Bristol Map
Bristol is a suburban city located in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Hartford. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 61,353. Bristol is primarily known as the home of ESPN, whose central studios are in the city. Bristol is also home to Lake Coumpounce, America's oldest still functioning theme park. Bristol was also known as a clock-making city in the 19th century, and is home to the American Clock and Watch Museum. Bristol's nicknames include the Bell City, because of a history manufacturing innovative spring-driven doorbells, and the Mum City because it was once a leader in chrysanthemum production and still holds an annual Bristol Mum Festival. In 2010, Bristol was ranked 84th on Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live".
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.8 square miles (69.5 km²). The city contains several distinct sections: Forestville is approximately the southeastern quarter of Bristol and was Native American hunting grounds until the 19th century. Edgewood is approximately the northeastern quarter of Bristol. The majority of Bristol is now residential, though in recent years there has been a push for commercial development in the city. The Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency is the metropolitan planning organization for Bristol, New Britain, and surrounding towns.
As of the census of 2000, there are 60,062 people, 24,886 households, and 16,175 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,265.8 inhabitants per square mile (874.8/km²). There are 26,125 housing units at an average density of 985.6 per square mile (380.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 86.33% White, 2.68% African American, 5.27% Hispanic, 0.22% Native American, 1.47% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.40% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races.
Nearby cities include Watertown, Newington, Meriden, West Hartford, Torrington.