The Most Expensive Beaches in Rhode Island to Buy a Second Home

Do you want a second home and love opulence? Are you wondering about the most expensive beaches in Rhode Island? We are here to help!

With 400 miles of Atlantic coastline, Rhode Island is enchanting. Romantic shingle-style homes line the coastal beaches with their asymmetrical design, wood shingles, and stone construction. Many of these homes have wraparound porches large enough for the whole family to sit in rocking chairs and gaze out at the stunning ocean views. The charming homes are short distances away from East Coast towns that boast clean, beachy vibes, as restaurants serve fresh-from-the-ocean seafood.

Magical rocky cliffs that tower over the wild Atlantic surf cast spells over visitors and locals. Rhode Island is the perfect little state to invest in a summer home. And while there are plenty of options on the market that are more than affordable, there are also some glamorous homes that are straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. It seems almost a disservice to the beautiful architecture of these homes not to give them a fair chance.

Even if these homes aren’t in your budget, you can still live a bit of the high life. Plan a getaway and stay in a luxurious rental!

We’ll break down the top eight most expensive beaches in Rhode Island. Then, you can decide for yourself whether they’re perfect for your future summer home.

1. Middletown

Just as its name suggests, Middletown is in the “middle” of Aquidneck Island, bookended by Portsmouth to the north and Newport to the south. The cost of living in Middletown is 11% more expensive than the national average and 0% less expensive to live in than the average city in Rhode Island. It is home to miles of sandy beaches and thousands of acres of wild nature preserves. There are 325 acres of unspoiled diverse habitats and seven miles of marked trail at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. The Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge offers a 2.5-mile trail with panoramic ocean views.

The coastal town is not only perfect for nature lovers but is also a perfect spot for history buffs. It is home to a plethora of colonial-era historic sites, including the historic Prescott Farm. The farm is noted for its connection to British General Richard Prescott.

Home for sale: This western-facing home gives residents beautiful ocean views and sunset views of the cliffs. It is a new build from 2019, with meticulous grounds and gardens on the exterior. There are oversized decks on the top level to sip coffee on as you breathe in the salty air. The three-bed, three-bath, 2,880-square-foot home is a dream for any East Coast lover! Price: $2,850,000

2. Jamestown

This coastal town is the second largest island in Narragansett Bay. And like the other small towns of Rhode Island, it is entrenched in history dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War. In fact, the ruins of forts constructed in the late 19th century can still be seen today. Stacker compiled a list of places with the most expensive homes in Newport County, and Jamestown topped the list.

Land on the coast in Jamestown costs an arm and a leg! A 17.073-acre lot that is mainly wilderness is priced at $4,495,000. The large tract of land enjoys sunset views, cool southwesterly breezes, and serenity. A 1937 stone bungalow sits on the property. However, the price is for the ocean views and 350 feet of rocky beachfront. There is also a potential for a dock and moorings.

Home for sale: This shingle-style 1971 home gives residents panoramic water views from every level. The coastal home has an open and airy floorplan highlighted by walls of windows to capture the East Coast scenery. Stairs lead down to the shoreline. Residents can launch a kayak, go for a swim, or sail out to their own mooring. You can certainly live the beach lifestyle in this home! Price: $2,895,000

3. Newport

Newport is another captivating coastal town renowned for its magnificent waterfront views and opulent Gilded Age mansions. Newport offers the famed 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and even scenic trolley rides through the area. The town’s stunning coastlines entice everyone to boat through and explore the waters. Locals and visitors indulge in local specialties such as lobster rolls, famous Rhode Island clam chowder, and stuffies.

Newport’s cost of living is 31% higher than the national average. And it has always been a glamorous place to live. In fact, the U.S. Open tennis tournament began in Newport. It is also known for the Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue, some of which are now museums. The most famous is The Breakers, an 1895 mansion patterned after a Renaissance palace.

Home for sale: A 1952 home differs from its neighbors, as it is Mid-Century Modern instead of a coastal or shingle style. It also gives inhabitants the best of both worlds: it is only 200 feet from the bustling Gooseberry Beachover and it overlooks a lily pond. The views of the crashing waves of the Atlantic along with the swans and other wildlife in the pond create a perfect oasis. Price: $7,995,000

4. Kingston

The town of Kingston is split into north and south, but both areas are ranked in the top 13% and 16% of the most expensive cities in the world. South Kingstown is the third largest town in Rhode Island by geographic land area, and North Kingstown is home to the birthplace of American portraitist Gilbert Stuart. He painted the George Washington image that is on all the United States dollar bills.

Both towns are home to scenic beaches, important historical sites, and quirky small downtowns with seafood restaurants and local stores.

