Newport, RI downtown shopping district

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
673
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 74
Demographics 38
Economy 56
Education 58
Health 62
Housing 47
Infrastructure 49

#72. Newport, RI

Famous for its grand, Gilded Age mansions from the 19th century, Newport, RI is a charming seaside city on Aquidneck Island in the southern part of the state. Its 25,000 residents are socially and civically engaged, and they take full advantage of the region’s mild weather and many outdoor recreation activities – from sailing and swimming to cycling. Home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport plays an important role in the country’s underwater defense innovation.

Top Colleges/Universities: Salve Regina University 

Top Industries & Employers: Military/defense, technology, health care, tourism.

Weekend Plans: A little shopping on Thames Street or the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path along Newport’s eastern shore with views of Easton Bay and the historic mansions Newport is so famous for.

Favorite Place to Feast: The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, a waterfront restaurant popular for its “bag of doughnuts dish,” aka lobster and shrimp fritters served with chipotle-maple aioli.

Beloved Beverage: The Island White wine from Newport Vineyards, made from a blend of wild grapes like chardonnay, Cayuga and Niagara. 

Outdoorsy Activity: Go fishing or sailing in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay – Newport is widely considered the world’s sailing capital!

Rooftop Bar: Skiff Bar, which is located at the Newport Marriott and offers Instagram-worthy views of the harbor.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: When your dog’s friends come to visit, they can stay at Paws on Pelham, a quaint boutique inn designed with four-legged guests in mind. The rooms have built-in dog beds, food and water bowls and tons of puppy-approved decor. 

Remote Work Perk: You’ll be able to bounce ideas off other creatives and professionals when you join or drop in at Innovate Newport, a coworking space inside the historic 1921 Sheffield School building.

One More Thing … Newport was the filming location for the 1974 version of “The Great Gatsby,” starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow.

– Sarah Kuta

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