Top Neighborhoods
Westerly CDP isn't a one-size-fits-all town. The wrong neighborhood choice here can mean a 20-minute commute difference or living next to a summer tourist trap. This guide is for people making a serious decision, not a vacation.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Westerly CDP
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Westerly | Historic, walkable, touristy | $1,600-$2,200 | Young professionals, empty nesters | ~82 |
| Watch Hill | Coastal luxury, seasonal | $2,800-$4,500+ | High-income remote workers, retirees | ~68 |
| Avondale | Quiet residential, family-centric | $1,400-$1,800 | Families, commuters to CT | ~45 |
| Bradford | Rustic, affordable, rural | $1,200-$1,600 | Budget-conscious, creatives | ~32 |
| Misquamicut | Summer party, off-season quiet | $1,500-$2,400 | Seasonal workers, beach fanatics | ~55 |
Downtown Westerly
Overview: This is the historic heart of Westerly, centered around Broad Street and the granite-block Post Office. You're living above shops or in 19th-century row houses, steps from the Pawcatuck River.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,600 - $2,200/mo (1BR) | $2,200 - $2,800/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $380k - $450k
- 🚗 Commute: 5 min to I-95 | 15 min to Mystic, CT | 1h 15m to Providence (peak)
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~82 (Very Walkable)
Local Intel: Parking is a nightmare during the PawSox summer season and Beach Week. If you don't have a dedicated spot, you'll circle for 20 minutes. The best coffee is at The Coffee Pot on Broad Street; skip the chains. For dinner, The Malted Barley has the best craft beer selection, but get there early. The river walk is your best quick escape for a run.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals who work remotely but want a real "main street" life, and retirees who want to walk to everything and skip driving.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ True walkability to grocery (Westerly Food Co-op), pharmacy, and 15+ restaurants
- ✅ Strong rental demand means easy resale if you buy
- ❌ Summer tourist traffic makes simple errands take twice as long
- ❌ Noise from bars and events can be an issue on weekends (especially near Main St)
Schools: Westerly School District. Pawcatuck Middle School scores above state average; Westerly High is solid (7/10 rating). No major private options.
The Verdict: Move here if you want a walkable, social life and can tolerate tourist season chaos. Avoid if you need quiet, off-street parking, or have a 9-to-5 commute to Providence.
Watch Hill
Overview: This is the coastal enclave where the median home price skews the entire town's average. Think historic shingle-style mansions overlooking the Atlantic, with a tiny walkable village center.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $2,800 - $4,500+/mo (1-2BR) - scarce rental market
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $850k - $1.5M+ (oceanfront is $2M+)
- 🚗 Commute: 10 min to I-95 | 20 min to Mystic | 1h 10m to Providence
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~68 (Somewhat Walkable)
Local Intel: The Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn are your backyard, but they're private. Public beach access is limited; Ninigret Park (10 min drive) is where locals go. There is zero nightlife here; everything closes by 9 PM. Hurricane floods have hit the lower streets hard—check flood zones before buying.
Who Thrives Here: High-income remote workers who value ocean views and privacy over social life, and retirees with established wealth.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Unmatched coastal access and scenery
- ✅ Extremely low crime, tight-knit community feel
- ❌ Astronomical cost of living and property taxes
- ❌ Very isolated; you'll drive 15+ minutes for a Target or decent grocery
Schools: Westerly district, but many opt for private (The Pennfield School, 20 min drive). Public schools are fine, but not the draw here.
The Verdict: For those who can afford it and don't need a "scene." Avoid if you're on a budget, want nightlife, or hate driving for basics.
Avondale
Overview: The suburban workhorse of Westerly. This is where families put down roots—1950s-70s ranches and capes, neat lawns, and kids on bikes. It's off Route 1, but close to everything.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,400 - $1,800/mo (2BR) | $1,800 - $2,200/mo (3BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $350k - $420k
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to I-95 | 12 min to downtown | 1h 10m to Providence
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-Dependent)
Local Intel: The secret weapon is Avondale Park—small but has a great playground and Little League fields. For groceries, it's a 6-minute drive to the Stop & Shop on Post Road. Traffic backs up at the Route 1/I-95 interchange during 5 PM rush hour; locals use the Franklin Street exit to cut around it. St. Clare of Assisi Church is the community hub.
Who Thrives Here: Families with school-age kids who need space and a safe, quiet street but still want quick access to the highway.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best value for 3-bedroom rentals in town
- ✅ Quiet, low-traffic streets ideal for kids
- ❌ Zero walkability; you will drive everywhere
- ❌ Older housing stock means frequent septic and roof issues
Schools: Westerly district. Avondale Elementary is well-regarded. Pawcatuck Middle and Westerly High are both solid.
The Verdict: The top pick for families who prioritize space and safety over walkability. Avoid if you want to walk to restaurants or don't own a car.
Bradford
Overview: The rural, western edge of Westerly. This is more farms, woodlands, and large lots. It feels removed from the coastal bustle and is the most affordable pocket.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,200 - $1,600/mo (2-3BR) | $1,600 - $2,000/mo (house)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $320k - $380k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to I-95 | 18 min to downtown | 1h 05m to Providence
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~32 (Car-Dependent)
Local Intel: The Bradford Village Store is the local landmark and a solid breakfast spot. You're also close to The Fantastic Umbrella Factory (gift shop and cafe) which is a weird, charming stop. The biggest downside: well water and septic systems are the norm, which means maintenance costs. Route 1A can get fast and dangerous with deer crossings at dusk.
Who Thrives Here: Budget-conscious renters, artists/creatives who want studio space, and people who genuinely want a rural feel but still need to get to I-95 in 15 minutes.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable housing stock in Westerly CDP
- ✅ Larger lots and more privacy than other neighborhoods
- ❌ Very car-dependent; no sidewalks, no public transit
- ❌ Fewer dining/entertainment options; you're driving to downtown or Mystic
Schools: Westerly district. Schools are a longer bus ride here due to distance. No immediate parks or playgrounds; kids go to town facilities.
The Verdict: Your best bet for space and savings. Skip it if you need walkability, reliable cell service (spotty in parts), or want to be near the water.
Misquamicut
Overview: This is the beach neighborhood—literally centered around Misquamicut State Beach and the Atlantic Beach Park. It's a summer colony that empties out from October to May.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,500 - $2,400/mo (1-2BR) - many are seasonal/annual rentals
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $450k - $600k (small cottages to large beach houses)
- 🚗 Commute: 7 min to I-95 | 15 min to downtown | 1h 20m to Providence
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Somewhat Walkable)
Local Intel: Summer traffic on Shore Road is brutal from 10 AM-4 PM. If you live here, plan your errands before 9 AM. The Windjammer is the go-to for live music and drinks. Scooter's is the classic breakfast spot. Many homes are on septic and are uninsurable in certain flood zones—verify FEMA maps before buying.
Who Thrives Here: Seasonal workers in hospitality, young people who want a "beach life" year-round, and investors buying short-term rental properties.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ You can walk to the beach and boardwalk amenities
- ✅ Strong short-term rental income potential (Airbnb)
- ❌ Extremely quiet and closed-up in the off-season
- ❌ High flood insurance costs and hurricane risk
Schools: Westerly district. Schools are a 10-15 minute drive; not walkable for kids.
The Verdict: Perfect for those who want to live where others vacation (and can handle the seasonal economy). Avoid if you want a stable, year-round community vibe or have a 9-to-5 office job.