Transferring to Naval Station Newport!!!! (Providence, Bristol: middle-class, for sale, real estate)

[sandsads1]

My husband is in the Navy and we are considering taking orders to Naval Station Newport. Currently, we are stationed in Coronado, CA [San Diego County], sun, surf and wonderful lifestyle. We are somewhat aware of the shock that we would experince by moving to RI. I've done my reseach about the RI lifestyle, weather, schools, etc. However, reserch only gets you so far.

I am looking for local insight as to how Military families are accepted in the area, recommended areas for rentals [as we would prefer not to live in Military housing], areas to stay away from, cost of living [compared to San Diego area], schools [middle & high], weather, shock value, basically the good, the bad and ugly we would love to know.

I would like to thank you in advance for your knowledge, help and insight. Any information you can provide would be most appericated.

Thanks again,
A Proud Military Family

[skytrekker]

sanspads1

I live in eastern Connecticut, and drive to Providence regularly.
Coming from near San Diego to Rhode Island will be a shock- but not necessarily an unpleasant one.

At least you will be near the ocean, with some beautiful beaches very close by. There are also fine wineries in both Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut.

The climate in Rhode Island is moderate for New England . Winters will be cold for you, but not nearly as bad compared to the Midwest, and Rocky Mountain states. Summers are warm to sometimes hot, with some humidity at times, but sea breezes take some of the edge off the heat compared to locations further inland. Autumns are balmy and sublime, lasting into mid to late December. Spring begins in mid to late March. Snowfall this winter was under 15". Nonetheless, weather will be a big adjustment.

New Englanders are a different breed- and there are cultural differences even between states. Hartford and Providence are 70 miles apart, and where both founded around 1635-36 but are very different cities.

Downtown Providence is a city that has been transformed in recent years- with an enjoyable city center, with some great restaurants (especially on the east side) Plus is near Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design and more.

You will have to adjust to the Rhode Island linguistics- similar to Bostons.
And Boston itself is less then an hour away.

Crime in the Providence area and city itself is below the national average. Traffic will be far less stressful then in southern California.

People here can be rude, in your face and and times reserved and aloof- but generally sincere, and down to earth.

On questions regarding schools- locals are best equipped to answer those questions.

[sandsads1]

Skytrekker--Thank you so much for your insight. The more we learn about RI, the more we want to transfer there. By any chance to do have anything to add about the beach/bay communities? That is the area we are looking more into since it's much closer to the Naval Station. However, our hearts aren't set on that area either. Thanks again :]

[Lula]

Hi there,
I am admittedly partial having been a Rhode Islander all of my life, but in speaking with people who have lived in CA and who have fled the state I find that we have a lot to offer.
Some friends told me that years ago a 13 mile commute took 45 minutes. In RI we can get almost anywhere within the state in 45-60 minutes.
We may not have the year round good weather of San Diego, but our weather has become fairly moderate and we have the Atlantic Ocean (our motto is the Ocean State), and more importantly, a history that goes back to the founding of our nation. If you are a fan of history, antiques, quirkiness, culture, education, etc. RI is the place to be. Within our 1000 slightly plus square miles we have several quality instituations of higher learning including Brown University, Providence College, RISD (the RI School of Design), Johnson & Wales, Bryant University, and 3 state colleges and universities plus others. We also have a plethora of high quality private schools including Portsmouth Abbey, St. George's, Wheeler, Lincoln School for Girls, Moses Brown and Providence Country Day.
Providence itself is full of culture, but we are also within 4 hours of New York City and within an hour of Boston. I think that you will be happy with Rhode Island. No matter if you are a native or a transplant, most people either stay forever or tend to make their way back if they have to leave.
If you would like specific info about certain towns, schools or crime rates, click on my user name and private message me. I am on a different computer tonight than where I have those links.
Best of luck for your move.

[skytrekker]

Sandsads1

Newport itself is a charming small city- that has some upscale areas, with expensive homes, and some working class sections.

Newport is of course famous for the 'Breakers' the Gilded Age mansions built in the late 19th century by the Vanderbilt's and others. The walk along the Ocean is truly beautiful, with those imposing mansions nearby.

The city has great places to eat- and some nice clubs- but tourism is its main industry, the it is crowded from May to October.

North Kingston across the Newport bridge is a very nice town, with much historic charm as well SEE: http://www.northkingstown.org/

Also Jamestown- across the bridge from Newport, on an Island
see http://www.jamestownri.net/

Just north of Newport is the town Of Middletown, which is less touristy then Newport- but may incur traffic in the summer- http://www.middletownri.com/

Tiverton and Portsmouth are also nice towns further north 5-6 miles.
http://www.portsmouthri.com/home.htm
http://www.tiverton.ri.gov/businesses/businesses.html

All these towns of course have a strong maritime influence and history.

