Reasons Why Jamestown is Your Next Best Move

Jamestown is a small coastal town on Rhode Island with a population of 5,559. This cozy and rural community situated right next to the water is a great place to buy, as home appreciation has increased 18 percent in the last 12 months. However, more than just the numbers attract people here — the small town feel, history, beautiful views, and places to eat are all bonuses for people looking at houses in Jamestown.

Jamestown is a great area for retirees and those with families. It’s ranked the best place in Rhode Island to retire, as well as the fourth of 69 places to raise a family in Rhode Island and the fourth of 44 places with the best public schools in Rhode Island. Alongside valuing education, this community also values the arts.

There’s history in its coastal locations that add to the city’s energy, perfect for residents who love to explore. Another perk of Jamestown’s location is the fantastic seafood available, which is one of the reasons why nearby Providence is the number six best city for foodies. From practical to recreational perks, people interested in real estate in Jamestown, Rhode Island, can count on a range of benefits. For a better understanding of what Jamestown has to offer, here’s a deep dive into its highlights.

The best way to appreciate Jamestown’s art is to visit the Jamestown Arts Center. A nonprofit space, it hosts a variety of art exhibitions, cultural events, and educational art and design opportunities. Its ever-changing exhibitions feature fine art in a variety of mediums, all with unique stories and meanings. Its events list of talks, activities, and outdoor experiences are also available to visitors year-round. And its adult, teen, and children’s classes feature diverse options like kite making, printmaking, and stone carving.

For history buffs or curious visitors, Fort Wetherill State Park is a good place to begin exploring. Located on 100-foot-tall granite cliffs, the view from this former defense training camp is phenomenal. Made up of 61.5 acres, this area also has ruins of the Fort Dumpling, established around 1800.

Fort Wetherill State Park has always been strategically important during landmark moments like the American Revolution and World War Two, but nowadays, it’s used more recreationally. Residents who visit this area can bring their boats to the boat ramp and go out fishing, scuba dive and explore the sea life, hike around the area, and even bring supplies for a picnic.

Another benefit for those interested in houses in Jamestown is the opportunities and established spaces to spend in nature. One of the best ways to see Jamestown’s views is to visit Beavertail State Park. With four lookout points as well as a rocky coastline to walk across, there’s no better way to enjoy the glittering ocean views.  In addition, this park has a bit of history in the Beavertail Lighthouse built in 1856, as well as the Fort Burnside, which happened to be a World War Two coastal fort. Visitors can also fish in the salty water, learn a bit through the Beavertail Naturalist Program or Beavertail Aquarium, or settle down for a picnic in its open green space.

For another seaside view, Jamestown residents can visit Taylor Point. Developed in 1988, it’s a 25-acre overlook with a unique combo of freshwater wetlands, beach, black cherry woodlands, and cliffs. Taylor Point offers a view of the Pell Bridge and is along Bay View Drive. People visit this area to picnic, swim, fish, and clam. Also at Taylor Point is Potter’s Cove, the perfect place for people to boat and anchor.

The Fort Getty Park and Campground is a former World War II military fort that now stands as an impressive 41-acre park with 83 seasonal RV campground sites, 26 tent camping spaces, a pavilion for celebrations and receptions, beachside access, and incredible views across the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. There’s also a public boat ramp and dock for a day out on the water and a wildlife observation platform. Campground spaces are assigned by reservation only. The Kit Wright Nature Trail also runs through this park, taking adventurers on a winding trail through the shrubbery to an overlook vista of Fox Hill Salt Marsh and the Dutch Island Lighthouse.

Jamestown is home to several National Historic Places, a few of which are farmsteads established in the 1700s, such as the Thomas Carr Farmstead Site and Watson Farm. Today, farmland is still a major scene in the area. For instance, the Jamestown Community Farm in the Center Island Greenway District was created for volunteers to grow fresh, pesticide-free produce to serve the needs of the community. The farm also aims to utilize sustainable farming techniques and improve the quality of the soil while preserving the natural surroundings.  Throughout Jamestown, there is a host of smaller-scale family farms that produce high-quality, fresh produce as well. Residents also enjoy the Jamestown Farmers’ Market during the summer, with its excellent selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more.

Real estate in Jamestown, Rhode Island, is surrounded by great places to eat, which is another of many reasons to consider a move to this small town. For one of the best seafood experiences nearby, the Midtown Oyster Bar in Newport boasts the largest raw bar in town. Its historic white wall and dark wood appearance hold all the charm of a seaside building while its menu more than keeps up with the times. With items like local littleneck clams and freshly shucked oysters, as well as generous share platters and entrée items like the signature lobster roll and blackened salmon BLT. Seafood lovers in Jamestown looking for an off-Island experience can rest assured that they’ll eat well at this restaurant.

 

Although fresh seafood is an undeniable perk for people looking for houses in Jamestown, there are options for those who aren’t avid seafood fans. The iconic Bouchard Restaurant, located in the Bouchard Inn on Thames Street in Newport, provides a high-end dinner experience with a French flair in an intimate, romantic setting. Two evening seatings for four and five-course meals include options like ratatouille, filet mignon, duck breast, and salmon aux noix alongside an extensive wine list, assuring a satisfying dining experience.

Reasons for moving to Jamestown wouldn’t be complete without mentioning areas to peruse and shop. There are several unique shops and chic boutiques in Jamestown that residents know and love, such as Fair Trade Winds. A family business with strong core values reflected in their business, this colorful shop located in Downton Jamestown sells a variety of handmade items from clothing, bags, accessories, jewelry, and more. Whether you need something for a kitchen, bathroom, living room, or a gift, this seaside store will have it.

Another Jamestown exclusive is the Fuller Art and Framing Gallery. Known for custom framing and fine art, this is a fantastic place for residents wanting a unique piece to decorate their homes with. It’s also the perfect spot for buying unique gifts or simply viewing some impressive art. Showcasing the local and regional talent and admiring oil paintings of the surrounding landscape is a great way for residents to stay in tune with Jamestown’s culture.

There’s no doubt that people considering moving to Jamestown have a lot to look forward to in terms of general area perks, outdoor activities, art, history, and food. This small town has it all. For help finding your perfect Jamestown home, contact the experienced team at Mansions & Manors to guide you through the process.