The median price of a house in 2005 was $354,500, up 5.27% from 2004. 161 houses sold in 2005, some to folks like you who came for a visit. Historic houses are pricey, but they do come on the market and are highly sought after. In addition to an impressive downtown area, there are some nice neighborhoods that offer in-town living, as well as scenic country lanes on the other side of the harbor at Poppasquash Point.

The tax rate in Bristol is $10.25 per thousand, lower than its East Bay counterparts. There are municipal facilities for boating, and fishing. Residents enjoy swimming at Beach Terrace, Bristol Highlands, Bristol Narrows and Town Beach. Colt State Park, a 464-acre recreational area, is open to the public for picnicking, sports, fishing, biking and swimming or just driving the family past beautiful scenery.

The Bristol Warren Regional School District includes seven public elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. There are also two Catholic elementary schools. Several other private elementary and secondary schools are within easy driving distance. Roger Williams University, with schools of law and architecture, is at the southernmost tip of Bristol on Mount Hope Bay.

While Bristol is steeped in 300 years of history, it is generally acknowledged that George Washington did not sleep here. Most everybody believes, however, that he planned a battle or two on his way through town. Bristolians take their Indian history seriously too. If you want to impress the natives with Bristol lore, tell them you know that Poppasquash got its name because it’s where the papoose and squaws went to hide during battles.