When people think about Aquidneck Island, they often picture the coastline and the views. And while those are certainly part of it, what really makes me love this Island as a place to live goes beyond that. It comes down to location, lifestyle, open space, and a strong economic foundation.
Here are four things that truly set Aquidneck Island apart.
Proximity
Aquidneck Island offers something that is surprisingly hard to find in the North East. It feels like a true coastal small New England town, yet it remains very accessible to the outside world.
- A little over an hour to Boston
- 45 minutes to Providence
- 35 minutes to the state’s international airport TF Green
- 30 minutes to the an Amtrak station – 3 hour ride to NYC
You are far enough away to feel removed from the pace of the city, but close enough that travel and commuting can still be convenient. While proximity to the outside world is always convenient, the real gem about living on the Island is not having to leave at all.
A Complete Lifestyle Without Leaving the Island
The running joke in RI is that those of us on Aquidneck Island never leave. Well, there’s a reason for that.
The island offers a vibrant downtown adjacent to countryside amenities like farms, vineyards, wineries, and family friendly attractions like petting zoos. In town we have events, shows, dining, nightlife and music events year round. Combined with our beaches, walking trails and world class harbor for sailing, it creates a nice blend for a well rounded lifestyle.
Whether it is dining out, spending time outdoors, or enjoying local experiences, everything is right here.
Preserved Open Space and Natural Beauty
Aquidneck Island has done an exceptional job preserving its natural beauty.
The Aquidneck Island Land Trust maintains miles of walking trails and protected land. In addition, destinations like the Norman Bird Sanctuary, Brenton Point, and Fort Adams provide easy access to the outdoors and the waterfront across the island.
These spaces offer not only scenic views, but also a different experience each time you visit. Especially at the bird sanctuary, where wildlife and seasonal changes make every visit unique.
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- Credit: Discover Newport
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- Credit: Aquidneck Island Land Trust
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- Credit: What’s up Newport
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- Credit: Norman Bird Sanctuary
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- Credit: Norman Bird Sanctuary
A Strong and Stable Economic Base
From a real estate perspective, this is a key factor in my confidence in how special it is here on Aquidneck Island.
The presence of the Naval Base, the Naval War College, NOAA, and the Coast Guard creates a consistent and reliable economic foundation outside of our massive tourism economy. This supports long term stability in the housing market with strong year round jobs. The War College attracts some of the brightest minds in our military and government and many decide to stay and call this place home.
In addition, defense contractors and related industries bring year round employment opportunities, attracting highly skilled professionals to the area. That ongoing demand plays an important role in maintaining the strength of the local market.
Why It All Matters
Aquidneck Island offers a rare combination of accessibility, lifestyle, natural beauty, and economic stability.
It is not just a place people visit. It is a place people choose to live, and stay. For anyone considering a move, it is worth understanding how these factors come together to create such a desirable community. That’s why I felt it was important to play a bigger role in the community to keep it strong and viable for many of us living here, raising our families and establishing ourselves. Aquidneck Island truly is a special place and for those of us living here we can truly appreciate and understand it.