Birchwood at Brambleton
Brambleton, Virginia
Westerly, Rhode Island
What It Is Like to Retire in Westerly
Westerly is a very attractive and prosperous town of about 20,000 in southwestern Rhode Island, near the Connecticut border. It is very popular with tourists because of the wonderful ponds and beaches in the area. Its economy was once centered on the local granite quarries.The downtown is especially beautiful with classic buildings, churches, and library. The town includes Watch Hill, one of the nicest watering holes for New York's elite. Misquamicut State Beach is one of the finest public beaches anywhere in the country. Surprising to many, Rhode Island has great surfing. Westerly includes a number of villages including Avondale (with antique colonial and Queen Anne style homes), Bradford (which has its own post office), Dunn's Corners, Mastuxet, and Misquamicut. The Pawcatuck River runs through the western edge of the town. Photo of The Pawcatuck River, with Westerly RI buildings in view courtesy of Wikipedia and Connienjay, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Westerly and Home Prices
There are active adult communities in the area. Zillow reported the median price of a home in Westerly was about $501,481 in early 2023. Close to the ocean and in the nicest neighborhoods there are houses which are priced in the millions.
What Is Special about Westerly
Interesting downtown, many historic districts and buildings, and fabulous beaches and salt ponds. It is no wonder tourism is the biggest local industry.
What Is Not Special about Westerly
It can get very crowded in season. Real estate is expensive. Rhode Island is a high tax state and not in the best fiscal shape.
Who Will Like Retirement in Westerly
People who like a nice downtown, pretty neighborhoods, and access to first class beaches will like Westerly.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism is probably the most important industry in Westerly.
Climate and Physical Environment
Being near the water gives Westerly a milder climate than interior New England. Westerly is the first town in RI coming from Connecticut, and is the first place where the east coast opens up to the Atlantic after being sheltered by Long Island.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
As a tourist town there is no shortage of restaurants to enjoy of all types. Westerly holds a number of annual events such as First Night and The Summer Pops, hosted by the Chorus of Westerly every June in the town park. Shakespeare in the Park is held in Wilcox Park. The beautiful library underwent several renovations throughout several years, with the final addition in 1994, winning the Historic Preservation Award from the Rhode Island Preservation Commission, and nearly doubled the size of the building.
Crime
The crime index in Westerly is less than half the U.S. index.
Medical facilities
Westerly Hospital
Transportation
Transportation options are plentiful. Amtrak stops here and I 95 runs through town. Nearby airports include Groton and Providence. Ferries in the area go to Long Island and the off-shore islands like Martha's Vineyard.
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