Home for sale: This quintessential coastal home doesn’t sit on the waterfront but is only a short drive to the beach. Perfect for entertaining and hosting gatherings, the ideally located oasis boasts a large deck with a step down onto the paver patio for casual relaxation, outdoor grilling, and dining. It is a great second home for those wanting the East Coast lifestyle without the bustle of the beach on their doorstep. Price: $764,000

5. Westerly

This small collection of villages boasts Colonial-style and Queen Anne-style homes that are all minutes from sandy white beaches. Two of the best beaches are Misquamicut State Beach and the gorgeous Napatree Point. Both are also popular with hikers and bird watchers. The famous Flying Horse Carousel sits at Watch Hill Beach. The 1883 ride is the oldest operating carousel in the United States in which the horses are suspended from chains.

The average cost of living in Westerly is in the top 14% of the most expensive cities in the world. Westerly is the town to purchase your second home if you want the serenity of the beach and nature, but appreciate the amenities offered in large cities. The shore town offers gorgeous beaches, modern bars, ocean views, and delicious eateries that would make a second home worth visiting!

Fun Fact About Westerly

Taylor Swift bought an 11,000-square-foot beachside home in 2013. It sits on more than five acres, including hundreds of feet of beach. The home was formerly named High Watch and also known as the Harkness House locally. It is now called Holiday House. It is situated in Watch Hill, a historic district in Westerly.

Home for sale: This 1930 sprawling home sits in the historic community of Watch Hill. It is named the Sandcastle because its backyard opens up to a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach. It offers a breathtaking 180-degree ocean view that stretches from the Weekapaug coastline to the iconic Watch Hill Lighthouse, with a pristine white sand beach in between. The Sandcastle contains balconies from which to watch the gorgeous ocean sunsets and even has guest quarters with a sitting area and a full kitchen. Price: $19,995,000

6. Charlestown

Charlestown’s cost of living is 29% higher than the national average. This expensive town was once a part of Westerly. Named after King Charles II, the town is home to vibrant beaches and a busy, yet charming downtown. In fact, Charlestown’s Seafood Festival has been named one of the Top 100 Events in America by the American Tour Bus Association in 1988, 1996, and 2008. This bustling coastal town is perfect for a second home because it offers relaxation and activities; however, it could be hard to leave because of its beauty.

Home for sale: This contemporary beauty contains floor-to-ceiling windows that light up the serene setting at night. It is luxury living combined with laid-back comfort. The home sits 11 feet above sea level to give guests panoramic sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding marshes. It can be your personal sanctuary of contemporary coastal living! Price: $9,950,000

7. Narragansett

The Atlantic Ocean town of Narragansett is a popular destination in the summer. Its population nearly doubles when the beaches are warm enough to suntan and relax. However, it never feels crowded. In fact, Narragansett lures tourists away from more crowded coastal destinations with its beautifully maintained beaches, quirky restaurants, historic landmarks, and laid-back surf-town vibes.

The cost of living is 28.0% greater than the national average. Visitors once relished in gambling and beachside fun in the charming little town at the Narragansett Pier Casino. Those days are in the past though, as the centerpiece of summer disappeared, as did many other turn-of-the-century wooden structures. However, visitors and locals still enjoy the pristine beaches and charm of the coastal town.

Home for sale: Built in 2022, this new home is coastal style through and through after its renovation. And even though it is only two bedrooms and three baths at 1,557 square feet, it still has a hefty price tag due to its location. The home is the perfect beach getaway for a second home. It sits on a quiet street that is mere footsteps away from Narragansett Beach and all the in-town restaurants and shops. Price: $1,197,000

8. Barrington

The tiny coastal town of Barrington is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Barrington offers residents a rural feel even though it is surrounded by water. The beautiful town is known for its waterfront properties as well as the well-recognized Rhode Island Country Club. Every July, PGA golfer Brad Faxon holds a charity golf event that attracts the likes of Arnold Palmer, Billy Andrade, and Sergio Garcia. Barrington also has a bike path that runs 14.5 miles from Bristol all the way to Providence.

The relaxing town is a great place for a second home because of its serenity. It isn’t known for its nightlife, but during the summer there are small events and concerts. And if you are looking for a bar scene, surrounding towns offer numerous options. Barrington offers peace of mind and is a great place to get away from the business of life.

Home for sale: A home sits at the end of a brick driveway surrounded by a detailed stone wall. The property sits on over one acre with a gorgeous saltwater pool, cabana, and resort-like grounds. Rolling lawns and mature landscaping surround the home, and it is a short walk to Barrington Beach and the town center. Price: $2,995,000

Summary of the Most Expensive Beaches in Rhode Island

If you are looking for a second home filled with opulence and grandeur, you can begin and end your search in Rhode Island. It offers historic and new homes to be enjoyed during the wonderful East Coast summer season. Even though most are shingle-style homes, the favorite of the Atlantic coast, a style exists for everyone! Check out this state’s waterfront towns!