, 11.8% lower than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime rate: 228.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a 28.4% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime rate: 1,363.9 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, with a 15.4% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped 55% since 2022, now at 4.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Pennsylvania).
Schools & Higher Ed
Bristol has access to a variety of educational institutions in the nearby area, with a total of 25 postsecondary schools, including 15 in Pennsylvania and 10 in New Jersey.
- Notable institutions include Bucks County Community College-Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus and Pennco Tech-Bristol.
- Nearby options also include Strayer University and Cairn University-Langhorne.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, Bristol residents enjoy access to several outdoor parks. Nearby, you can explore:
- Neshaminy State Park - 4.6 stars from 3,674 reviews
- Core Creek Park - 4.7 stars from 2,918 reviews
- Bristol Park - 3.9 stars from 1,821 reviews
- Rancocas State Park - 4.5 stars from 981 reviews
- Amico Island Park - 4.7 stars from 696 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).