About Bristol
Facts About Bristol
Bristol's central location and excellent transportation connections make it the center of the five-state area. State Street joins Tennessee and Virginia and puts the states of West Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina within easy driving distance of Bristol. For a detailed look at our area statistics, download the Community Profile.Location
Strategically situated in the southeastern United States, Bristol Tennessee-Virginia is a twin city located directly on the Tennessee-Virginia state line. Bristol is part of the metropolitan statistical area of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, commonly called the Tri-Cities. Interstate 81 ties Bristol to important population centers such as Knoxville, Tennessee (118 miles west), and Roanoke, Virginia (143 miles east). Interstate highways 77 and 40 connect with 1-81 within 73 miles of Bristol. Interstate 26 from Charleston, SC to Asheville, NC is currently being extended through the Tri-Cities and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2003.
Government
Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia, are independent cities. Each has a council-manager form of government. Both cities have planning commissions, zoning ordinances, and industrial development authorities.
Statistics & Tax Structure
| Statistics | Bristol, Tennessee |
Bristol, Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Size |
24.7 square miles |
13.3 square miles |
| Population |
Population |
17,750 |
| City Property Tax per $100 value |
2.71 |
1.17 |
| State Sales Tax |
0.07 |
0.043 |
| Local Sales Tax |
0.025 |
0.01 |
| Personal Income Tax |
6% on Interest and Dividends |
6% of Federal Taxable Income |
| Utilities Taxes |
None |
5% of each monthly water and telephone bill |
Communications
| Method of Communication |
Number |
|---|---|
| Daily Newspapers |
1 |
| Radio Stations |
7 |
| Television Stations |
6 |
| Networks |
NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS (2), Fox |
| Cable Television |
12 basic channels, extended services |
| Post Office |
2 first-class regional offices |
Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Bristol Area Chamber of Commerce serves both Bristols and is located at the corner of Volunteer Parkway and State Street. With over 50 volunteer committees, a professional staff, and various councils, the Chamber offers information and assistance to commercial and leisure travelers to the area. The Bristol Conventions and Visitors Bureau offers tourist information from this location, also.Demographic and business information, brochures, and city / county maps are also available from the chamber's office at 20 Volunteer Parkway Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Call the Chamber of Commerce at (423) 989-4850 for directions.