Charlestown offers access to Rhode Island's sizable salt ponds
Charlestown is a thriving coastal township that offers residents natural locales and ample options for recreation, dining and access to retail. The town has diverse outdoor spaces, from Atlantic beaches to tree-lined ponds and preserved forests with hiking infrastructure. Charlestown local and owner of Dandurand Real Estate, Peter Dandurand, says, “The waterfront is a huge draw for the community; we also benefit from low property taxes.”
A mix of coastal cottages and Cape Cods
Single-family homes range from $200,000 to $1.2 million. There are several mobile home communities farther inland close to the national parks. As residents drive closer to the center of town, there are suburban residential developments with split levels and Cape Cods on tight cul-de-sac streets. And by the Salt Ponds region and waterfront, coastal cottages, ranch-styles and seaside estates have larger lots, higher prices and ocean views.
Chariho High School partners with local organizations
Chariho Regional School District serves the area. Some nearby schools include Charlestown Elementary, rated an A by Niche; Chariho Regional Middle, rated a B-plus; and Chariho High, rated a B. Chariho High connects with many local organizations for community service opportunities for students, from environmental charities like Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Organization to food banks like Westerly Area Rest Meals. The school stresses that community engagement and service are as much a part of the curriculum as academics.
Charlestown's natural amenities encourage an outdoorsy lifestyle
Recreation is a large and diverse industry in the area. The town includes Blue Shutters Beach and East Beach, where residents can swim, sunbathe and set up campsites in the fine, golden sand. The Charlestown Breachway allows access from the Atlantic to the inland Ninigret Pond, the largest coastal salt pond in Rhode Island. Residents can fish from two marinas for striped bass and eel, and can also find blue crabs and bay scallops. Farther northwest, there’s Burlingame State Park, a massive forest preserved by the town and South County, featuring the 8-mile John Vincent Gormley walking trail that wraps around Watchaug Pond. The park allows hiking, camping, fishing and hunting in the Burlingame Management Area.
Local restaurants offer breakfast and seafood options
Westerly Crossing Shopping Center is 11 miles west on U.S. Route 1 and features Stop & Shop for groceries, as well as CVS and Home Goods. There’s also the Charlestown Mini Super close to home for groceries and fresh-baked pies and cookies. Dine at Hungry Haven for their breakfast with eggs benedict and French toast. And while the sun sets, grab a dinner at The Cove, a bar and grill. They serve everything from fresh clams, lobster and fish to steak and tacos. The Cove regularly hosts trivia and karaoke nights, as well as live musicians.
The Charlestown Seafood Festival
For 38 years, the Charlestown Seafood Festival has been a community staple. The three-day event in Ninigret Park brings residents together to indulge in fried fish, chowder and lobster and includes live music and nightly fireworks.
Hopping on Route 1 to reach Providence
Route 1 runs through Charlestown’s center, opening residents up to a 27-mile drive east to Newport or 41 miles north to Providence. As far as walkability, Dandurand says, “It’s normal to see foot traffic and bikes on the roads, considering it’s a coastal town.” Walking within the town is relatively simple, but shopping in nearby districts like Westerly requires a car.
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Johnny Milano
