Questions About Narragansett (Newport, Westerly, Charlestown: rentals, homeowners insurance, crime)

[Dockside]

I would appreciate any thoughts, feelings or opinions about Narragansett. I've been there before, years ago, I know it's beautiful, and Narragansett Bay is exqusite. But I don't know any of the basics.

How are the public schools, both elementary, middle and high school? Are the kids bored, happy, restless and into trouble? What do young kids do in the summer - are there day-camps around the town? What do they do as teens?

Is there a lot of flooding - how are home insurance rates? How are property taxes and utility bills? Are the natives friendly to outsiders moving in?

You know, basically how is the quality of life in Narragansett? Thank you.

[traceyr13]

I grew up in South Kingstown in the late 80s/early 90s, and my brother (now a senior in high school) and mom still live there.

The Narragansett schools have come a long way. When I was in high school, Naragansett was really looked down upon as SK's less impressive counterpart. Now, I would say they are switching places. SK is much less highly regarded, and Narragansett is up and coming, from all that I have heard.

I do think that general area has a problem keeping teenagers "out of trouble" because there's not much to do but hang out with your friends and drink (and from my brother, I could tell you the most popular places, lol). It's getting slightly better since they built the movie theater and shops on Rte 1 just north of the Tower, but still...there's a ton of boredom. It was painful for me as a teenager in SK in the fall-spring, but awesome in the summer!!!

[rockfisherman]

Originally Posted by Dockside

I would appreciate any thoughts, feelings or opinions about Narragansett. I've been there before, years ago, I know it's beautiful, and Narragansett Bay is exqusite. But I don't know any of the basics.

How are the public schools, both elementary, middle and high school? Are the kids bored, happy, restless and into trouble? What do young kids do in the summer - are there day-camps around the town? What do they do as teens?

Is there a lot of flooding - how are home insurance rates? How are property taxes and utility bills? Are the natives friendly to outsiders moving in?

You know, basically how is the quality of life in Narragansett? Thank you.

I work in Narragansett. It is a very nice town. Lots of history as a resort town.

As was said previously, the schools are good, they have passed SK, IMHO.

I don't know what the kids are doing and don't know what day camps are around. There have been some recent vandalism incidents in the papers, but nothing crazy. Kids spray painting cars and the local movie theater. But that was unusual.

There is NOT a lot of flooding...last I remember was hurricane Bob in '91. Areas around the Narrow River are subject to flooding. Home insurance rates are fine. I don't know what flood insurance for Narrow River folks costs.

Property taxes are high, and so are utility bills. RI is not cheap. Lots of folks here from CT, NY and NJ. No problem there.

Bottom line, it is a very nice town to live and work in.

[Lula]

Hi,
I grew up in Narragansett and now live next door in SK. Narragansett is small, about 14 square miles total. The year round population is about 17,000. One high school, one middle school, one elementary. You tend to get to know everyone. Very good services in the schools, good school test scores.

I have to disagree what one poster said about taxes. The property tax is only about $6.74 per thousand. Depending on where you are coming from the house prices might seem high.

One disadvantage about the town is that a huge percentage of the homes are rentals - school year to college kids at URI and summer by the week. There are neighborhoods that I would not recommend you buy in unless you can put up with the noise and parties. Those would be Eastward Look, Bonnet Shores and Scarborough.

Off season, it is very quiet. If you love the ocean, it is the place to be. No industry to speak of, so not much in the way of jobs outside the public/government ones. Crime tends to be disturbing the peace (parties), occasional car break ins, nothing major.

It is a lovely community as is most of southern RI. Charlestown and Westerly also have low taxes and beaches. SK has beaches but our tax rate is $13.70 per thousand and our house prices are just as high. But SK is 60 sq miles and a population of about 30,000 so more schools, more police, more to take care of.

Tons of history in Narragansett as in all of RI. I don't know of anyone who isn't happy with Narragansett.

[Apple Annie]

Here is the link to the Rhode Island MLS public website, and its up to date property tax information. Some cities and towns also have a fire district tax per thousand which can add up. On the other hand, some cities and towns have a homestead exemption of about 20% off your property tax bill [those are getting fewer over the years]. RI property taxes and motor vehicle personal property taxes are high across the board. Salaries are higher in the northeast, but so is the cost of living. It's all relative in the end, maybe.

[rockfisherman]

Originally Posted by Lula

I have to disagree what one poster said about taxes. The property tax is only about $6.74 per thousand. Depending on where you are coming from the house prices might seem high.

You're right Lula, I painted Narragansett with the same brush as North and South Kingstown on the property tax rate. My bad.

[Dockside]

Wow! Everybody has been great, thank you for all the info. You've given me a lot to think about.

Lula, I never even considered the presence of URI and college kids and parties, thanks for the great tip on neighborhoods to avoid. I do get annoyed at 4 in the AM when my house is shaking from the party next door.

Thanks Tracey. I have 7 yr old, and I hadn't thought of the boredom factor in the winter for teens.

Apple, I checked the updated property tax info, thank you.

Rock, it does look like a nice town to work and live in.

[mjetch]

I was wondering if anyone could help me locate the club that sponsor's people wanting to jump into the ocean on New's years Day? I do think that is held for a charity or something. I have always wanted to do this, but do not know how to get started?? Thanks

[mrkg]

Here's a link that might help... The Newport Polar Bears (broken link) ...
But I think you're CRAZY! Good luck!

[emilybh]

Regarding your insurance question, I would check with a property and casualty insurance agent in Narragansett. Give them a street address of a property you are thinking about buying or even a neighborhood, and they should be able to give you an idea about homeowners insurance rates and whether flood insurance will be required. I live in Newport, about 1 mile from the harbor and I am not in a flood zone (however, there are some in Newport such as the 5th ward). Anyway, after Hurricane Katrina, it seemed there was a knee jerk reaction to hike up rates and mine tripled. One area in Narragansett I know of where flood insurance is required is along the Narrow River. So expect to pay high insurance rates if you are going to be anywhere that is close to the water.