Newport is a beautiful, coastal Rhode Island town known for its bright blue ocean water, craggy shorelines, picturesque turn-of-the-century mansions, and charming seaside streets. It is a town with a laid-back vibe, a rich history, and a community full of friendly, diverse neighborhoods. Even better, it has a smaller, yet thriving LGBTQ community where all can feel celebrated and welcomed.
A Look at Newport's History
Newport is a city with a long and rich history. It was initially founded in 1639 by English settlers who were seeking religious freedom – and ever since its founding, Newport has been a place that values free-thinking, free-spirited people of all kinds. Since its founding, Newport has served as an important port city, as well as a city full of craftsmen known for producing fine furniture and many other goods. It has also long been a destination for tourists and vacationers seeking the beauty of the coast, and it remains so to this day. It is a city full of art, culture, education, diversity, and much to see and do, and truly it would make a wonderful place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Newport
- Newport is a city with a rich history and many historical buildings. In fact, the White Horse Tavern, constructed in 1673, is the oldest tavern building continuously in use in the United States.
- Newport has more colonial homes in use than any other city in the United States.
- Newport was the site of the first airplane passenger line in the United States, which flew between Newport and New York City.
Read more fun facts about Newport here.
Newport’s LGBTQ Community
Newport is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Greater Providence is the Newport area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The mission of Newport Out is to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in Newport and to provide events, resources, advocacy, and opportunities for connection to the LGBTQ community living in the greater Newport area. Newport Out also promotes itself as a “travel and community resource” with the mission of not only creating a connected community in Newport but also promoting Newport as an LGBTQ travel destination.
What's the Weather Like in Newport?
Those who live in Newport can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Newport receives 48 inches of rain on average, per year, and about 31 inches of snow. Summers are usually beautiful, mild, and pleasant, with highs in July reaching an average of around 80ºF. Winters can be cold and often snowy, with lows in January dropping down to around 23ºF. Spring and fall are usually mild, with spring bringing beautiful blooms and fall bringing the bright colors of changing leaves.
Can’t-Miss Events in Newport
The Newport Pride Festival is Newport’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Newport Jazz Festival is definitely a can’t-miss event in Newport each year for those who love great music – and also for those who simply enjoy having fun. This festival brings hundreds of jazz musicians from across the country and around the world, as well as great food, live performances, and plenty of opportunities to have a great time with friends and family.
The Best Neighborhoods in Newport
Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Newport is sprinkled throughout the city, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home. There are a wide variety of homes and price ranges available in Newport – although generally, homes in the city do tend to be on the more expensive side. As a result, choosing one will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference. Without a doubt, finding a realtor who knows and loves the city will be essential to ensure that you have a smooth and successful experience in finding the perfect place in a neighborhood you’ll love. Currently, the median list price of homes for sale in Newport is $782,000.
Arts and Entertainment
America’s Gilded Age was a time of lavish wealth, thriving industry, and great opulence. During this time, many of the country’s titans of industry built their stunningly beautiful summer homes in Newport. These mansions line the coastline, overlooking Newport’s beautiful Cliff Walk, and offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can tour the mansions and the grounds, and it is truly a wonderful way to spend a beautiful Newport afternoon.
The Trailer Park Girls are an incredibly talented trio of drag queens that you won’t want to miss when in the Newport area. They are legendary entertainers in Newport and work closely with Newport Out and other LGBTQ groups in the city. You won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a show, or several, for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
In 1975, the Newport Cliff Walk was designated as the first National Recreation Trail in New England. This beautiful 3.5 walkway follows the stunning coastline past many of the stunning Gilded Age mansions, and it is the perfect way to see so much of the unique natural beauty of the Newport area.
Brenton Point State Park is a beautiful green space that is nestled on the coastline, offering excellent opportunities for kite-flying, picnicking, relaxing, walking, searching for seashells, or all of the above.
Newport Nightlife
Parlor is a very popular Newport nightspot known for its fun and friendly crowds, excellent food, strong drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy dinner and drinks with old friends, or to make some new ones!
Although not specifically a LGBTQ bar, Pour Judgement is very friendly and welcoming to all, and is certainly a favorite of Newport locals. This popular nightspot offers a wide variety of excellent beers, a rotating menu of delicious pub food, and great live music. It’s definitely a must-try spot on a night out in Newport.
Contact a Newport Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Newport, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Newport, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Newport gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
