Narragansett, Rhode Island

Town Identity & Quick Facts

Located along Rhode Island’s southern coastline, Narragansett is a seaside town known for its beaches, iconic architecture, and relaxed coastal charm.

Home to approximately 15,800 residents, Narragansett spans nearly 38 square miles, including more than 15 miles of oceanfront. The town’s history as a 19th-century resort destination is still visible in its historic towers, Victorian hotels, and broad sandy beaches that continue to draw visitors and homeowners alike.

Today, Narragansett blends the sophistication of a coastal retreat with the warmth of a small New England town — offering village neighborhoods, oceanfront estates, and a thriving local culture centered around the sea.

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Housing Market Snapshot

Narragansett’s real estate market remains among the strongest and most stable in Rhode Island’s South County.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): approximately $785,000

  • Median Rent: around $3,500/month (seasonal variation significant)

  • Property Tax Rate: $8.14 per $1,000 of assessed value (2024 rate)

Housing ranges from classic shingle-style homes and beach cottages to modern ocean-view builds and condominiums near the Pier and Scarborough Beach. Waterfront properties command a premium, and short-term rentals remain a core part of the market, particularly during the summer season.

The market’s appeal lies in its enduring desirability — consistent demand, limited buildable land, and the year-round quality of life that coastal Narragansett provides.

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Schools & Education

Narragansett’s schools are highly rated and well-supported, reflecting a strong sense of community investment.

  • District: Narragansett School Department

  • Schools: Narragansett Elementary, Pier Middle School, and Narragansett High School — recognized for academic performance, arts, and athletics.

  • Private Options: Monsignor Clarke School (Wakefield), Rocky Hill Country Day (East Greenwich), and South County Montessori.

  • Higher Education: Close to the University of Rhode Island (Kingston), which provides additional educational and cultural opportunities.

Families appreciate the district’s scale and personal attention — where students benefit from small class sizes and community engagement.

Commute & Transport Access

Narragansett is coastal yet connected, offering a balanced commute for those who work statewide or remotely.

  • Distance to Providence: ~35 miles (45 minutes via Route 1 and I-95)

  • Distance to Newport: ~30 minutes

  • Distance to Boston: ~1 hour 30 minutes

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

  • Access Routes: Route 1 (South County Trail) connects directly to the town, with Route 108 and Ocean Road serving as main coastal arteries.

The town also provides convenient access to ferry service from nearby Galilee to Block Island, a hallmark of summer in South County.

Recreation & Amenities

Recreation in Narragansett is defined by its coastline — equal parts peaceful and active.

  • Narragansett Town Beach: One of the state’s most beloved beaches, located in the heart of town.

  • Scarborough Beach & Roger Wheeler State Beach: Family-friendly destinations with amenities, lifeguards, and broad sand dunes.

  • The Towers: Historic landmark and cultural venue hosting concerts, art shows, and weddings.

  • Galilee & Point Judith: Working fishing village and ferry terminal with fresh seafood markets and marinas.

  • Black Point Trail & Fishermen’s Memorial State Park: Scenic hiking and camping along dramatic coastal cliffs.

  • Dining: From Spain of Narragansett and Chair 5 to local favorites like Aunt Carrie’s and Coast Guard House.

Narragansett’s atmosphere changes with the seasons — vibrant in summer, reflective in winter, always defined by the water.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

Each Narragansett neighborhood tells its own story:

  • Narragansett Pier: The heart of town — beachside homes, shops, and dining within walking distance of the ocean.

  • Point Judith & Galilee: Active fishing village with ocean-view homes and ferry access.

  • Bonnet Shores: Popular with families and summer residents for its private beach and community feel.

  • Scarborough Area: Oceanfront homes and condos with stunning coastal views.

  • Great Island: Waterfront neighborhood of docks, boats, and salt air living.

  • Pettaquamscutt Lake Shores: Inland lake community with boating and easy access to the beach.

Narragansett’s housing is as diverse as its shoreline — from understated cottages to luxury retreats, all tied together by coastal rhythm.

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Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

Narragansett’s oceanfront position brings a mild maritime climate with four distinct seasons and cool summer breezes.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~49 inches

As a coastal town, certain low-lying areas — particularly around Point Judith and Scarborough — are designated flood zones, but strong coastal management and zoning practices help preserve both safety and scenic quality. The town participates actively in Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) programs.

Why This Town Fits You

Narragansett captures the essence of Rhode Island’s oceanfront lifestyle — relaxed yet refined, social yet serene.

It’s a place where you can live year-round and still feel like you’re on vacation: morning walks along the beach, fresh seafood dinners by the water, and sunsets that never feel routine.

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or investing in a second home, Narragansett delivers the coastal clarity people move here for — beauty without pretense, community without crowding, and rhythm without rush.

Here, life follows the tide — steady, timeless, and entirely your own.