$1,200,359Average Value$652Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Newport's historic downtown district features incredibly well preserved colonials.
Living in a historic district close to all the amenities
From 1830 to 1910, the Kay-Catherine area was regarded as one of Newport's most popular destinations for summer getaways. It served as an enclave for successful writers, artists, socialites and businessmen of the time. Visitors stayed in one of the many hotels clustered around Bellevue Avenue or their second home, which was usually a large Victorian or classic colonial. Today, the properties built from that era still stand on Kay Street, which has since been named as a historic district. "Kay-Catherine is one of Newport's most historic, well-established and sought-after neighborhoods," says Connor Dowd, a Realtor and Rhode Island resident of 26 years. "It's in the city, so you're close to all the great shops at Bellevue Avenue and downtown, but it's secluded enough so you can escape the bustle whenever you want. It still feels very residential." Residents here are also close to the water, making trips to the beach a breeze. Dowd says, "There's a big sailing community in Newport; we literally have the National Sailing Hall of Fame. The water is definitely a big part of everyday life." The neighborhood's walkability is another attractive element— depending on what part of Kay-Catherine residents are in, they can walk into downtown Newport within 10 to 15 minutes.
The Welcoming Charm of the Kay-Catherine Newport, RI Neighborhood.
Former vacation homes that still stand
One of the most impressive aspects of the neighborhood is its homes, which famous architects like Richard Morris Hunt and the Mckim Mead & White firm have designed. Because most houses were built during the Gilded Age, some of the most common architectural styles are Colonials, Victorians and Greek Revivals. Homes sit on larger lots with sidewalks for getting around and are shaded by Black Cherry and Red Maple trees. "The houses here have larger lots compared to the rest of Newport, really stunning architecture and a history that comes with them," Dowd explains. "A few of these old mansions have also been converted into multi-family units, and there's some newer construction happening as well." Prices run on the steeper end, starting at $800,000 and going up to $3 million.
The Claiborne Pell Elementary School in the North End Residential neighborhood is a wonderful new school.
Starting at Pell Elementary School
The schools here fall under the Newport News Public School District. Pell Elementary enrolls over 850 students and receives a C-plus overall from Niche. The Frank E. Thompson Middle School is located on Kay-Catherine's west end and enrolls nearly 600 students. Niche rates Thompson Middle C-plus. Rogers High School enrolls approximately 600 students and earns a B from Niche. The school is known for its JROTC program, which has been around since 1916.
Visit Sticks and Cones for a scoop of homemade gelato on a summer day near Kay/Catherine.
Eating ice cream at Easton Beach
There isn't a park within neighborhood boundaries, but residents aren't far from Newport's green spaces. Braga Park is only a 3-mile drive away. Here, locals come to lay out in the open field, walk their dog, or throw around a frisbee. There is also a basketball court and a small baseball field available. Beaches are the main highlight here, and several are on the island. The closest option is Easton Beach, locally known as First Beach, which overlooks Easton Bay. Residents walk on soft sand, pick up ice cream from a food truck, and wade into the water to look for seashells. Occasionally, some locals report there being too much seaweed, but this doesn't stop people from coming back to visit. The snack bar and carousel are currently under renovation and are set to reopen in 2025. In the meantime, beachgoers still have access to food trucks, restrooms and the playground. The Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile hiking path along the coast, is also located by Easton Beach.
22 Bowens, a local favorite near Kay/Catherine, has an extensive wine list and outdoor seating.
Shopping and Dining in Newport
According to Dowd, the city of Newport has everything a Kay-Catherine resident could need. "Newport is one of the most popular seaports in town. You've got everything— amazing food, amazing shopping, amazing stuff to do and see." Dowd emphasizes the dining scene in particular. "There's so many options, but you can never go wrong with the Black Peal." Patrons dine on fresh oysters while overlooking the coast and engage in lively conversations about the week. Next door is the Clarke Cookhouse, an eatery with views of the marina. For groceries, residents head up to Shaw's supermarket or a smaller convenience store like Leo's Market.
RIPTA, Rhode Island's bus authority, runs trollies that take you from Kay/Catherine to downtown.
Travel by car, bus or plane
Public transportation is offered through the Rhode Island Transporation Authority (RIPTA), which has multiple bus routes that run through Newport. The neighborhood is also a 26-mile drive away from The TF Green Rhode Island International Airport via Route 138. To get to the state capital, Providence, residents take I-95.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
The Mathew J Arruda Group,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Queen Anne Square
Events
Touro Park
Trails
Visitor Center
J Paul Braga Junior Memorial Field
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Eisenhower Park
Trails
Equality Park
Congdon Parks
The Cliff Walk
Transit
Airport
Rhode Island Tf Green International
45 min drive
Bus
Kay & Mann
Bus
Kay After Brinley
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kay-Catherine
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kay-Catherine, Newport sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Kay-Catherine, Newport over the last 12 months is $1,279,063, up 12% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Hawkhurst estate was built in 1882 by architect Dudley Newton. In 1929 the estate was reimagined as four separate homes, one of which is 68 Kay St. This Queen Anne style home features the original estate's library as its great room. With hand carved coffered walls and ceiling. It also boasts a curved plate glass bay window and plate glass pocket doors that lead to the inviting semi circular
This 2295 sq ft condo at Eastbourne Lodge blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. Thoughtfully designed with an elevated take on a classic aesthetic, this light-filled residence features custom oak flooring, & Emtek door hardware throughout. The sophisticated living area has a Carrara marble fireplace, Visual Comfort lighting & bespoke Matthew Williamson window treatments. The chef's kitchen
Discover historic elegance and modern luxury in this exquisite 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium at Eastbourne Lodge. Nestled in one of Newport's most sought-after neighborhoods, this nearly 1,700 sq. ft. residence offers refined living with effortless convenience. Once a grand private estate, Eastbourne Lodge now boasts eight exclusive residences. Unit 5, situated on the second floor, is accessible
Welcome home to this 2 bedroom, 1 bath sun-drenched bungalow tucked away on a quiet side street. Enter through the enclosed porch, perfect as a mud room, to the spacious open living/dining area with hardwoods throughout and a sleek updated kitchen with bright white subway tile, quartz countertops, stainless appliances, and a farmer's sink. A nice dry walkout basement has laundry and adds extra
Curated for comfort, lifestyle and convenience by an owner who has moved and traveled a lot! Immaculate and spacious 2+ bedroom / 1 bathroom apartment with sunroom and private back yard. You'll love the enormous sun-filled, climate controlled sunroom as your living and dining room. This gives you the option to use the 2nd living area as a 3rd bedroom/guest room/office. Fully renovated, new
~ SUMMER RENTAL 2025 ~ Nestled in a prime location, this home is just steps away from downtown shops, top-rated restaurants, scenic waterfront parks, and historic attractions. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed space with a nicely updated kitchen, ideal for home cooking and entertaining. The finished lower level offers additional living space - perfect for a home office, media room, or
Available June 1st for a Yearly Term $3,800+/month (tenant pays all utilities) ~Large, 1st floor, 3-bedroom/2 bath unit (second bathroom being built prior to May 1st!) Stainless steel appliances, high ceilings with hard wood floors and large windows throughout. Updated kitchen with washer/dryer hookups in the kitchen. Three large bedrooms and gas heat. This rental also offers off-street
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
The Mathew J Arruda Group,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,946
Median Age
46
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$96,605
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$127,288
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.7%
College Graduates
65.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
32''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
62/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
38/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
