North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Town Identity & Quick Facts

Located along the western shore of Narragansett Bay, North Kingstown offers a rare mix of historic coastal villages, vibrant neighborhoods, and natural beauty — all within a short drive of Providence and Newport.

Home to roughly 27,000 residents, the town spans 58 square miles, making it one of Rhode Island’s larger municipalities. Founded in 1674, North Kingstown retains its historic New England charm through Wickford Village, a postcard-perfect harborfront district lined with 18th-century homes, local shops, and marinas.

Today, the town represents balanced coastal living: maritime roots, suburban comfort, and modern access to work, travel, and recreation.

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Housing Market Snapshot

North Kingstown’s housing market reflects strong and steady demand across every price point.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): approximately $575,000

  • Median Rent: around $2,400/month

  • Property Tax Rate: $17.60 per $1,000 assessed value (2024 rate)

Buyers will find a range of housing types — from historic colonials in Wickford Village and mid-century homes along Post Road to newer subdivisions near Quidnessett and Frenchtown. Waterfront and water-view properties command a premium, particularly along Narragansett Bay, Mill Cove, and Saunderstown.

Stable demand, excellent schools, and convenient commuting continue to make North Kingstown one of Rhode Island’s most balanced and resilient markets.

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Schools & Education

North Kingstown’s schools are consistently ranked among the best in the state for academic achievement and community engagement.

  • District: North Kingstown School Department

  • Schools: Multiple elementary schools, Wickford Middle, Davisville Middle, and North Kingstown High School (a top-rated district high school).

  • Programs: Advanced Placement, robotics, and strong athletics.

  • Private Options: Rocky Hill Country Day (East Greenwich), St. Bernard’s, and Monsignor Clarke School.

  • Higher Education: Within 30 minutes of URI (Kingston campus) and Roger Williams University.

Families value the combination of academic performance and small-town involvement that defines the North Kingstown school community.

Commute & Transport Access

North Kingstown is one of the most conveniently located coastal towns in the state.

  • Distance to Providence: ~22 miles (30 minutes)

  • Distance to Newport: ~25 minutes

  • Access Routes: Route 4, Route 1, and I-95 provide direct north-south access.

  • Commuter Rail: MBTA Wickford Junction station offers daily train service to Providence and Boston.

  • Air Travel: 15 minutes to T.F. Green International Airport.

Its combination of bay access and transit infrastructure makes North Kingstown ideal for both local professionals and Boston-area commuters.

Recreation & Amenities

Recreation in North Kingstown flows naturally from its waterfront and open spaces.

  • Historic Wickford Village: The heart of town — boutiques, galleries, cafés, and a harbor filled with sailboats.

  • Wilson Park & Beach: A community hub for picnics, sports, and shoreline walks.

  • Quonset Point: Mixed-use waterfront area featuring a business park, bike path, and ferry terminal to Martha’s Vineyard.

  • Rome Point & John H. Chafee Nature Preserve: Coastal walking trails with views of seals in winter months.

  • Golf & Country Clubs: Quidnessett Country Club and North Kingstown Golf Course.

  • Dining: From Shayna’s Place and Beach Rose Café in Wickford to Back 40 and Sons of Liberty Distillery along Post Road.

North Kingstown delivers a complete lifestyle — the water, the community, and the calm, all within reach.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

North Kingstown offers a diverse mix of settings and styles:

  • Wickford Village: Historic center with colonial homes, boutique shops, and walkable charm.

  • Saunderstown: Rural-coastal enclave with waterfront estates and scenic drives along Route 1A.

  • Davisville & Quonset: Growing areas with newer homes and business development.

  • Quidnessett: Upscale residential neighborhood near the country club and marinas.

  • Hamilton & Lafayette: Quiet residential areas surrounded by woodlands and family neighborhoods.

Each neighborhood reflects a different rhythm of Rhode Island life — from historic to suburban to waterfront.

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Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

North Kingstown enjoys a mild coastal climate, influenced by Narragansett Bay.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~48 inches

While low-lying areas along Mill Cove and Saunderstown fall within FEMA flood zones, the majority of the town sits on elevated, stable terrain. Ongoing shoreline preservation efforts — including marsh restoration and open-space zoning — help maintain environmental integrity and property protection.

Why This Town Fits You

North Kingstown is coastal living without compromise. It’s a place where you can sail from your backyard, commute with ease, and come home to real community.

From Wickford’s historic charm to Quonset’s modern development, the town offers both heritage and forward motion — the balance that defines Rhode Island’s best places to live.

For buyers seeking everyday convenience with a view, or sellers looking to showcase the value of place, North Kingstown represents what’s most enduring about the West Bay: connection, character, and coastal confidence.

Here, life isn’t about choosing between practical and beautiful — it’s about finding the place where both meet.