Jamestown, Rhode Island

Town Identity & Quick Facts

Set on Conanicut Island in the heart of Narragansett Bay, Jamestown is one of Rhode Island’s most serene and sought-after coastal communities. With a population of roughly 5,500 residents, it spans 9.5 square miles of land and 36 miles of shoreline — nearly all surrounded by water.

Jamestown is part of Newport County, connected to the mainland by the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge and to Newport by the Claiborne Pell Bridge. It’s known for its peaceful pace, historic farms, and sweeping water views — offering a quieter counterpoint to Newport’s bustle while remaining just minutes away.

Founded in 1678, Jamestown has evolved from a farming and fishing village into an elegant island community celebrated for its open landscapes, conservation efforts, and understated sophistication.

Aerial drone view of American suburban neighborhood. Establishing shot of America's suburb. Residential single family houses pattern. Autumn Fall season

Housing Market Snapshot

Jamestown’s real estate market is among the most stable and prestigious in Rhode Island, with limited inventory and enduring demand.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): approximately $1.15 million

  • Median Rent: around $4,000/month

  • Property Tax Rate: $8.73 per $1,000 of assessed value (2024 rate)

Housing options range from historic village homes and mid-century modern retreats to waterfront estates with private docks. Preservation-minded zoning and minimal commercial sprawl help maintain both property values and the island’s natural character.

A neighborhood along Lake Washington in Seattle. A fall day in the Pacific Northwest.

Schools & Education

Jamestown offers small-town education with big-picture access.

  • District: Jamestown School Department

  • Schools: Melrose Avenue School (K–4) and Lawn Avenue School (5–8)

  • High School: Students attend North Kingstown High School, one of Rhode Island’s highest-rated public high schools, through a regional agreement.

  • Private Options: St. George’s School (Middletown) and Rocky Hill Country Day (East Greenwich) are nearby.

  • Higher Education: Salve Regina University and the University of Rhode Island are both within 30 minutes.

Families value Jamestown’s personalized education and the sense of safety and community that comes with island life.

Commute & Transport Access

Though it feels a world away, Jamestown is quietly connected to everything.

  • Distance to Newport: ~10 minutes via Pell Bridge

  • Distance to Providence: ~35 minutes via Route 138 and I-95

  • Distance to Boston: ~1 hour 15 minutes

  • Air Travel: ~40 minutes to T.F. Green International Airport (Warwick)

  • Access Routes: Route 138 runs across the island, connecting both bridges.

Many residents work remotely or commute to Providence and Newport, appreciating the peaceful return home across the bridge at day’s end.

Recreation & Amenities

Jamestown’s recreation is rooted in nature and the sea. The island’s landscapes invite exploration and reflection rather than crowds and noise.

  • Beavertail State Park: 153 acres of coastal trails, rocky shores, and panoramic lighthouse views — a Rhode Island landmark.

  • Fort Wetherill State Park: Popular for diving, kayaking, and cliffside picnics overlooking Newport Harbor.

  • Mackerel Cove Beach: Calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and family outings.

  • Conanicut Marina & Dutch Harbor: Full-service marinas supporting the island’s active boating community.

  • Downtown Village: Compact and walkable, offering boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants such as Simpatico, Slice of Heaven, and East Ferry Deli.

Events like the Jamestown Arts Center exhibits, farmers markets, and holiday strolls reinforce the island’s culture of connection and creativity.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

amestown’s neighborhoods each capture a different aspect of island living:

  • Jamestown Village: Walkable historic center with classic colonials, shingled cottages, and boutique dining.

  • Beavertail & Southwest Point: Exclusive waterfront properties with sweeping Atlantic views and private acreage.

  • East Shore / East Ferry Area: Harborfront homes and condos overlooking the bay and marina.

  • North End: Spacious lots and modern construction with easy mainland access.

  • West Reach & Racquet Road: Established subdivisions with custom-built homes and open-space views.

Every neighborhood shares the same sense of calm, privacy, and timeless coastal appeal.

Aerial drone view of American suburban neighborhood. Establishing shot of America's suburb. Residential single family houses pattern. Autumn Fall season

Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

Jamestown’s island climate is mild and maritime, with cool breezes in summer and relatively temperate winters.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~46 inches

The town is recognized for its strong conservation and coastal management policies, protecting its beaches, bluffs, and wetlands from overdevelopment. Some low-lying areas near Mackerel Cove and West Ferry are in FEMA flood zones, but local building standards and elevation codes ensure long-term resilience.

Why This Town Fits You

Jamestown is for those who appreciate space — both physical and mental. It offers luxury without pretense, beauty without bustle, and connection without compromise.

Whether you’re watching sailboats drift past Beavertail, biking along quiet back roads, or walking to a café in the village, life here moves at its own pace — steady, intentional, and shaped by the sea.

For those seeking balance, Jamestown feels like what coastal living was always meant to be: unhurried, grounded, and quietly extraordinary.