Sign In Register
Aiden A. living

Is Bristol getting better or worse?

Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Household incomes average around $83,458 in Bristol. Median household income is $83,458, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Is this normal for Bristol? Appreciate any input.
25 upvotes

15 Replies

Natalie T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Dallas it's surprisingly good.
40 upvotes
Hailey Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a contractor, 24, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.

**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
38 upvotes
Brooklyn Ward
wish I knew this sooner
34 upvotes
Leah
lol so true
31 upvotes
Evan Patel
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Jose B.
same here
29 upvotes
Aiden Garcia
following this thread
28 upvotes
Evan N.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
26 upvotes
Ryan Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 56, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
Delilah Edwards
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Baltimore it's challenging.
22 upvotes
Jameson Bailey
I've lived in The Heights for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- The nightlife scene is tough

The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Leo Campbell
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
6 upvotes
denvernative2023
following this thread
5 upvotes
Kaylee Evans
glad someone said it
2 upvotes
Leonardo Wilson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Nashville it's excellent.
1 upvotes
← Back to Bristol Community