Neighbourhoods

Newport is small in comparison to major cities, but has a number of different types of properties that cater to buyers' different tastes from in-town waterfront condominiums to private pastoral estates. There are spectacular mansions on Bellevue Avenue that were built by wealthy families in the late 19th- and early 20th-centuries and have acres of green lawns that run down to the sea.

"One of my favorite areas is the historic Point section," said Leys, near the Newport Bridge. "This neighborhood, about a dozen blocks long, fronts Newport's harbor with its marvelous array of sailing and motor boats, and is full of authentic 17th- and 18th-century colonial, Victorian and saltbox houses, some with wide plank floors, keeping rooms and bee-hive stoves." In summer the neighborhood association organizes a walking "secret garden tour" of Chestnut, Elm, Walnut and Cherry Streets.

Shopping

There are a variety of small gourmet and organic shops, such as Blue Rocks Market and A Market that sell fresh produce and groceries. "There is also always a large selection of fresh fish to buy at several fish markets," said Leys, "some so fresh they are directly off the boats!"

Every Wednesday in summer the Aquidneck Growers Farmers Market takes place on Memorial Boulevard. Farmers from the surrounding areas come to showcase their products such as local corn, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, jams and poultry. Chefs at many of Newport's top restaurants buy local goods here.

Schools

Newport and Aquidneck Island (Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth) are home to a number of pubic schools from pre-Kindergarten through grade 12. The island is also home to a handful of private boarding/day school options for the older high school (secondary) students, such as St George's School, a co-ed boarding school, and Portsmouth Abbey School, a Catholic boarding school. Newport is also near many of New England's best prep schools and colleges and universities.

Culture

While Newport has a classic New England shipbuilding and mariner history, it is also quite cosmopolitan, thanks to the sailing and summer communities. "In addition, Newport is home to the Naval War College, which hosts entire families from around the world and whose children live, learn and play in the same neighborhoods and schools as local children," said Leys. "Both Newport and foreign families learn from each other about cultural differences on a daily basis."

Utilities

Cox Communications and Verizon are the main suppliers of Internet, cable and phone services, while National Grid supplies electricity and gas. It is very easy to have everything installed immediately.

Weather

Newport has New England coastal weather, cold in winter and mainly pleasant in summer. For the comprehensive weather updates, visit Accuweather.