South Kingstown

A coastal town not yet touched by the commercialization of big brands, South Kingstown is a place of neighborly living and locally owned businesses. “There is a sense of magic in South Kingstown,” says Ken Munroe, a local Realtor with Munroe Real Estate Group and a lifelong resident. “We are surrounded by water, be it ocean, river or pond, and all centered around quaint downtown Wakefield.”

South Kingstown is a collection of several smaller villages, notably the bustling Wakefield-Peacedale area and the coastal Matunuck village. Classic American builds like Cape Cods and colonials populate the villages, with prices ranging from $600,000 to $800,000. Some properties reach up to $1 to $2 million because they include oceanfront views or large plots of land. Streets around Wakefield-Peacedale are walkable and adjacent to small shops, but further out, forests grow closer, and sidewalks end.

No matter where you live in the town, odds are there is something going on. Every season, South Kingstown Parks & Rec sends out a brochure to help residents keep track of all the farmers markets, fitness classes, and community celebrations to look forward to. Over the summer, the Village Green hosts weekly concerts and movies out on the lawn. The Fourth of July parade in downtown Wakefield is one of the biggest events of the year. All year round, the South Kingstown Recreation Center has a rotating schedule of fitness classes and sports teams open to the community. And the Neighborhood Guild is always offering artistic lessons in anything from painting to music.

There are plenty of outdoor activities as well. Talking about the nearby Block Island, Munroe explains: “It’s only a short boat ride away and well worth the trip. Most people head right to the beach, but on holidays and weekends, it can get pretty crowded with tourists.” The beaches at the town’s southern border are equally popular, and also spots for even more community events, like the Harvest Moon Bonfire held in the autumn. Smaller neighborhood parks and walking trails are found dotted around the town, featuring dog parks and playgrounds.

With all the community events, the parks, and the multitude of schools, Munroe says: “there’s nowhere else I would have rather raised my family.” The kids of South Kingstown can start at Matunuck Elementary School or Peace Dale Elementary School, both of which receive a B-plus ranking from Niche. For middle education, Broad Rock Middle School is a popular option, also receiving a B-plus. And South Kingstown High School prepares kids for college with a 10/10 college readiness score from GreatSchools. It earns this score with programs like Dual Enrollment, which allows students to earn college credits in advance, and the Career and Technical Education program, which encourages specialized skills in computer science, medical sciences, and studio art.

The University of Rhode Island is also located in the north of South Kingstown. “While the summer brings in tourists, the University brings a nice vibrant youth community during the other months,” Munroe explains. “Like all towns with a Main Street, it’s a small community where people really get to know each other, and the influx of tourists and students keep the town fresh and thriving.”

The small-town vibe is present in the shopping and dining options as well. You won’t find many big box stores in South Kingstown. Instead, stop by locally owned businesses like Brickley’s Homemade Ice Cream for a sweet treat or Tavern on Main, known for its classic American fare. And like most coastal towns, seafood is big here. Matunuck Oyster Bar is an award-winning option on the pricy side, and further south, you’ll find a collection of more affordable little beach bars serving up the fresh catch of the day.

Over in downtown Wakefield, take the bus along Main Street and High Street or walk and enjoy the ambiance. Purple Cow Co is an eclectic boutique ideal for buying unique gifts, and Pink Pineapple is a fun summer clothing store. When shopping for essentials, Shaw’s Grocery, just outside Wakefield-Peacedale, is the only large grocer around. For more recognizable name brands, you’ll have to drive a little further. Providence is 30 miles away, and the drive can be over an hour with traffic. For a speedier option for heading out of town, the Amtrack train line runs northwest of the town, right to Providence and the other direction into Connecticut.

Written By

Catherine Lashley

Photography Contributed By

Johnny Milano

Video By

Kevin Carter