Also consider Bristol, and Barrington (very pleasant-and pricey) South east of Providence.

These towns will have high real estate costs- but far less then coastal California.

My favorite beach community is Watch Hill- slow paced- golden beaches, and a turn of the century charm- but it is located near the Connecticut border.

Misquamiquit state beach is big, sprawling and crowded in the summer- with its great beach and ocean surf.

Charlestown, a bit to the east is more sedate.

[rockfisherman]

Originally Posted by sandsads1

I am looking for local insight as to how Military families are accepted in the area, recommended areas for rentals [as we would prefer not to live in Military housing], areas to stay away from, cost of living [compared to San Diego area], schools [middle & high], weather, shock value, basically the good, the bad and ugly we would love to know.

Thanks again,
A Proud Military Family

Hi, I used to work on the base. Be reassured that military families are accepted as part of the community. The base has a long history here.

Most of the folks that wanted to live off base seemed to settle in Middletown or Portsmouth, which are on the island. There was some base housing right off the base, but I don't know what the status of it is since I've been off base since 1991.

[EastCoastNative]

I actually met my husband when he was stationed at Newport ... oddly enough, we're now on our way to San Diego for the first time. I can't speak at all to the schools, but I'd recommend looking either in Portsmouth or in Middletown, which are the other 2 towns besides Newport itself that are on Aquidneck Island.

I agree, it may be a shock moving to RI from San Diego, especially if you haven't lived in the northeast before. The first and foremost difference you'll probably notice (not surprisingly) will be the weather. Winter will definitely feel cold, but winter is tempered in Newport by it's proximity to the water ... it's generally milder in the winter and cooler in the summer than Providence, which is about 40 minutes away.

I actually loved living in RI. I found the people very down to earth and approachable. I liked that fact that there's a community feel and things are easy to get to, but at the same time you're in close proximity to big cities (Boston = 1 hr, NYC = 3 hrs) if you're interested. And the fact that you're always so close to the ocean is great. There are lovely beaches as well, both in RI and it southern MA. Newport is definitely a tourist destination in the summer, which does mean increased traffic, but there are also a lot of festivals and such as well. Not to mention a variety of good restaurants year-round.

Despite the navy base, Newport really isn't a "navy town." If you haven't been there before you'll probably be shocked at how small the base is, especially in comparison to San Diego. (For that matter, you'll probably be amazed at how small the whole state is -- you really can get pretty much anywhere in 45-60 minutes!) But I don't think you'll experience any problems fitting into the community as a military family.

If you have any more specific questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try and answer. Hope you enjoy the cross-country move!

[JillianfromMA]

Hi, Though I don't live there, I have been going there all my life and my parents have lived there for about 10 years full time. If you want to live off the base and in Newport, then I would check out the section of town called the 5th Ward. It's very middle-class working people (with some rich ones mixed in). I know there are rental properties in that neighborhood that Navy families are always renting. There is a cute house right next to my parents that always has navy rentals there, in fact it's empty right now.

I love it there and we actually had an opportunity to buy a house there when we were looking but other family talked us out of it

[wingman580]

Newport, Jamestown and all of Southern RI are extremely beautiful in the summer months, and your family should love the climate, beaches, shellfish, food especially seafood and Italian.
A great place to live off base is Middletown, Portsmouth, very close but I have to pick up the little ones from school now please stay in touch as I can hopefully answer all relevant questions was born here have travelled abroad and now have 4 children here
Sorry I have to go there is alot I could say.
Good Luck and God Bless America and our Troops!

Wingman580

[NewportRI]

My name is John Cain and I am a local realtor in the Newport RI area. I would be glad to assist those who have accepted orders and are headed to Naval Station Newport. I specialize in homes for rent and for sale in Newport County Rhode Island including Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, Bristol, Tiverton, and more. I have a large selection of homes, apartments, and condos to choose including both furnished and unfurnished properties. The Naval Station is located on Aquidneck Island so a waterview or waterfront property may be possible too! Even if you just have a general question about the Newport area I am more than glad to provide some local answers. I look forward to helping you find the perfect place to call home.

*Feel free to browse my websites below and if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to ask!

Sincerely,

John Cain
Broker Associate - Realtor
Keller Williams Realty of Newport

Sales - Rentals - Property Management

Direct: 401-608-9214
Mobile: 401-662-7668
John@MarketWatchRI.com

Sales Web: MarketWatchRI.com
Rentals Web: MyRIRental.com

Make sure to also check out our main rental website at: NewportCountyRentals.com Please keep in mind that I can help you with every listing on the main site so if you see any properties that interest you just let me know.

Hope to hear from you soon!