$968,500Average Value$506Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Pebble beaches line most of the coast of the Bristol Ferry neighborhood.
A peaceful coastal community close to several amenities
Bristol Ferry was first established in 1658 as a transportation hub, and its ferry service grew in importance every year. By the 1800s, the port was a thriving maritime community. But once Mt. Hope Bridge was completed, the use of the ferry began to slow down. The port has since transformed into a quiet residential neighborhood, as it's best known as today. "It's a peaceful coastal community," says Ben Willett, an Aquidneck Island native and Realtor with Keller Williams Coastal. "But that doesn't mean there's nothing to do." The neighborhood sits by a public access point to the waterfront, where residents frequently take their families and four-legged friends for walks. To the northeast of Bristol is Montaup Country Club, and going south into the city reveals more options for shopping, dining, retail and entertainment. "It's a great spot because there's so much to do nearby, and it's Portsmouth, so nothing is too far," Willett says.
Generous sized homes in the Bristol Ferry neighborhood are often on neat tree-lined streets.
From ranch-style to colonial-inspired homes
Homes in this area tend to be different variations of beige, with wood paneling running horizontally on the outside. Architectural styles include ranches, Cape Cods, colonials and saltboxes. A potential homebuyer strolling through the neighborhood can expect to see houses sitting on yards with trees and room for driveways. Although there aren't any sidewalks, residents still walk or bike around the neighborhood. Pricing here runs on the steeper side, starting at $500,000 and going up to $3 million for newly constructed waterfront properties.
At the Phesant Drive Waterfront Public Access Point, a favorite pet can get a pleasant walk.
Walking by the shore at Sandy Point Beach
The Pheasant Drive Waterfront Access Point leads to a pebbly beach with seaweed and shells strewn about in the sand. Locals say this is an excellent spot for fishing, walking by the coastline or just taking some time to decompress. Several other beaches are located south of Bristol Ferry, including Sandy Point Beach. "It's a more secluded beach, great for walking; there's really cool sea glass and shells you can find in the sand," Willett says. He also says the island is ideal for scenic views: "Depending on which side you're on, you get a breathtaking view of the sunset or sunrise."
Jax Diner is close to Bristol Ferry, both in location and civic involvement.
Shopping & dining in Bristol Ferry
Dining and retail are found alongside East Main Road, which also takes residents into the center of Portsmouth. Foodworks is a minimalist modern diner with Belgian waffles, hot sandwiches and soups. Locals go here to satisfy their cravings for comfort food and catch up with friends. A bit closer to home is Ragged Island Brewing Company, a remodeled 1890s farmhouse that serves as a taproom. "It's one of my favorite places here," Willett says. "It's on acres and acres of farm & woodland, and of course, has great beer. They also throw a concert series during the summer and have food trucks come out on the lawn." For groceries, locals head to Clement's Marketplace, a family-run business that has been around since 1980.
Among the best golf courses in the state, Bristol Ferry is adjacent to the Montaup Country Club.
Golfing with coastal views
Sitting at the top of Portsmouth is the Montaup Country Club, which offers a semi-private 18-hole golf course. The club's signature hole is the Par 5 16th, which overlooks the water and Mt. Hope Bay Bridge. Visitors come here to test out their swing or grab a meal on the weekends. "Despite being a tiny area, there's a bunch of golf courses and country clubs nearby that people go to for fun," Willett says.
The Portsmouth High School is a paragon of educational opportunity,
Strong school spirit at Portsmouth High School
Willett says Bristol Ferry is by several "great" schools, reflected in the Niche scores. Hathaway Elementary serves over 400 students at the K-4 grade level and earns a B-plus from Niche overall. Portsmouth Middle School is slightly larger: nearly 650 students are enrolled in grades 5-8. However, the school still enjoys a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 and receives an A-minus grade. Portsmouth High School enrolls over 850 students at the 9-12 grade level, with a Niche rating of A-minus. The school is known for having a strong sports culture. In 2023, a senior won the state championship for the girls' high jump.
The Mount Hope Bridge opened in 1929 linking the Bristol Ferry neighborhood to the mainland.
Traveling across the Mt. Hope Bridge
Bristol Ferry is right next to Mt. Hope Bridge, allowing residents to travel between islands easily. The neighborhood is also by several roads, such as Highway 24, which leads to major cities such as Providence and Boston. Highway 158 takes commuters down into Newport, about a 10-mile drive. As of January 2024, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has suspended ferry services from Bristol to Providence.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Connor Dowd,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Bristol Town Common
Bristol Playground
Fort Barton Woods & Revolutionary War Redoubt
Rockwell Park
Independence Park
Melville Recreation Area
Transit
Airport
Rhode Island Tf Green International
43 min drive
Bus
Bristol Ferry Opposite Botelho
Bus
502 Bristol Ferry
Bus
Bristol Ferry After Mitchell
Bus
Bristol Ferry After Boyds
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bristol Ferry
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bristol Ferry, Portsmouth sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bristol Ferry, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $1,512,625, down 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
"The Sakonnet" Custom Home - Exquisite home perched on the Hillside with views of the Narragansett Bay. The light filled first floor plan is open and perfect for entertaining and gathering with friends and family. Large eat in kitchen and walk in pantry is perfect for extra storage. Screened porch opens to an expansive deck to enjoy Bay breezes and beautiful sunsets. There is a first-floor
"The Westerly" Custom Home - Well-designed home with western views from the living areas located in the rear of the home. This four-bedroom home features an open plan with the living areas opening on to a screened in porch and generous deck. Separate sitting area and bedroom suite are located on the first floor. The second floor can be serviced by an elevator to a generous primary suite plus
FURNISHED SEASONAL RENTAL ONLY FROM OCTOBER 1, 2025 TO MAY 31, 2026. Some flexibility on dates. ***WATERFRONT & FURNISHED property ON THE BEACH!! - a light-filled, large studio with water views, private balcony, private patio, HEAT (with a cap of $1000 per term), INTERNET INCLUDED. Newly remodeled, located at the end of a quiet, dead-end street adjacent to Bertha K. Russell Wildlife Preserve.
Available July 1, or flexible start date! Incredible waterfront property at the private end of a cul-de-sac in Portsmouth, with its great schools. This is a wonderful 3 bedroom, 3 FULL BATH ranch home located directly on its own beach, with accompanying expansive water views. Swim at your leisure, or put in a kayak and explore. Convenient outdoor shower. Abuts wildlife sanctuary. Magnificent
Spend the summer in the Narragansett Bay Club! A rare opportunity to rent a newly constructed Beach Cottage located in this bayside private gated community. This exceptional home built in 2024 in the Beach Village offers four-bedrooms with upstairs and downstairs primary bedrooms, den/office plus a bonus space over the garage. The Narragansett Bay Club includes a host of amenities, including a
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Connor Dowd,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
572
Median Age
50
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$116,666
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$128,379
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.3%
College Graduates
56.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
32''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
