Last Updated on: 27th November 2024, 07:36 am
Newport RI blends New England charm with vibrant community spirit, offering a lifestyle shaped by its coastal beauty and storied past as a major port city in the 1700’s. Incorporated as a city in 1784 and home to 25,163 residents, living in Newport RI offers more than just scenic views – it’s a place where community events, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures create a lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re considering moving to Newport, you’ll discover welcoming neighborhoods and a distinctive New England vibe that makes it an excellent choice for a fulfilling and active way of life.
Is Newport RI a Good Place to Live?
Newport Rhode Island is a vibrant coastal city and one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. The city offers a mix of cultural attractions, including world-famous mansions, art galleries, annual festivals, and some of the top Rhode Island museums.
Residents living in Newport RI enjoy easy access to beautiful beaches, extensive waterfront parks, and outdoor activities like sailing and hiking, which foster a healthy, active lifestyle. Additionally, Newport’s local dining scene is thriving, with plenty of options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining.
Despite its appeal, living in Newport can be costly, as the city’s popularity drives up housing prices to over 2x the national average, particularly during the summer months. However, many find the investment worthwhile given Newport’s quality of life, safety, and excellent schools.
Commuting within the city is easy, and Newport’s walkability and public transportation options make it convenient for residents to get around without relying heavily on cars. For those seeking a community-oriented coastal lifestyle with rich historical and cultural offerings, Newport is an excellent place to call home.
Where Is Newport Rhode Island?
You might have an idea of where those living in Providence are located, but where is Newport RI, and what county is Newport RI in?
The beautiful seaside community of Newport is located on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Newport is located in the 02840 and 02841 zip codes and area code 401 as the county seat of Newport County.
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Newport, just 35 miles southwest of Providence and 74 miles south of Boston, boasts a convenient central location and an amazing quality of life. Most of Newport is surrounded by water, with the Claiborne Pell/Newport Bridge connecting it to Jamestown and Middletown bordering its northern edge.
As locals to the area, we know a thing or two about getting around. So if you have plans on moving to or from Newport, our Newport movers are here to ensure an easy transition! Call our top-rated Newport moving company anytime at 401-648-6683 for a free quote.
What Is the Population of Newport RI?
Newport, Rhode Island has a history dating back to 1639 when Aquidneck Island was known as Rhode Island. It grew quickly as one of the largest original settlements in the region in part thanks to two waves of Spanish and Portuguese Jews who immigrated and settled in the area in the 17th and 18th centuries. By the 18th century, Newport was Colonial America’s major slave ports but also became home to many free blacks and abolitionists.
The Revolutionary War destroyed much of the city’s wealth and decimated its population as merchants left for New York, Boston, and Providence. This changed by the 1850s when the nation’s wealthiest families began building mansions as summer homes on the island.
Thanks to Newport’s rich history, it still boasts a diverse population, which, as of the latest 2020 Census, is 25,163 people living in Newport RI, making it one of the largest cities in Rhode Island. This is a small increase from the 2010 population of 24,672. The population density in Newport Rhode Island is 3,286.7 people per square mile.
Many Irish immigrants settled in the area in the 19th century and St. Patrick’s Day remains important in the city. The racial and ethnic composition of Newport is 78% White (75.7% White-Alone, non-Hispanic), 7.5% African American or Black, 1.7% Asian, 1% Native American, and 9.6% Hispanic (including Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Guatemalan), and 7.9% two or more races.
Since the 1970s, however, Newport’s population has been steadily declining from 47,000 in 1960 to the now 25,000 people living in Newport RI in 2020.
Newport has had many famous residents, many of them only during the summer, including President Eisenhower, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, several Vanderbilts, and musician Paul Gordon.
What Is the Average Age in Newport?
The average age in Newport is 37.4 years, with 13.9% of the Newport RI population under the age of 18 and 20.3% over the age of 65. 51.5% of residents living in Newport RI identify as female.
Is Newport RI Safe?
Living in Newport RI means living in a very safe city where the total crime rate is 22.5% below the national average and and the violent crime rate is 38.3% less than the national average.
