Richmond

Richmond is a rural, New England town with dense wood and sprawling fields. This is where outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking or fishing in a secluded, country landscape that contrasts much of the state. There’s an aspect of Richmond that almost feels southern, with its open land and privacy; however, the area maintains Rhode Island charm in its architecture and plant life. “People move here for a rural, subdued lifestyle,” says Dan Harding, a Realtor with Lila Delman Compass who has 20 years of experience selling in the area, “It’s a great place to be remote.”

Drive down Richmond’s narrow, two-lane roads and find bungalows alongside homes with clapboard siding. Here, you’ll see an American flag hanging off a wooden deck through a dense, diverse forest, with picket fences or stone walls bordering properties. Prices fall within a wide range here. You can find a small three-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch-style home for around $300,000. In the $400,000 to $600,000 range, you can find a three- or four-bedroom farmhouse or colonial-style home. “This is a good place if you want to escape,” says Harding. “You get more space and value than properties closer to the shoreline or condensed in cities.” From there, prices jump into the millions for luxury properties, many located within The Preserve Sporting Club & Residencies, which spans 3,500 acres of wilderness. Here, members and residents can go hunting, shooting, fishing and horseback riding or enjoy the various amenities, from a tennis court and pool to a spa and fitness center.

Students are zoned for the Chariho Regional School District and can attend Richmond Elementary School before moving to Chariho Middle School. Both schools receive a B-plus rating from Niche. Then, they can finish their studies at Chariho High School, a B-rated school from Niche. The high school has a Marine Technology Center in which students can opt to learn about boat design, construction, safety and navigation and, if they complete the required coursework, become ABYC certified.

“There’s a rural lifestyle, with woods and parks that you don’t find much elsewhere in the state,” says Harding. Black Farm State Management Area spans nearly 250 acres and offers scenic trails through a forest of maple, oak and pine. On a walk, pass abandoned railroads peeking through the brush or old stone remains amid the forest. Go fishing at Plain Pond, which sits at the park’s center, or go birdwatching in the surrounding woods. Richmond also accommodates golfers. Within the neighborhood’s boundaries, there are five courses: Richmond Country Club, Pinecrest Golf Course, Laurel Lane Country Club, Wood River Golf Course, and Meadow Brook Golf Course.

Every August, the Washington County Fair is held on Richmond Townhouse Road. The fair celebrates the county’s rural heritage and hosts an onslaught of fun for all ages. Listen to a lineup of country artists on the main stage or ride on the Ferris wheel with friends. Grab funnel cake or a corndog from one of the various food vendors, or take the kids to kiddie land, where they can enjoy fun-size rides. Shop inside tents and booths from various local vendors or pet animals at the petting zoo.

Grab ingredients for dinner from Richmond Market, a local grocery store inside a timber farmhouse on Kingstown Road. Shop for produce out of wooden baskets or select from an array of fresh seafood and meat. There’s also a deli inside that’s a local favorite for breakfast and fresh subs. Across the street, in a shopping center, there’s a Stop & Shop alongside Dunkin’, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Walgreens and a few gas stations.

“Depending on where in Richmond you live, you’re only a 20-minute drive from the ocean,” says Harding. Along with access to various spots up and down the shoreline, residents can get to Providence by traveling U.S. Interstate 95 for about 30 miles.

Written By

Adreanna DeMarino

Photography Contributed By

Andrew Moran

Video By

Emily McNamara