Newport

About Newport, Rhode Island Real Estate

A vibrant seaside town with stunning Gilded Age mansions and some of America’s most historic spots

Newport is a town on the eastern side of Rhode Island, close to 35 miles from Providence. Located on the east side of the Claiborne Pell/Newport Bridge from Jamestown, Newport is known for its stunning late-19th-century mansions, its vibrant atmosphere, and its award-winning restaurants. Newport is growing in popularity as one of the best towns to live in Rhode Island. Residents love the Gilded Age architecture in the town’s mansions, in addition to the classic Colonial and Federal-style shops and restaurants. With nearly 25,000 residents, Newport is the perfect balance of amenities with open space and privacy.  

What to Love

• 45 minutes from Providence 
• An array of Gilded Age mansions to tour 
• Many year-round festivals 
• Cliff walk and ocean drive
• Naval War College
• White Horse Tavern

Local Lifestyle

Newport has a luxurious yet quaint feel that speaks to a previous age in New England’s history. The waterfront is Newport’s main attraction, as the town sits right beside Newport Harbor. With museums, galleries, and fine dining to traverse, there’s always something to do in Newport.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

With more than 20 restaurants steps from Newport Harbor, the city’s culinary scene keeps visitors coming back for more. The Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf is a staple of Newport dining. A formal spot right on the water, the Black Pearl nautical decorations pair perfectly with their clam chowder and lobster tails. Another fantastic waterfront option is 22 Bowen, a high-end eatery with beautiful decor and excellent service. Locals love the roasted root vegetable appetizer and the steaks. Of course, no trip to Newport is complete without a meal at the White Horse Tavern, the oldest continuously run restaurant in the country. Dating back to 1673, the tavern now works with local farms and fishermen to bring fresh ingredients to each of their meals.

Live music in Newport can be found at The Reef as well as the Newport Blues Cafe. For a charming stay in town, consider Forty 1° North or the Castle Hill Inn, and while you’re there, take in a movie at the JPT Film & Event Center. If live theater is more your style, you can catch a show at the Casino Theatre or the Newport Playhouse.

Downtown, Newport residents shop at the Long Wharf Mall. Stores like Lululemon, Sephora, and Jos A Bank line the outdoor plaza, located steps from the waterfront. Otherwise, Newport has a variety of boutiques to discover, all within walking distance of downtown. Wish Newport is one such shop, offering designer attire to local shoppers.

Things to Do

Newport has no shortage of attractions to enjoy, whether you sign up for one of the Mansion Tours at the Breakers or visit the Rough Point Museum, originally home to philanthropist Doris Duke. Newport also has a stunning art museum, a museum dedicated to Newport history, and an auto museum.

If you’d rather enjoy Newport outdoors, try the three-and-a-half-mile Cliff Walk with 360-degree views of the Atlantic as you make your way down the coastline. The Norman Bird Sanctuary and the East Bay Bike Path are two more of Newport’s many trails to explore, both of which provide a range of difficulty levels.

Newport is also abuzz with festivals throughout the year, from the annual Flower Show in June to the Jazz Festival and Folk Festivals in July. In September, Newport hosts their yearly Food & Wine Festival, and these are just a handful of the town’s offerings each year.

Schools

The Newport Public Schools district serves Newport, Rhode Island.

• St. George’s, [9-12]
• St. Michael’s Country Day School, [PK-8]
• Naval Academy Preparatory School
• Naval War College

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