Ocean Drive Newport RI

USA Today names Newport the best place to live in Rhode Island

USA Today has ranked the best cities to live in each of the 50 states and not surprisingly, Newport was ranked the best place to live in Rhode Island.

Here’s what they had to say.

Newport, Rhode Island

• Population: 24,570
• 5 yr. population change: -0.1 percent
• Median home value: $382,200
• Median household income: $59,794

Newport, Rhode Island is by far the best educated city in the state. More than half – 50.9 percent – of adult residents completed at least their bachelor’s degree. No other major Rhode Island community exceeded the state’s college graduation rate of 32.5 percent. This high educational attainment qualifies many of the city’s residents for highly skilled jobs and likely helps drive down the unemployment rate. Newport’s unemployment rate is just 3.8 percent, the lowest of anywhere in the country.

Though Newport’s median household income is close to that of Rhode Island as a whole, homes in the area tend to be much more valuable than those in the rest of the state. Newport’s median home value is $382,200, well above Rhode Island’s $238,200 median home value.

Newport tips:

Where to stay:

If you’re visiting Newport, book your stay at Gurneys Newport Resort & Marina, Gurney’s is hands down the nicest hotel in Newport and their seaside location on Goat Island with 360° water views and the seclusion of a private island is just a jaunt from the shops and eateries of downtown Newport.

Eats:

If you’re looking for some great spots to dine, we recommend hitting up local favorites such as Tavern on Broadway with their Buck-A-Shuck Wednesdays, Norey’s (RI’s #1 craft beer bar) and the Clarke Cooke House.

If you love donuts (and who doesn’t?) Swing by Liberty Donuts for the freshest delectable delights in all of Rhode Island!

Authentic, amazing, mouth wateringly delicious Italian your thing? It’s hard to choose between Scarpetta and Pasta Beach, so it’s better that you try both!

And if you’re looking for a classic Newport spot that never disappoints head straight for La Forge

Taste the flavor:

Swing by the Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. and sample some of their award winning creations.

Founded in 1999 by four college friends, Newport Storm Brewery was the original production craft brewery in Rhode Island. They created more than 100 distinctive beers while keeping things local and authentic. From their flagship Hurricane Amber Ale to seasonal brews made with Rhode Island grown ingredients, to beers aged in rum barrels, the brewery has been in the vanguard of craft brewing for nearly 20 years.

In 2006 the crew began distilling craft spirits. They were the first distillery in Rhode Island in 135 years and currently produce whiskey, a single barrel rum, and an overproof white rum.

Dress for success:

Newport’s former First Lady Deborah Winthrop owns the premier women’s boutique on Aquidneck Island with hip and chic clothing, bra sized swimwear and a the largest selection of lingerie around. Deborah and her staff are all expert bra fitters. The right bra will make you look and feel 10 years younger and 10lbs lighter!! Swing by and see for yourself.

Love Newport so much that you want to move here?

Contact Hawks and Company Real Estate!

Hawks and Company is composed of long-time Aquidneck Island residents. They know and understand our island thoroughly, yet with origins stretching from coast to coast, they are also broadly connected. Their track record, fused with over three decades of combined real estate experience, makes the Hawks team unique and fuels their award-winning success. Simply put, Hawks and Company is the team most capable of managing all of your real estate needs.

Need a photographer?

Contact Stefy Hilmer or Meg Heriot. They are hands down the two best around.

To see the list of the best place to live in every state click here.