$1,230,697Average Value$725Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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
On average, homes in Kay-Catherine, Newport sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Kay-Catherine, Newport over the last 12 months is $1,320,000, up 42% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Behind the groomed box wood hedges is "Rainswept", a completely rebuilt 1920's townhome blending timeless character with modern luxury. Gutted to the studs, this condominium is now 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence tucked in the heart of the sought-after Kay Catherine neighborhood, just moments from Newport's vibrant downtown and waterfront. Enter through the shared foyer into a sun-filled living
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
Perfect location walking distance to town, shops and beach. Updated features, ready to move in or invest this charming Victorian has a great rental history.
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
Experience refined coastal living in this elegant cottage residence located in Newport's historic Kay/Catherine neighborhood. Walking distance to tennis hall of fame, shopping and the cliff walk. Thoughtfully designed with sophistication and comfort in mind, this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom stand-alone unit is available as a furnished winter rental. The first floor welcomes you with an inviting
AVAILABLE September 1st: $2400 includes all utilities (for a single occupant)! Experience the vibrant pulse of downtown living in this stunning 1st-floor apartment. Boasting soaring ceilings, expansive windows that flood the space with natural light, and gleaming hardwood floors, this 1-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers a modern and inviting atmosphere. The open-concept design
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.
