Bristol, Virginia

Hitting High Notes

With its roots planted in music history, this community is firmly looking forward

Bristol, Virginia, holds a unique place in America’s cultural landscape as the “Birthplace of Country Music.” The small city in the heart of Appalachia has been a keystone of American musical history since the first commercial country music recordings were made in the late 1920s. However, Bristol is more than its musical legacy—it is a growing community with a forward-looking vision. The city embraces its cultural heritage while transforming into a hub for innovation, tourism, and economic development.

Balanced identity

Bristol’s appeal stems from its unique blend of small-town intimacy and big-city opportunities. Mack Chapman, Economic Development Specialist, says, “We’re a small town, but we’re constantly growing. We have all the amenities of a larger city, but with the connectivity and community you’d expect from a smaller place.”

Part of Bristol’s charm comes from its geography. The city straddles the Virginia-Tennessee state line, making it one of the only places in the country where you can stand in two states simultaneously. “You can put one foot in Tennessee and the other in Virginia,” Chapman notes, adding that this unusual feature attracts many visitors.

The geographic split also brings economic advantages, particularly with Virginia’s lower sales tax, which draws shoppers across the region. The city capitalizes on these opportunities to promote Bristol as a vibrant, dynamic place to live, work, and visit.

Economic backbone

The distribution, manufacturing, and service industries have long anchored Bristol’s economy, forming a stable foundation that has allowed the city to weather economic challenges and adapt to change. Manufacturing has been a foundation of Bristol’s industrial landscape, with local businesses producing everything from consumer goods to high-precision components.

Meanwhile, the service industry thrives on the city’s ability to cater to residents and visitors, with its mix of small businesses, retail shops, and hospitality venues. While these traditional sectors continue to thrive, city leaders recognize the importance of looking ahead and diversifying the economic base to ensure long-term growth and resilience.

“Our long-term vision is to make Bristol the premier destination for manufacturing, technology, and tourism,” Chapman explains. The city hopes to attract new industries, create more high-paying jobs, and secure a prosperous future for its residents by expanding beyond its current economic staples.

Tourism draw

Tourism remains a significant pillar of the local economy, serving as both a cultural touchstone and an economic driver for the city. Events like the Rhythm and Roots Reunion attract thousands of visitors yearly, boosting downtown businesses and showcasing the city’s cultural vibrancy. Beyond music, Bristol’s historic sites and scenic landscapes draw steady interest, keeping tourism a vital economic driver.

The Hard Rock Resort and Casino which opened in November of this year prepares to elevate this further, bringing state-of-the-art gaming, live entertainment, and dining to the city. Projected to create 1,200 jobs, the casino will provide stable employment opportunities while attracting visitors. “Tourism has always been a cornerstone of our economy, and with developments like the Hard Rock, it’s only going to grow,” Chapman says.

Strategic planning and vision

Bristol’s leadership is taking a proactive approach to economic development through strategic planning. While the city’s comprehensive development plan is still being finalized, its key priorities include fostering business growth, addressing infrastructure needs, and creating a more livable community.

Business retention and expansion are central to this strategy. “We regularly meet with local businesses to understand their needs and find ways to help them grow,” Chapman says. These ongoing conversations allow city officials to identify and address challenges, ensuring businesses feel supported and encouraged to expand within the community.

Bristol’s leadership also recognizes the importance of attracting new industries, particularly advanced manufacturing and technology. “We’re positioning Bristol to be a leader in these areas,” Chapman explains. “We want to create a diverse and resilient economy.”

Laying the foundation for growth

Infrastructure investments are at the heart of Bristol’s growth strategy. Recent milestones include completing a new school, which marks a significant investment in the city’s future. “Education is a cornerstone of any thriving community,” Randall Eads, City Manager, explains. “This new school is not just a building—it’s a commitment to our residents and their families.”