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Is It Expensive to Live in Newport Rhode Island? | Newport RI Cost of Living
Is Newport Rhode Island expensive? That’s an important consideration if you’re planning on living in Newport RI. Like much of New England, particularly coastal cities, the Newport Rhode Island cost of living is fairly high. The Newport cost of living index is 130, or 30% more expensive than the national average. This is higher than the cost of living in Providence.
Healthcare is more affordable than most of the U.S. and groceries and utilities are about 10% higher than the U.S. average. Housing makes the biggest difference.
The median price of homes for sale in Newport Rhode Island is $870,000, more than double the U.S. average.
The Newport RI real estate market is fairly competitive with homes often receiving multiple offers and selling in an average of 44 days. While there are some modest homes in the community priced at under $500,000, the community is home to many multi-million dollar estates.
Considering renting while living in Newport? The average rent for Newport RI apartments is $2,029, according to RentCafe. Rental properties are limited, however, and usually include townhomes and single-family homes with private owners. You’ll find greater rental availability in neighboring Middletown where studio apartments are around $1,100.
What Is the Average Household Income for Newport RI?
Using the latest Census numbers, the average household income for those living in Newport RI is $81,330 in 2022 dollars.
What Are the Best Areas to Live in Newport?
Curious about your options when deciding where to settle after you move to Newport? The city may be small, but it’s home to distinct, historic neighborhoods with their own charm.
One of the best places to live in Newport RI is Washington Street in the Point neighborhood. This street is known for massive, Georgian homes and it was established in the early 18th century overlooking Goat Island. There are two parks along the street which leads to the edge of the water. Kay Street in the Kay-Catherine neighborhood is another popular Newport neighborhood and home to stunning Queen Anne homes. Many of the homes have since been converted into condos and inns.
Looking for an affordable neighborhood in Newport? Try John H Chaffee Boulevard in north Newport. This neighborhood is the city’s most recent and built in 2006 to renovate an area of deteriorating buildings from WWII. The wide, residential street leads to the CCRI building and offers affordable single-family homes.
Ready to explore Newport Rhode Island neighborhoods? Start your search for Newport, RI homes for sale online to see what’s within your budget.
What’s the Weather in Newport Rhode Island Like?
Moving to Newport Rhode Island from outside New England? The Newport climate is humid continental, and while the Newport RI weather is all-too perfect in the fall and summer, winters are truly cold, so do come prepared if you have plans on living in Newport RI year round!
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What Are Winters Like in Newport Rhode Island?
Winters in Newport are cold and snowy, classic to the weather in Rhode Island as a whole, as Newport receives about 31″ of snow each year. The average January low is a chilly 22.9 degrees. You can expect around 25 days in January to dip below 32 degrees and 96 nights per year on average with freezing nighttime temperatures.
February is typically the snowiest month, followed by January.
What Is the Hottest Month in Newport RI?
The hottest month in Newport is July! While only 1 day on average will go above 90 degrees, July features the highest average high of 79.9 degrees. There’s 202 sunny days on average each year, and with such mild summer temperatures on the coast, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular summer resort town!
What Are the Best Things to Do in Newport RI?
Newport, RI is nicknamed the Sailing Capital of the World with numerous sailing clubs like the Ida Lewis Yacht Club and the New York Yacht Club. It also hosts many races and it’s the starting point for the Newport Bermuda Race. Sailing isn’t the only thing to do in Newport, though; this charming city has plenty of attractions to explore.
You’ll find convenient shopping in Newport RI including Long Wharf Mall, Bowen’s Wharf, Bellevue Gardens Shopping Center, Stop & Shop, Newport Mansions Store, and Walmart. Whenever you want the attractions of the big city, you can make the 33.7-mile drive from Newport, RI to Providence, RI.
Here are some of the best things to do in Newport, RI for kids, families, and singles.
