Exeter

Exeter is a picturesque town about 10 miles from the coast of Rhode Island. With its charming rural landscapes, the neighborhood offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, there is a private serenity, as well as natural beauty, that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. “There’s room to farm and open fields,” says Dan Harding, a Realtor with Lila Delman Compass, who has 20 years of experience selling in the area. “You’re close to cities and the coast while still being rural.”

Homes in Exeter sit along two-lane roads, amid oak and pine trees. The area is rural and remote, with open fields and dense forest encompassing the land surrounding properties. You can find a four-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow or a three-bedroom colonial-style property in the upper $400,000 range. Larger Cape Cods or farmhouses will reach the $700,000 to $800,000 range. Homes here feature trademark New England architectural aspects, including clapboard siding and gabled roofs.

Students are zoned for the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District and can attend Wawaloam Elementary School, which receives a B-plus from Niche, for kindergarten to first grade. Then, they can move to Metcalf Elementary School for Grades 2 to 6 before heading to Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior High School for Grades 7 and 8. Both schools receive an A-minus from Niche. They can finish their studies at Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Senior High School, which Niche gives a B-plus. Both the junior and senior high schools have a student-teacher ratio of 11:1.

“There’s woods and parks here that are hard to find elsewhere in the state,” says Harding. “The landscape is much more spread out than other parts of Rhode Island.” The Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve allows locals to walk their dogs along well-maintained hiking trails. There are leisurely options and more strenuous hikes through lush woodlands and past babbling brooks. Birdwatchers delight in spotting various avian species, while photographers can capture the landscape’s scenic beauty. Also, within the neighborhood’s boundaries is Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, which contains a variety of wildlife habitats, from beech forests to cedar swamps. The park asks that visitors refrain from bringing their dogs; however, locals can stroll past the historic cemetery on the property or go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Hike through pine woods on wide, flat old town roads at The Queen’s River Preserve. Here, there’s a historic cemetery and various spots to view the Queens River. Along the hike, visitors will pass an open hayfield maintained by a local farmer. During hunting season, the preserve is open to archery for deer, and hunters must wear fluorescent orange at all times. Also within the neighborhood is Exeter Country Club, whose 18-hole golf course has scenic views of the area’s remote, country setting. There are numerous other parks scattered throughout the neighborhood to accommodate all kinds of outdoor recreation, from camping to fishing.

Grab groceries from Stop & Shop on Ten Rod Road or get the essentials from the neighboring Walmart. Also in this area are Petco, Starbucks, The Home Depot, CVS and more, ensuring locals have easy access to everything they need. For dinner, head to The Middle of Nowhere Diner, on the west side of the neighborhood. It’s an old-fashioned American restaurant where you can sit at the counter and order. This red ranch-style building serves home-style food from barbecue and baked beans to fried chicken and tater tots.

Travel about 20 miles north to Providence using U.S. Interstate 95. Locals are also very close to the shoreline and can get to North Kingstown Beach using Rhode Island State Route 102 for about 8 miles.

Written By

Adreanna DeMarino

Photography Contributed By

Andrew Moran

Video By

Mike Dunleavy