Moving to Narragansett, Rhode Island

by btobers · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Narragansett, Rhode Island is a small coastal city with a population of approximately 15,000 people. It is located in Washington County and is bordered by Narragansett Bay to the east. The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters.

The city has a long history dating back to the 1600s when it was founded as an English settlement. In 1647, it became an official town and was incorporated in 1901. The city has traditionally been a fishing and farming community but now also relies on tourism for its economy.

The school system in Narragansett consists of three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. There are also several private schools available for students of all ages.

One of the most notable landmarks in Narragansett is the Point Judith Lighthouse which was built in 1816 and still stands today as a reminder of the city’s maritime history. Other popular attractions include Scarborough State Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach, and Salty Brine State Beach which offer stunning views of Narragansett Bay from both land and sea. There are also several parks throughout the city including Roger W Wheeler Memorial Park which has great picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, and more for visitors to enjoy.

Politically, Narragansett leans left with Democrats making up most of its elected officials including Mayor Joseph Polisena who has been serving since 2012. The city also has its own police force dedicated to serving its citizens efficiently while maintaining law and order throughout the community.

Overall, Narragansett is a beautiful coastal town with lots to offer both residents and visitors alike! With its rich history, stunning views of the bay, welcoming atmosphere, great schools and bustling economy there’s something for everyone here!

Population: 16,361. Estimated population in July 2024: 16,906 (+3.3% change)
Males: 7,951 (48.6%), Females: 8,410 (51.4%)

Washington County

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.4 years
Median household income: $50,363
Median house value: $163,500

Population by Race

Races in Narragansett:

White Non-Hispanic (95.0%)
American Indian (1.4%)
Two or more races (1.4%)
Hispanic (1.2%)
Black (0.7%)

Ancestries: Irish (31.8%), Italian (20.6%), English (18.9%), French (7.8%), German (7.5%), French Canadian (5.2%).

Elevation: 17 feet

Population by Education

Narragansett is a town located in Washington County, Rhode Island. It is situated between the two cities of Providence and Newport. As of the 2010 census, Narragansett had a population of 15,868. The town has a wide variety of housing options ranging from small beach cottages to large estates located on the waterfront. The median home value in Narragansett is $336,400, which is higher than the state average of $230,000. The median rent for an apartment in Narragansett is $1,150 per month, which is also higher than the state average of $900 per month. The cost of living in Narragansett is high due to its proximity to Providence and Newport. Groceries are more expensive than many other places in Rhode Island as well as taxes that are slightly higher than the national average. Despite this, many people choose to live in Narragansett because it offers beautiful beaches and waterfront properties with access to some of the best schools and amenities in Rhode Island.

For population 25 years and over in Narragansett

High school or higher: 91.3%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 41.8%
Graduate or professional degree: 17.6%
Unemployed: 3.3%
Mean travel time to work: 26.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Narragansett town

Never married: 37.4%
Now married: 46.1%
Separated: 0.8%
Widowed: 5.4%
Divorced: 10.4%

2.5% Foreign born (1.2% Europe, 0.7% Asia, 0.3% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +1,300 (+8.6%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Narragansett:

SOUTH COUNTY HOSPITAL INC (about 6 miles; WAKEFIELD, RI)
NEWPORT HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; NEWPORT, RI)
KENT COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 18 miles; WARWICK, RI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Narragansett:

THEODORE FRANCIS GREEN STATE (about 19 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Abbreviation: PVD)
GROTON-NEW LONDON (about 42 miles; GROTON NEW LONDON, CT; Abbreviation: GON)
MARTHAS VINEYARD (about 59 miles; VINEYARD HAVEN, MA; Abbreviation: MVY)

Other public-use airports nearest to Narragansett:

QUONSET STATE (about 10 miles; NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI; Abbreviation: OQU)
RICHMOND (about 12 miles; WEST KINGSTON, RI; Abbreviation: 08R)
NEWPORT STATE (about 14 miles; NEWPORT, RI; Abbreviation: UUU)

Amtrak station near Narragansett:

9 miles: KINGSTON (WEST KINGSTON, FAIRGROUNDS RD.). Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Narragansett:

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (about 6 miles; KINGSTON, RI; Full-time enrollment: 11,759)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND (about 18 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,650)
NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 18 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,419)
ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY (about 21 miles; BRISTOL, RI; Full-time enrollment: 3,007)
JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY (about 26 miles; Providence, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,218)
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (about 26 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,086)
BROWN UNIVERSITY (about 27 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 7,460)

Schools

Public high school in Narragansett:

NARRAGANSETT HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 506; Location: 245 SOUTH PIER ROAD; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Narragansett:

OCEAN TIDES SCHOOL (Students: 69; Location: 635 OCEAN ROAD; Grades: 9 – 12; Boys only)

Public primary/middle schools in Narragansett:

NARRAGANSETT ELEMENTARY (Students: 645; Location: 55 MUMFORD ROAD; Grades: PK – 04)
NARRAGANSETT PIER SCHOOL (Students: 522; Location: 235 SOUTH PIER ROAD; Grades: 05 – 08)

Private primary/middle school in Narragansett:

GROWING CHILDREN OF RI (Students: 24; Location: 1 PIER MARKET PLACE; Grades: PK – KG)

Libraries

Library in Narragansett:

NARRAGANSETT PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $441,941; Location: 35 KINGSTOWN ROAD; 84,002 books; 1,315 audio materials; 552 video materials; 122 serial subscriptions)