Newport attracts people seeking an ideal lifestyle and immigrants seeking a fresh start by the sea with its breathtaking panoramas, rich cultural legacy, and vibrant real estate market. The city is rich in nautical history and architectural beauty and offers a variety of adventures for residents and prospective residents. Newport is like a postcard-perfect coastal paradise. Its charm is everywhere, from the Cliff Walk along the rough shoreline to the Gilded Age homes. Activities like sailing, surfing, and strolling along sandy coasts soothe nature lovers. The city’s well-preserved colonial architecture and landmarks delight history lovers. Homes for Sale in Newport offer a lifestyle of seaside elegance and community vibrancy that appeals to prospective residents. The city’s mix of small-town charm and metropolitan facilities provides residents of many backgrounds with interesting experiences.
What you should know before relocating to Newport
The city is diverse
Newport’s rich history dates back to 1639 when Aquidneck Island was Rhode Island. In the 17th and 18th centuries, two waves of Spanish and Portuguese Jewish immigrants made it one of the largest original populations in the region. Newport, one of Colonial America’s largest slave ports, attracted many free blacks and abolitionists by the 18th century. The Revolutionary War decimated the city’s population and economy as merchants moved to New York, Boston, and Providence. Starting in the 1850s, some of the nation’s wealthiest families built beautiful holiday homes on the island. Newport’s rich history continues to shape its diverse people. Many Irish immigrants moved to the area in the 19th century. Thus, St. Patrick’s Day is still significant here.
The Naval Station boosts the city’s economy
The Naval Station is the city’s main employer, with around 4,200 employees. Newport forecasts significant job growth despite its 2.3% unemployment rate. Rhode Island’s economy ranks ninth nationally.
Visit beaches, parks, and yacht clubs.
Newport is known as the “Sailing Capital of the World” because of its many yacht clubs, including Ida Lewis and New York. It hosts several races and starts the Newport Bermuda Race. This city has many handy shopping alternatives, including Long Wharf Mall, Bowen’s Wharf, Bellevue Gardens Shopping Center, Stop & Shop, Newport Mansions Store, and Walmart. Bailey’s Beach, Newport Cliff Walk, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., Brenton Point State Park, Newport Art Museum, and Fort Adams State Park are notable attractions.
Housing costs drive up living costs
Like most New England and beach areas, Newport has a high cost of living. Newport’s cost of living is 41% more than the U.S. average. While groceries and utilities are 10% more expensive than the national average, healthcare is far less. Housing is the most influential.
Enjoy Lobster rolls and Italian food
Prepare to enjoy Newport’s new flavors. Many award-winning restaurants exist in this coastal city. Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant will win your heart among Newport’s many great restaurants. Locals frequent this eatery for lobster rolls and over 250 wines. Famous for its cocktails, pizza, and surf ‘n’ turf, the Red Parrot is in an 1898 meat-packing building.
Roads have potholes
Newport’s dramatic seasonal temperature swings make road maintenance difficult. When you first come to the city, potholes may make driving difficult.