Westerly, Charlestown S Kingston compared to Jamestown? (Newport, North Kingstown: renting, houses)

[Empire44]

Hi guys

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on these areas:

Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Jamestown

for family living, renting a house, schools (Grades 8 & 9).

Also, what are these areas like in the winter, compared to the summer?

Thanks. All thoughts welcomed!

[skytrekker]

It is best to compare these areas in winter and summer compared to where you are coming from

Then an objective comparison can be made.

[Kax]

Charlestown is a very rural beach town that fills up with tourists in the summer and empties out in the winter. The Chiarho schools system was the worst in the state up to a f ew years ago, they almost lost accredidation, then RI threw a lot of money into the schools and apparently they are now much improved. VERY rural living. South Kingstown is a bit more suburban, with equal beach access, more year round residents, and a much better regarded school system. Same with Westerly, although I think S. Kingstown tops them both as far as schools and year round living, but prices there are probably a lot higher. Good luck!

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by Empire44

Hi guys

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on these areas:

Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Jamestown

for family living, renting a house, schools (Grades 8 & 9).

Also, what are these areas like in the winter, compared to the summer?

Thanks. All thoughts welcomed!

Jamestown is very close to Newport and very upscale and one of the most expensive if not THE most expensive places to live in the state and to buy a home. Since Jamestown is only one mile wide and 9 miles long it is almost impossible not to enjoy gorgeous views of Narragansett bay on a daily basis no matter where you live! The views of Newport from Jamestown are stunning! The views of the mainland on the west side of the island looking over to Narragansett; Saunderstown and Wickford are also pretty -- especially the sunsets!

The Beavertail lighthouse in Jamestown (and Jamestown is on Conanicut Island) is one of the oldest still functioning lighthouses on the East Coast.

Although Jamestown is small it is now much more of a year-round community with shops and restaurants yet there is still only one traffic light on the island. The downtown waterfront area is very busy in the summer due to all the summer people; tourists and from people living elsewhere who keep their boats in the water off of Jamestown. If you like to sail, Jamestown is a great place to do so - less crowded than Newport. Also Jamestown is VERY safe and VERY family oriented.

I spent summers as did my family for generations before me in Jamestown. When I was little we used to have to take the ferry to get to Newport. Now the Newport bridge makes getting to Newport a five minute drive compared to a 30 minute ferry ride. So the activity in Newport is only minutes away for Jamestown residents.

The jamestown school only goes up to 8th grade. After that kids are bussed over to Wickford where North Kingstown high school is located. None of the Rhode Island public schools are anything to write home about. They've been getting better but that isn't saying much. Those that can afford to send there kids to private or parochial schools do.