South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Town Identity & Quick Facts

Stretching from the beaches of Matunuck to the villages of Wakefield and Peace Dale, South Kingstown is one of Rhode Island’s most scenic and well-rounded coastal towns.

Home to approximately 31,000 residents, the town covers 79 square miles — the largest by area in the state — and includes both inland farmland and 10 miles of oceanfront. Founded in 1722, it has grown into a thriving year-round community with strong schools, a vibrant downtown, and coastal neighborhoods that blend recreation with heritage.

South Kingstown balances the calm of seaside living with the vitality of a college town, thanks to its proximity to the University of Rhode Island (URI) in nearby Kingston. The result is a town with depth — historic, youthful, and full of possibility.

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Housing Market Snapshot

South Kingstown’s real-estate market is driven by steady local demand and enduring coastal appeal.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): approximately $615,000

  • Median Rent: around $2,600/month

  • Property Tax Rate: $14.00 per $1,000 of assessed value (2024 rate)

The market includes everything from historic colonials in Peace Dale and Kingston Village to modern beach houses in Matunuck and Green Hill. Waterfront properties and vacation homes maintain strong value, while inland neighborhoods provide year-round affordability.

The combination of coastline, culture, and community services makes South Kingstown one of Rhode Island’s most balanced lifestyle markets.

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Schools & Education

South Kingstown’s school system is well-respected for academic performance, athletics, and extracurricular programs.

  • District: South Kingstown School Department

  • Schools: Six elementary schools, Broad Rock Middle School, Curtis Corner Middle School, and South Kingstown High School, known for strong arts and AP programs.

  • Private Options: Monsignor Clarke School, The Prout School (Catholic college-prep), and South County Montessori.

  • Higher Education: The University of Rhode Island (URI) anchors the region, bringing cultural, athletic, and academic opportunities to residents.

Families appreciate the district’s balance between traditional education and modern innovation — all within a supportive community environment.

Commute & Transport Access

South Kingstown offers convenient access to major destinations while maintaining a relaxed coastal pace.

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

  • Distance to Newport: ~35 minutes via Route 138

  • Distance to Boston: ~90 minutes

  • Access Routes: Route 1 (South County Trail) and Route 138 provide statewide connection.

  • Rail Access: Amtrak station in Kingston (Northeast Corridor) connects to Providence, New York, and Boston.

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

This accessibility — paired with its oceanfront tranquility — makes South Kingstown an ideal base for professionals, remote workers, and retirees alike.

Recreation & Amenities

South Kingstown offers a wealth of recreational opportunities rooted in its natural beauty and small-town energy.

  • Narragansett and Matunuck Beaches: Wide sandy stretches ideal for swimming, surfing, and coastal walks.

  • East Matunuck State Beach & Moonstone Beach: Protected oceanfront with stunning views.

  • Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge: 800 acres of coastal habitat and walking trails.

  • South County Bike Path: Scenic 8-mile route connecting Wakefield to Narragansett.

  • Wakefield Village & Main Street: Lively downtown with local boutiques, restaurants, and arts venues.

  • Theatre & Arts: Contemporary Theater Company, South County Art Association, and URI Fine Arts Center.

From farmers markets to waterfront concerts, the rhythm of life here follows the seasons — active, authentic, and always coastal.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

South Kingstown’s neighborhoods offer a rich variety of landscapes and lifestyles:

  • Wakefield & Peace Dale: Walkable downtown area with classic New England homes, small businesses, and historic mills.

  • Matunuck & Green Hill: Oceanfront and summer communities with cottages and luxury homes alike.

  • Kingston Village: Academic hub centered around URI with colonial architecture and tree-lined streets.

  • West Kingston & Perryville: Rural areas with open land, equestrian properties, and quiet roadways.

  • Snug Harbor & East Matunuck: Working waterfront and boating neighborhoods with marinas and beach access.

Every pocket of South Kingstown reflects connection — to people, to the land, and to the sea.

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Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

South Kingstown experiences a mild maritime climate, with ocean breezes shaping comfortable summers and moderate winters.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~48 inches

Low-lying coastal areas near Green Hill, Matunuck, and Snug Harbor fall within FEMA flood zones, while inland areas sit on higher ground. The town participates in resilience and shoreline management programs through the state’s CRMC to address erosion and storm preparedness.

Why This Town Fits You

South Kingstown captures the best of southern Rhode Island — community, coastline, and character.

It’s a place where mornings start with surf and coffee, where Main Street still feels personal, and where neighbors greet you by name. Whether you’re drawn by the schools, the shoreline, or the rhythm of small-town life, South Kingstown delivers an effortless version of home.

For those seeking authentic coastal living with real depth, South Kingstown reminds you that the truest luxury isn’t about more — it’s about meaning.

Here, life flows naturally, carried forward by the tide.