West Greenwich

Tucked away in the heart of Rhode Island, West Greenwich, named after the historic town of Greenwich, England, emerges as a serene enclave. Here is where the rustic charm of New England meets an abundance of natural beauty. “West Greenwich is a more small-town vibe and is good for those looking for a country lifestyle,” says Marvin Webber, Realtor with RE/MAX who has 6 years of experience in real estate and is a lifelong Rhode Islander. Surrounded by greenery on all sides, it’s a blend of elevated rural living just 25 miles away from the bustle of downtown Providence along Interstate 95. Central to the neighborhood’s desirability is its proximity to nature, excellent schools and nearby amenities.

The landscape blends traditional and modern, with homes ranging from Colonial Revivals, Ranchers, Cape Cods and the occasional million-dollar modern farmhouse. “There is a lot of open space and farmland. Most homes sit on an acre or more, so it’s drawn people who work from home and don’t want to be bombarded by people,” Webber says. Large private lots averaging around 2 acres and sprawling green landscapes are characteristic of the area, providing ample space for gardens, play and relaxation. Here, homeowners display manicured front yards hidden by tall oaks. The average home price hovers in the upper 500,000s, ranging from small Split-Levels in the lower 300,000s to single-family custom-built homes with three-car garages in the $800,000s.

West Greenwich is a paradise for outdoor lovers, surrounded by acres of parks, nature preservations and hiking trails winding throughout the diverse terrain. The Big River Management Area, with its meandering paths and pristine waterways, is a great spot for hiking, kayaking, and observing wildlife, such as cottontail rabbits and foxes. It’s common to see locals hiking around the trails while letting their pups dive into the quarry for a quick swim. The neighboring Arcadia Management Area offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Here, you’ll find Stepstone Falls. Though not a large waterfall, it’s known as a peaceful destination for swimming hole seekers. Fishing enthusiasts can spend the afternoon at Beach Pond Management Area hoping to catch a largemouth bass or catfish. The park spans about 430 acres, with amenities including a new boat ramp and floating dock for those looking to spend the day soaking up the sun on the water.

The neighborhood is home to highly rated schools on Niche, such as the Wawaloam School for kindergarten through first grades scoring a B-plus and Metcalf School for second through sixth graders scoring an A-minus. Older students attend Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior High School, scoring an A-minus, and Exeter-West Greenwich Regional High School scoring a B-plus. The high school offers multiple college and career pathways, such as the agricultural science pathway, allowing students to immerse themselves in the curriculum through hands-on learning.

Though modest, the town’s dining scene is rich in flavor and variety. Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery is the place to go for an afternoon filled with wine tastings in a rustic and picturesque setting. While an unmistakable barn is home to Dan’s Place, a restaurant and bar serving just about everything, it is a popular spot to grab a drink and play a trivia game. Down the street, Arcadia Pizza serves mouthwatering slices that have become a staple in the community. Nearby grocery stores include Roch’s Fresh Foods off Victory Highway and West Greenwich Grocery off Nooseneck Hill Road. You can score anything from locally sourced honey to fresh produce and homemade soaps here. Coventry Crossing, 9 miles away, is home to retail stores, such as nail and hair salons, Walmart Supercenter, The Home Depot and BJ’s Wholesale Club, letting locals embrace country living without giving up nearby city amenities.

Written By

Lillie Duston

Photography Contributed By

Andrew Moran

Video By

Matthew Bloch