What Should I Know Before Moving to Bristol?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Bristol. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Bristol climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Bristol?

Moving within Bristol usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Bristol?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Bristol. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Bristol Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Bristol offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Bristol, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Bristol at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

Moving to Bristol, VA | Find Trusted Movers & Services

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bristol, VA

Considering a move to Bristol, VA? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of 16,500, Bristol offers affordable living—median home prices are just $143,000 and average rents around $770. Enjoy short commute times (about 18 minutes), a mild climate with 56% sunny days, and easy access to healthcare at Bristol Regional Medical Center. While crime rates are a bit higher than average, residents appreciate the close-knit community, local schools, and proximity to beautiful Appalachian scenery. Explore Bristol’s cost of living, housing, and more to see if it’s right for your next chapter.

Demographics - Bristol, VA

Bristol, VA is home to approximately 16,500 residents, with a median age of 45.2 and a population density of 1,200 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (89%) with a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a largely English-speaking, close-knit community.

Population:

16,500

Density:

1,200 per sq mi

Median Age:

45.2

Gender Ratio:

91 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

3.8%

Ethnic Composition

White:

89.0%

Black:

5.6%

Asian:

0.7%

Others:

4.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Bristol, VA?

Living in Bristol is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 78.5 and median home values at $143,000. Residents benefit from low average rents around $770 and generally lower utility and transportation costs compared to national averages.

Median House Value:

$143,000

Gross Rent:

$770

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$120

Auto Insurance:

$1,120

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$1,020

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$400

State Taxes:

Low:

High:

5.75%

Cost Of Living Index:

78.5

Grocery:

94.0

Housing:

61.5

Utilities:

97.0

Transportation:

88.0

Health Care:

91.2

Miscellaneous:

88.5

Crime

Is Bristol, VA a safe place to live?

Bristol experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 262 violent crimes and 2,540 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of property crime is about 1 in 39, many residents value the city's community-focused atmosphere and take common-sense precautions.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

262

Property Crimes Per 100k:

2,540

Crime Index:

2,802

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 382

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 39

Weather

What is the weather like in Bristol, VA year-round?

Bristol offers a mild, four-season climate, with summer highs reaching 84°F and winter lows around 26°F. The city receives about 39.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, making it appealing for those who appreciate varied but moderate weather.

Winter

Min:

26°F

Max:

45°F

Spring

Min:

42°F

Max:

71°F

Summer

Min:

62°F

Max:

84°F

Fall

Min:

43°F

Max:

71°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

39.5 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

56%

Neighbors

Local households in Bristol have a median income of about $41,800, with a poverty rate of 20.3%. Commute times average just over 18 minutes, and most residents rely on personal vehicles, reflecting the city’s small-town ease and accessibility.

Median Income:

$26,250

Household Income:

$41,800

Family Income:

$58,800

Per Capita Income:

$26,000

Income Male:

$37,000

Income Female:

$28,500

Poverty Rate:

20.3%

Non English Speakers:

3.8%

Rent:

$770

Unemployment Rate:

5.1%

Public Transport Usage:

0.3%

Commute Time:

18.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

84.1%

Bachelors or More:

18.2%

Education

How are the schools in Bristol, VA?

Bristol offers quality local education with public schools like Virginia High School and Van Pelt Elementary, featuring low student-teacher ratios. The area is also near higher education options, including Virginia Highlands Community College and King University, making it convenient for lifelong learning.

Public Schools

Name:

Virginia High School

Street:

650 Long Crescent Dr

Phone:

276-821-5858

Students:

820

Student Teacher Ratio:

12.9

Name:

Van Pelt Elementary School

Street:

1817 Edgemont Ave

Phone:

276-821-5841

Students:

370

Student Teacher Ratio:

14.3

Private Schools

Name:

Sullins Academy

Street:

22218 Sullins Academy Dr

Phone:

276-669-4101

Students:

185

Colleges

Name:

Virginia Highlands Community College

City:

Abingdon

State:

Distance:

13 miles

Students:

3,400

Name:

King University

City:

Bristol

State:

Distance:

2 miles

Students:

1,500

Healthcare

Bristol is served by the Bristol Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive care and emergency services. With about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to healthcare resources.

Major Hospitals

Name:

Bristol Regional Medical Center

Address:

1 Medical Park Blvd, Bristol, TN 37620

Phone:

(423) 844-1121

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

2.1

Health Insurance Coverage:

89.6%

Health Care Index:

69.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bristol, VA?

The Bristol housing market is stable and budget-friendly, with a median home price of $143,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $770. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has seen a healthy annual home appreciation rate of 6.3%.

Median Home Price:

$143,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$770

Owner Occupied Rate:

57.5%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

8.4%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

6.3%

New Construction Rate:

0.8%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Bristol access vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with convenient online resources and a regional office located in Salem, VA. The DMV offers standard licensing, registration, and title services for drivers in the area.

State:

Virginia

Department:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Address:

2211 W. Main St, Salem, VA 24153

Phone:

1-804-497-7100

Website:

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.