Newport Cliff Walk
One of the top attractions in Newport RI is the Newport Cliff Walk, an amazing 3.5-mile walk past crashing waves, panoramic views of the ocean, and Gilded Age mansions with paved paths and unpathed rocky areas. This is definitely one of the best free things to do in Newport on a nice day!
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
Newport’s favorite brewery and distillery is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. Take an unguided or guided tour, enjoy rum and beer tastings, then stop by the visitor center.
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., 293 JT Connell Hwy, Newport, RI 02840 (401) 849-5232
Newport Art Museum
The Newport Art Museum, nestled in historic Newport, RI, showcases a rich collection of American art, blending contemporary exhibitions with educational programs that celebrate and inspire creativity in the community. It’s one of the best things to do in Newport Rhode Island on a cold or rainy day!
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76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840 (401-848-8200)
Additional Attractions in Newport RI include:
Is Newport RI a Walkable town?
Yes, Newport, RI is a highly walkable town, with its compact downtown area allowing residents and visitors to explore shops, restaurants, and historic sites on foot.
Is Newport RI a Beach Town?
Yes, Newport, RI is a quintessential beach town known for its beautiful coastline and popular sandy spots like Easton’s Beach and Gooseberry Beach.
What Are the Best Newport RI Restaurants?
Ready to see what type of cuisine is waiting for you after moving to Newport? This coastal city has plenty of award-winning restaurants including small, locally-owned restaurants you’ll love.
Here are a few of the top restaurants in Newport RI:
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
You’ll fall in love with Brick Alley, a Newport landmark, one of the most popular restaurants in Newport, RI. This watering hole is famous for its lobster rolls and more than 250 vintages of wine.
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, 140 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840 (401) 849-6334
The Red Parrot Restaurant
The Red Parrot is famous for its cocktails, pizza, and surf ‘n’ turf served in an historic meat-packing building from 1898. The restaurant is kid-friendly with a kids menu and an expansive menu of American favorites.
The Red Parrot Restaurant, 348 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840 (401) 847-3800
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
The Mooring offers waterfront dining with a focus on fresh, local seafood. This upscale yet relaxed spot is perfect for seafood lovers looking to savor local flavors with a view of Newport Harbor.
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1 Sayers Wharf, Newport, RI 02840 (401-848-8200)
What School District is Newport RI? | Newport Schools & Colleges
While living in Newport RI you’ll be served by Newport Public Schools which includes Rogers High School and the Aquidneck Island Adult Learning Center. St. Michael’s Country Day School is a private elementary school in Newport with many nearby options for private schools like the Episcopal St. George’s School in Middletown and Portsmouth Abbey School, a Catholic boarding school.
There are several options for higher education in and near Newport. Post-secondary facilities in the city include the Naval War College, the Naval Academy Preparatory School and the International Yacht Restoration School. The Community College of Rhode Island Newport Campus and Salve Regina University.
The Newport Public Library ensures creative and educational pursuits can continue outside of classroom walls!
What’s the Economy in Newport RI Like? | Newport RI Jobs
What type of job market can you expect after moving to Newport RI? The U.S. Navy plays a major role in the city’s economy and the departure of the Navy’s Cruiser-Destroyer fleet in the 1970s devastated the economy, forcing property values down and leading to a dramatic drop in population. The Naval Station is the city’s largest employer by far with over 4,200 employees.
Newport boasts a low unemployment rate of just 2.3% and strong anticipated job growth thanks to continued economic development.
Rhode Island, as a whole, has the country’s 9th best economy.
Top employers in Newport, RI include:
- Naval Station Newport
- City of Newport
- Newport Hospital
- Newport Harbor Corporation
- Salve Regina University
The average salary of those living in Newport RI is $52,737/year or $25/hour, an alluring figure.
Curious about your employment opportunities in the city? Start your search online for jobs in Newport, RI on Indeed and with the City of Newport.
Map of Newport RI
Have you settled on relocating to Newport, RI? Let the trusted Newport movers at Correira Brothers’ Moving & Storage for award-winning service and affordable rates. We can’t wait to make living in Newport RI your reality, so call 401-648-6683 for a free quote!
