$641,638Average Value$451Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Coastal community in north Portsmouth
Unlike many Portsmouth communities, Common Fence Point goes by the same name today as it did when it was first settled in 1638. Back then, a fence ran through this section of Aquidneck Island, dividing the land into several “commons,” or public use areas. Common Fence Point lay north of the common fence, on the far northern point of the small island. By 1900, the neighborhood was home to the largest fish factory in the United States. Today, the fence and the factory are long gone, but Common Fence Point remains a close-knit, coastal community. “It’s a super nice family neighborhood. There are kids always walking through the streets and the community center has events going on all the time,” says Keller Williams Coastal Realtor Joy Gilkeson, who grew up here. “It used to be all little cottages, and it’s really changed as a lot of the older families have passed on and newer homes have been built, but it’s still just a really nice, family-oriented area.”
An aerial view of the Common Fence Point neighborhood shows the Mount Hope Bridge.
The Common Fence Point neighborhood is friendly, with most residents giving you a wave.
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Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals and more
Some homes in Common Fence Point are as old as 1920, while others are as new as 2020, but most were built in the late 20th century. They range in style from shingled cottages and quaint Cape Cods to large Colonial Revivals and Contemporary new builds. There are even some classic midcentury ranch-style bungalows. “The streets that go between the main roads are named in alphabetical order, which not many people notice,” Gilkeson says, referring to the gridded, residential streets spanning Common Fence Point Boulevard to Massachusetts Boulevard. That’s a detail no other Portsmouth neighborhoods can boast. Prices for older, inland homes start at around $310,000 and can climb to a little more than $650,000. Waterfront homes and newer construction tend to sell for between $700,000 and $1.3 million.
Experience the unique character of colonial homes in Common Fence Point.
For golfers, the Common Fence Point neighborhood is adjacent to a wonderful country club.
Find your dream colonial home in the beautiful Common Fence Point area.
This row of homes in the Common Fence Point neighborhood showcases many of the divergent styles.
Experience the unique character of colonial homes in Common Fence Point.
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Coastal recreation galore and a vibrant community center
“There are many places of activity you can join, like the Montaup Country Club,” says Lila Delman Compass listing agent Alexandra Thursby, a Portsmouth local. The semi-private club features an 18-hole course with a view of the water. The 16th hole overlooks the bridge over Mt. Hope Bay. “People will seek out the beaches, too, like those nearby in Island Park,” Thursby adds. Island Park, once home to an amusement park, is a stretch of sandy, swimmable beaches. It hosts the annual Island Park Preservation Society’s fireworks show every September. On Common Fence Point’s northeast side, Safe Harbor Sakonnet Marina has boat slips and dry storage. Just ½ a mile inland, the Common Fence Point Arts, Wellness & Community Center anchors the neighborhood’s heart. Beyond acting as a meeting place for Girl Scout Troop 645 and several local bridge groups, the community center offers exercise and art classes, as well as open studio hours. It also puts on the Music at the Point concert series every third Friday. Annual kayak/dinghy registration days are held here in mid-June, too. The Common Fence Point Playground is a few blocks away. In addition to the playground and baseball backstop, the park has an octagonal pit for gaga, a sport similar to dodgeball but somewhat safer, given the ball is lobbed underhand.
Tee off in beautiful Common Fence Point and enjoy the great outdoors.
For golfers, the Common Fence Point neighborhood is adjacent to a wonderful country club.
Join the locals as they reel in catches beneath the bridge at Common Fence.
Experience creativity and culture at Common Fence Point Art today.
Making beach memories at Island Park Beach, a short trip from Common Fence Point.
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Highly rated Portsmouth Public Schools
The Portsmouth Public Schools district serves Common Fence Point Students. Many go to Hathaway Elementary, which receives a B-plus from Niche, and continue to Portsmouth Middle, which gets an A-minus. Secondary students go to Portsmouth High, which is A-minus-graded. The high school offers nearly 20 different AP courses in subjects such as English, physics and studio art. In partnership with the Newport Area Career & Technical Center, Portsmouth High also provides a range of career and technical education programs.
Portsmouth Middle School offers students in Portsmouth a wide array of classes.
The Howard W. Hathaway School in Portsmouth serves young children.
