Castle Hill Lighthouse, Newport Rhode Island

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

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

Newport, RI is the #99 Best City to Live in the USA

Autumn in Newport Rhode Island
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Newport, RI
Quality of Life
Liv Score

596
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 75
Demographics 36
Economy 64
Education 51
Health 60
Housing 40
Infrastructure 50
Amenities 65

Why Newport is one of the best cities to live in

The beautiful seaside community of Newport, RI, is famous for its lavish, 19th-century Gilded Age mansions and centuries-long sailing tradition. Located on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Newport boasts sweeping seaside views. Newport’s excellent quality of life makes it one of the best places to live in the U.S. The area’s 25,000 residents take full advantage of the city’s mild weather and abundance of outdoor recreation activities, from sailing to swimming and cycling. Residents in Newport are socially and civically engaged and have access to high-quality education, lively entertainment, beautiful scenery and never-ending seafood options. 

What are Newport’s major industries and employers?

As the island’s largest single employer, the Navy employs approximately 9,000 military and civilian personnel. In addition, Newport depends heavily on wholesale and retail trade and services catering to summer residents and tourists. Top employers include the Naval War College, City of Newport, Castle Hill Inn, Groove and Newport Shipyard. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Newport?

Salve Regina University, U.S. Naval War College & Community College of Rhode Island

What is the weather like in Newport? 

Newport experiences all four seasons, including warm summers and cold, snowy winters with about 31 inches of snowfall every year.

What is there to do outside in Newport?

The best way to explore the great outdoors in Newport is on the water. The city’s long history of sailing dates back to America’s colonial days, giving it the nickname “Sailing Capital of the World.”

Newport, RI is Remote-Ready

What makes Newport a great place for remote workers?

Newport’s home costs are nearly double the national average, but its rental costs are only slightly above the national average – as a result, most residents in Newport rent their homes. Newport is a small and scenic town with lots of outdoor activities to take part in when you need to take a break from your screen. In addition, it has an above-average and highly-rated school system. When you need a break from your home office, try working from Innovate Newport or The Newport Collab coworking spaces.

What Locals Love in Newport, RI

What is the best local bookstore in Newport?

From fine leather-bound books to pulp fiction paperbacks, Commonwealth Books has something for every type of book lover. The bookstore is housed in one of the few remaining 18th-century structures on Washington Square. 

How do you spend a weekend in Newport?

Spend an afternoon strolling along the enchanting 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. With panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean and a shoreline dotted with Gilded Age mansions, it is by far one of the most beautiful recreational trails in America. 

What can you do for free in Newport?

Explore the historic cobblestone streets at Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf lined with art galleries, local boutiques, award-winning restaurants, classic harbor-side taverns and quaint cafes all along the city’s historic waterfront. 

Whats the best way to spend happy hour in Newport?

Unwind with a classic handcrafted cocktail at The Bar at The Chanler. The stylish bar in the opulent mansion-turned-hotel on the edge of the sea makes a daiquiri the same way William Chanler used to.  

Whats something only locals know about Newport?

Newport is home to America’s oldest restaurant and the world’s tenth-oldest restaurant. The White Horse Tavern was initially constructed as a two-room residence in 1652 before being converted into a tavern in 1673, where it has been serving guests ever since.

Is Newport, RI a good place to live?

Scenic surroundings, an high quality of life and excellent education systems make Newport a best place to live in Rhode Island.

Thinking of Moving to Newport?

What is the Newport, RI Real Estate Market Like?

Home to beautiful beaches, Colonial-era architecture, and world-class sailing, the prosperous Newport is an appealing destination to both full-time residents and second homeowners looking to settle in a place steeped with history and unique charm. As a result, Newport, RI real estate is one of the top value markets in Rhode Island and the entire New England region. If you’re looking to buy a home for sale in Newport, RI, you’ll find that the median sale price is $802K and homes stay on the market for around 36 days. The Newport, RI real estate range from cute small cottages perfect for young families to some opulent Gilded Age mansions (many on the National Register of Historic Places) and freshly-renovated condos with plentiful amenities and unobstructed ocean views, like the units in Goat Island. If you are thinking of buying a property in Newport, RI contact a local real estate agent.

Quick Facts About Newport, RI

Average Commute
14.54
Median Home Value
$544,075
Med. Household Income
$71,662
Total Population
24,828
Median Property Tax
$2,113

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