Prudence Island is the largest island located in the center of the Narragansett Bay. Truly a hidden gem for kayakers, bikers, beach bums, hikers, naturalists, clam diggers, fishermen, hunters and naturalists. This is a place you go to unplug yourself from modernity and reconnect with the past, nature and yourself. You will not find any hotels, restaurants, bars or retail stores here. There is one store, “Prudence Variety”, where you can get essentials and gas. “The island” (as locals refer to it) is made up of residential and reserved land. Seventy percent of the island is owned by the Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. This ensures that the island will stay undeveloped.
I have been a Rhode Islander my whole life, and I have traveled to many beaches across the state. There is no comparison to “a day at the beach” on Prudence versus anywhere else I’ve been. There are never crowds; it’s highly likely you will be the only person on the beach on a summer weekday. You’ll never pay for parking and any beach is just a short drive or walk away. The water is always clean and clear, never unsafe to swim in. Red tide is non-existent and by nature of being in the bay, the water is warmer than swimming in open ocean. For me, it can’t get any better.
Throughout the summer the calendar is dotted with annual island traditions that are fun for all ages. My two favorites are The Fireman’s Fair and The Labor Day Party. Think of The Fireman’s Fair as a giant yard sale/ auction with the very cool, unique furniture finds and household items as well as gift baskets. All the money raised is donated to the Prudence Island Fire Department. The Labor Day Party is the only busy beach day of the year, held at sandy beach on the west side of “the island”. Some fun examples of actives may include: barbeque, live music, pool tournament, swimming, volleyball and boating. All islanders are welcome.
Even though there is virtually no commercial space on “the island”, there is a bustling economy. Many islanders live and work on the island year round. There are local contractors, researchers at Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, artists, and even a one-room schoolhouse still functioning (elementary). One islander even runs her own screen printing shop in her house. Not to worry if you don’t sustain a living from the island, year round residents commute on the ferry to get to work and school. Ask an islander what they think about Prudence. A delightful conversation will ensue.
Prudence Island is truly a unique and wonderful destination. It’s one of my favorite places to be and if you’ve never been; I think you’re missing out. The Prudence Island real estate market usually has about 20 homes available for sale at different price points. Currently I have a beautiful listing located at 17 Sunset Hill Ave. An ideal spot walking distance to the ferry, store and water. This two bedroom one bath home sits high and dry on 1.34 acres of land; no flood insurance necessary. Enjoy your morning coffee on the wrap around deck or take a stroll to get the paper and enjoy the scenic views. This cute cape boasts a massive upstairs bonus room, high quality construction and a large basement with high ceilings, which you could finish off and even put another bathroom. There are also two quonset huts on the property, which can be used as storage or workshops.
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday Aug 12th, 10:30pm- 3:30pm
Ferry departs from Bristol at 9:45am and 11:30am. Give me a call and I can meet you at the ferry! For more info on ferry schedule visit
https://www.prudencebayislandstransport.com/schedules-rates/
I know why I love Prudence Island. But go visit for yourself and discover the reason you fall in love. The Prudence Island ferry runs year round, multiple times a day and can accommodate passengers and cars. So give me call if you’re interested in having a place like this in your life. I can take you on a personal guided tour and show you around.
Cell: (401) 301-9703
Office: (401) 289-2600