Portsmouth High School is a paragon of educational opportunities for students.
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Discover Common Fence Point by taking the local highway today!
A series of bridges link Aquidneck Island towns
Common Fence Point sits on the far northern end of the island, but Gilkeson observes that it doesn’t take long to drive from one end to the other. “It’s a very close-knit island. It’s just three towns connected by a bunch of bridges, 25 to 30 minutes from one end to the other,” she says. Newport, on the far south end of Aquidneck, is just 13 miles away. The drive takes 30 minutes with no traffic via the Fall River Expressway and West Main Road. The expressway runs past the south side of Common Fence Point, connecting northeast across the Sakonnet River Bridge toward Massachusetts. Interstate 195 is in Massachusetts, about 6 ½ miles away. The T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, is about 32 miles northwest.
Vibrant Aquidneck Island dining scene
"There are little restaurants all around, always popping up here and there,” Gilkeson says. Close to Island Park, there’s Localz Kitchen & Cocktails, which serves Italian-inspired American fare with views of the Sakonnet River. Gilkeson recommends Flo’s Clam Shack for clam cakes. The casual eatery is in Middletown, on the other side of the island, but the 12 1/2-mile drive typically takes less than 30 minutes. “There’s a little tiny corner store for bread and milk within the community,” Gilkeson says, referring to Little Corner Store & Deli. “But for real grocery shopping, you have to leave and go into Portsmouth proper. There’s a supermarket called Clements’ Marketplace that’s a family-owned kind of local spot, which is the closest grocer without leaving the island.” Clements’ is about 4 miles south of Common Fence Point. Mello’s Farm & Flower Center, which sells local produce and plants, is nearby.
Discover why Local Z is a favorite dining spot in Common Fence Point.
Don't miss out on Schultzy's Snack Shack's popular fish and chips in Common Fence Point.
Discover fresh deli delights at the Corner Store in Common Fence Point, RI.
Enhance your garden with lovely decor from Mello Farms and Flowers in Common Fence Point.
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 Labonte Group,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bristol Town Common
Bristol Playground
Fort Barton Woods & Revolutionary War Redoubt
Rockwell Park
Independence Park
Bulgarmarsh Road Park
Common Fence Point Playground
Island Park Beach
Transit
Airport
Rhode Island Tf Green International
47 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Common Fence Point
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Common Fence Point Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Common Fence Point, Portsmouth sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Common Fence Point, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $599,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Desirable Common Fence Point lot with approved 2 BR Septic, architectural plans and Elevation Certificate. Alternatively, bring your own plans and build your dream house in this community focused waterfront neighborhood. This coastal community is conveniently situated on the shores of the Mt. Hope Bay and offers westerly water views of the Mt. Hope Bridge and vibrant sunsets. Close to Bristol,
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home in the coveted Common Fence Point neighborhood. This 3,485 sq/ft parcel of westerly-facing land offers an exceptional opportunity for the discerning buyer. Enjoy serene water views and stunning sunsets from your future home in a prestigious neighborhood known for its charm and community spirit. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Newport and
Charming 3 Bedroom, 3 full bath cottage in Common Fence Point. Experience coastal living at it's best surrounded by the water. Wonderful water views and views of Mount Hope Bridge from one of the highest spots in the Common Fence Community. Located just down the street is a marina and within walking distance is a beach and park. This cute summer or year round home features a spacious living room
Charming Furnished Beach Cottage Your Cozy Winter Escape. Available October 1, 2025 May 15, 2026 Welcome to your perfect winter getaway in beautiful Common Fence Point! This delightful, fully furnished beach cottage offers simple elegance and all the comforts of home, just a short stroll from neighborhood beaches. Inside, you'll find an open-concept layout on the main floor, featuring a
Spend winter 2025-2026 in this beachside haven. Charming, rustic, and waterfront, offering direct beach access. With just under 900 square feet, and three open air bedrooms, this is the perfect winter retreat. Valuted ceilings, restored cabinetry, hardwood floors, a wood burning stove, and incredible views. The large screened in porch overlooking the marina is the perfect place to spend cool
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
The Labonte Group,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,503
Median Age
48
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$128,483
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$146,446
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.6%
College Graduates
56.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
32''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
20/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
10/ 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.
