Living a Outdoor Oriented Lifestyle in Westerly, Rhode_Island

Westerly is a very attractive and prosperous town of about 20,000 in southeastern Rhode Island, near the Connecticut border. Tourists come here because of its beaches, especially Misquamicut State Beach. The downtown is especially beautiful with classic buildings, churches, and library. The town includes Watch Hill, a popular place for New York's elite to have their second homes. Rhode Island has great surfing, and that is true is Westerly.  The town includes a number of villages including Avondale (with antique colonial and Queen Anne style homes), Bradford, Dunn's Corners, Mastuxet,  and Misquamicut. The Pawcatuck River runs through the western edge of the town. Photo of beach courtesy of Wikipedia and Bwalac.

Where to Retire in Westerly and Home Prices

There are active adult communities in the area (see link at left).
Zillow reported the median price of a home in Westerly was about $537,770, in mid-2022. Near the ocean and in the nicest neighborhoods there are many houses priced in the $millions.

What Is Special about Westerly

Interesting downtown, many historic districts and buildings, and fabulous beaches and salt ponds. It is no wonder tourism is the biggest local industry.

What Is Not Special about Westerly

It can get very crowded in season. Real estate is expensive. Rhode Island is a high tax state and not in the best fiscal shape.

Climate and Physical Environment

Being near the water gives Westerly a milder climate than interior New England. Westerly is the first town in RI coming from Connecticut, and is the first place where the east coast opens up to the Atlantic after being sheltered by Long Island.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

As a tourist town there is no shortage of restaurants to enjoy of all types . Westerly holds a number of annual events such as First Night and The Summer Pops, hosted by the Chorus of Westerly every June in the town park. Shakespeare in the Park is held in Wilcox Park which is also home to Westerly's beautiful library.

Crime

The crime index in Westerly is less than half the U.S. index.

Medical Facilities

Westerly Hospital

Transportation

Transportation options are plentiful. Amtrak stops here and I 95 runs through town. Nearby airports include Groton and Providence.   Ferries in the area go to Long Island and the off-shore islands like Martha's Vineyard.

Valuable Links

See Westerly

Westerly Chamber of Commerce

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