$1,256,402Average Value$731Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Kay-Catherine neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Kay-Catherine Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kay-Catherine, Newport sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kay-Catherine, Newport over the last 12 months is $1,155,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 2,361 sq. ft. Eastbourne Lodge condo offers a refined blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Sun-filled and thoughtfully designed, it features custom oak floors, Emtek hardware and Visual Comfort lighting. The expansive living area centers around a Calacatta gold marble fireplace and bespoke Robert Allen window treatments overlooking a good-sized private deck. The chef's
Tucked off Kay St, this side by side two family home is a perfect fit for rental income, multi-generational living or guest accommodations. Each unit spans 3 levels, includes it's own private patio and features hardwood floors throughout.The exterior has been freshly painted and welcomes you with a charming front porch and one parking spot for each unit. Left Side Residence (4 Bedrooms, 2
Owned by the same family for nearly 100 years, this stately Victorian offers a wide range of development possibilities including continued use as a rental property, conversion to condominiums or restoration back to a magnificent single-family estate. The half-acre grounds front on both Kay St and Bowler Ln, offering rare space in this historic district perfect for adding a pool, pool house, or
YEARLY rental: Available now for a yearly term; $2,300+ per month (tenant pays all utilities) ~ prime location one minute on foot to vibrant Broadway and 5 minutes on foot to downtown shopping and dining!1 bed/1 bath rental in downtown Newport; freshly painted, 1st floor rental with hardwoods throughout. Enjoy an eat-in kitchen, a living room with an alcove and built-in shelves, a large
Available for August 2026. Enjoy Newport living at its best in this newly renovated 3-bedroom, 3-full bath Historic Hill home perfect for a comfortable and convenient seasonal stay. Step inside to a welcoming entry with a charming window seat, setting the tone for this thoughtfully updated property. The home features creative designer touches, including a primary ensuite with a new marble bath, a
This recently renovated 3 bedroom apartment with built in Air Conditioning and an en suite Washer/Dryer is located just off of Broadway, giving you easy access in and out of town. It is a short walk to all the restaurants and bars and less than a mile to First Beach! While maintaining its original late 1800's charm, this unit has been refit and brought back to life with a new kitchen,
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.