The city is also focused on improving transportation infrastructure. Upgrades to highway and interstate routes are underway, ensuring Bristol remains accessible and connected to the broader region. “Transportation is key to economic development,” Eads says. “Better highways mean better opportunities for businesses and residents.”

Passenger rail service is another long-term goal for Bristol. “We’ve been working for years to bring passenger rail to the city,” Eads notes. “It will be a game-changer for connectivity, tourism, and economic activity.”

In addition, discussions are underway to establish an inland port in southwest Virginia. This regional project would alleviate highway congestion and improve freight logistics, positioning Bristol as a critical link in regional trade networks. “The inland port would benefit Bristol and the entire region,” Eads says.

Housing supply and demand

As Bristol’s economy grows, so does the demand for housing. Chapman acknowledges that residential development is a pressing issue for the city. “Right now, we need a lot of housing,” he says. While nearly 90 new units are nearing completion, demand outpaces supply.

The opening of the Hard Rock Resort and Casino is expected to further intensify the need for housing. The casino is projected to create over 1,200 jobs, attracting workers and their families to the area. “As soon as a building is complete, it’s normally full,” Chapman explains. The city is working with developers and landowners to accelerate residential projects and meet the growing demand.

A cultural gem

Bristol’s downtown area is one of its greatest assets. Known for its lively atmosphere and cultural significance, downtown Bristol attracts residents and visitors year-round. “Our downtown is fantastic,” Chapman says. It’s the heart of our community and a major draw for tourists.”

Music is a central part of downtown’s identity. Bristol’s status as the “Birthplace of Country Music” is celebrated through festivals like the Rhythm and Roots Reunion, which annually bring thousands of visitors to the city. “Music is what put Bristol on the map,” Chapman says. “It continues to be a big part of who we are.”

The upcoming Hard Rock Resort and Casino will add another layer of excitement to downtown Bristol. The casino is expected to attract visitors by featuring dining, entertainment, and gaming. “We’ve already had visitors from every state,” Chapman notes. “The Hard Rock will take our tourism industry to the next level.”

Business support and workforce development

Bristol’s leaders are deeply committed to supporting local businesses and workforce development. The city collaborates with the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to provide resources, address challenges, and foster growth. “We’re focused on business retention and expansion,” Chapman emphasizes.

Workforce development is another area of focus. The city works closely with local colleges and workforce boards to ensure businesses can access skilled labor. “We ask businesses what they need—whether it’s certifications or simply more workers—and then we find ways to help them build their teams,” Chapman says.

Investing in quality of life

Bristol is making significant investments in public services and amenities to enhance the quality of life for its residents. Parks and recreation are an important focus, with plans to redevelop several parks, including a sizeable multi-year project and a downtown park seeking grant funding. “Parks and recreation are vital to the community,” Eads says. “They’re spaces where people can connect, play, and relax.”

Education and public safety are also priorities. The new school reflects Bristol’s commitment to its residents, while expansions to the police and fire departments ensure the city remains safe and welcoming. “These investments are about building a community where people feel secure and supported,” Eads adds.

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration in Bristol’s development projects. The city is exploring renewable energy and waste management solutions in partnership with regional organizations. One promising initiative involves working with ATIP to create energy from recyclables. “It’s still in the early stages, but it’s an exciting opportunity,” Chapman says.

Building together

Community involvement is critical to the city’s success. “We’d like the community to be more involved in sharing positive things about Bristol,” Chapman urges. “We have a lot of growth taking place, and we have more to come.”

Eads emphasizes the importance of collaboration and a shared vision, adding, “Bristol is on the cusp of something great. We’re building a city that everyone can be proud of.”

AT A GLANCE

Bristol, Virginia

What: A small independent city on the Virginia-Tennessee border, known as the “Birthplace of Country Music” and for its shared downtown with Bristol, Tennessee, split by the state line.

Where: Southwestern part of Virginia, along the Virginia-Tennessee border.

Website: https://www.bristolva.org/