This New England City Was Named The Top US Destination For Buying A Vacation Home

It may be America's smallest state, but Rhode Island has an exuberant personality, attracting roughly 27 million visitors annually. With a wealth of picturesque beaches and a quintessential New England charm, it's no wonder Newport, Rhode Island is an East Coast hot spot for homeowners seeking sun, sea, and sand! This destination provides the shelter of a small-town community, yet it's still close enough for a day trip to some of the East Coast's larger urban cities. Known for its Gilded Age mansions, seaside Cliff Walk, sailing scene, and seafood restaurants, Newport is a popular pick for a summer retreat. Coupled with the extravagant luxury homes lining Bellevue Avenue, Newport is the epitome of a dreamy coastal escape. 

Making the leap to invest in a vacation home comes with a long list of benefits. It's a profitable investment, particularly for homes purchased along the coast. It also makes travel plans easier, alleviating potential financial constraints for affordable lodging. Vacation homeowners in Newport enjoy a great quality of life with plenty of fresh air, beautiful beaches, cultural hot spots, and a wealth of outdoor activities. The stunning landscapes only add to the captivating scenery that characterize this small port town on the New England coastline. With four seasons and milder winters than its neighboring East Coast states, homeowners are more likely to be exempt from the bitter Nor'easters that pervade states like Massachusetts and New York. Plentiful beaches transform into a winter wonderland in the off-season, making Newport the perfect place to plant a second set of roots.

Luxurious mansions dapple the neighborhood streets of this community, creating a coastal oasis. Surrounded by the sea on all sides of the peninsula, it's difficult to find a vacation home in this city that doesn't offer ocean views (or at least falls within walking distance to the beach). Newport's real estate market can be tricky to break into, with the median home price listed at $1.3 million.While many of these opulent homes are the dwelling places of residents, a select few stand as iconic monuments of Rhode Island's cultural heritage, including the Marble House, The Breakers, and Rosecliff. Located near iconic attractions, including the Cliff Walk, Newport Harbor, and some of the state's prettiest seashell-strewn beaches, it's no wonder Newport is one of Rhode Island's most coveted communities.

Ocean Drive is an enamoring 10-mile coastal highway that skirts the edge of the sea, guiding travelers down a strip of sunset paradise. A strong performing arts scene is another pull for homeowners who want to be immersed in an active and vibrant community. Live music festivals are a frequent obsession in the Newport community, while the Newport Arts Museum showcases the best of Newport's diverse talent and culture. Of course, the beach is the main draw for residents in Newport. First Beach and Gooseberry Beach are two local favorites, offering scenic views, beachfront walking paths, and smooth surf.

With over 400 miles of coastal scenery, there's a reason Rhode Island was able to claim its moniker as the Ocean State. A quick scan of local attractions reveals residents of Newport have quick and easy access to an entire state of eclectic energy and seaside beauty. Narragansett and Bristol are two other excellent beach towns to visit, with excellent swimming, surf, and local beach bars. Several state parks provide endless opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy Rhode Island's stunning coastal landscape and lush inland terrain. Brenton Point State Park and the Beavertail Lighthouse and Museum are both popular attractions — to name just a few!

Let's not forget about Rhode Island's renowned dining scene! Food is such an authentic part of the state's identity that residents of Newport now hold an annual Newport Restaurant Week in the fall. Participating eateries offer crave-worthy discounts, promotions, and deals to boost their business and encourage locals to immerse themselves in the foodie culture. From all that Newport has to offer, to the surrounding beauty that is the state of Rhode Island, this picturesque town is a top pick for a vacation retreat.