Jamestown

Offers residents ample outdoor space and access to trails and parks as well as unique pieces of New England History.

About Jamestown, Rhode Island Real Estate

A serene coastal gem in the Narragansett Bay

Jamestown, Rhode Island, is a peaceful city of just over 5,500 that sits within the Narragansett Bay. The second-largest island in the bay and located just west of Newport, Jamestown offers residents ample outdoor space and access to trails and parks as well as unique pieces of New England History. Locals love the historic farms, quaint Cape Cod-style cottages, and tight-knit community in this charming coastal town. 

What to Love

  • Home to the 3rd oldest lighthouse in the USA
  • Three beautiful state parks to explore
  • Stunning views of the Narragansett Bay
  • About 40 minutes from Providence

Local Lifestyle

Jamestown has a cozy, rural feel and is primarily residential. Most residents love being minutes from the coast no matter what part of town they’re in. Jamestown has been called the top place in Rhode Island to retire and provides locals with a gentler pace of life. Its small size means it’s easier to get to know your neighbors, and Jamestown offers a variety of community events and programs to draw its residents together.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

If you’re looking for the best place to go for breakfast or lunch in Jamestown, visit Slice of Heaven, a spot that’s earned top reviews for its cakes and pastries (all made in-house). The summer of 2022 heralds a restaurant renaissance in Jamestown, Visit Bay Voyage, a beautiful Victorian Inn right by the water where a new eatery, JB's By the Water,  just opened for lunch and dinner on June 30, 2022. A new restaurant called Beech that serves creative American cuisine also opened the week of June 27th to rave reviews. 1 Ferry Wharf, a seafood restaurant at the East Ferry Marina, where you can "take a Break from The Wake," is now serving and also offers specialty ice cream from Maine at the Sweet Shoppe next door. And, Our Table recently opened on Narragansett Avenue, making Jamestown the new "go to" spot for diverse culinary experiences in a unique island environment.

For live performances, locals attend the Jamestown Summer Concert Series with live performances every Sunday at the East Ferry Memorial Square. Or they can take in shows like Into the Woods or Peter Pan at the Jamestown Community Theatre.

Narragansett Avenue is a great place to find boutique shops in Jamestown. The Secret Garden is a great option for flowers, located on Southwest Ave and offering arrangements for every occasion. Curiosity & Co is a unique, independent bookstore in Jamestown that regularly hosts community events from movie screenings to book signings to mixers and more.  

Things to Do

From annual festivals to hiking paths and art classes, there’s plenty to do to keep busy in Jamestown. The Jamestown Art Center on Valley Street strives to inspire the Jamestown community with art and education. Classes for children and teens include pottery, kite-making, and a mix of summer camp programs. Adults can take part in art and meditation workshops, printmaking classes, floral workshops, and more. Past exhibitions at the art center have displayed works by artists from the local elementary school, solo artists like Seamus O. Hames, as well as seasonally-themed holiday shows. Overall, the Jamestown Art Center is the perfect place for those who love to engage with the arts.

Anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors will love Jamestown’s Fort Getty Park & Campground, a 41-acre facility equipped with camping areas, trails, a beach, and beautiful views of the Jamestown Bridge. Beavertail State Park is another option allowing residents to take in the natural beauty of the New England coast. Walking trails lead to four different overlooks, and the park sits beside the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, providing an in-depth look at the history of the area.

Jamestown also hosts a yearly Holiday Stroll where locals can shop on Narragansett Ave before Santa arrives in town by ferry. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the early afternoon before watching the town tree lighting ceremony in the evening.

Schools

Jamestown is served by the Jamestown School Department.

  • Melrose School, PK-4
  • Lawn Avenue, 5-8
 

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Overview for Jamestown, RI

5,531 people live in Jamestown, where the median age is 56.7 and the average individual income is $74,159. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

5,531

Total Population

56.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$74,159

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Jamestown, RI

Jamestown has 2,361 households, with an average household size of 2.34. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Jamestown do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 5,531 people call Jamestown home. The population density is 585.43 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

5,531

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

56.7

Median Age

51.49 / 48.51%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
2,361

Total Households

2.34

Average Household Size

$74,159

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Jamestown, RI

There's plenty to do around Jamestown, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

1
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
22
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including The Salty General, Newport Aromatherapy Tea & Herb Company, and Commonwealth Books of Newport.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 4.53 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 2.79 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 3.63 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 3.96 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.55 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.65 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Schools in Jamestown, RI

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Jamestown. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Jamestown School-Melrose
PUBLIC
PreK - 4th
5/5
Jamestown School-Lawn
PUBLIC
5th - 8th
5/5

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