Little Compton is a mostly rural and oceanfront town in Rhode Island’s East Bay. It sits across the Sakonnet River from Newport, RI, and borders Westport, MA. Little Compton’s beachfront is regarded as some of the best in New England, and is home to several esteemed private clubs. There is a certain vibe about Little Compton that’s unique, a kind of “slow down” mentality amongst the locals and residents. The community is peaceful, relaxed, and oftentimes very wealthy. Little Compton also has the lowest residential tax rates in the state, making the real estate options here highly desirable. You can find waterfront properties or secluded, rural properties around Pottersville, Adamsville, and The Commons.
According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price in Little Compton, RI was $775K in January 2023, trending down -11.2% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $421. The median home sold price was $754K.
* Tax rate based per thousand - Sources: United States Census Bureau. 2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office. Web. 17 March 2022. & Realtor.com
Little Compton is a place of small businesses and cute, quaint shopping. You won’t find any large retailers here. For those needs, you’ll have to travel north to Tiverton and the Fall River area. In town, you have small grocery stores, gift shops, small business services, farmers markets, etc. You have more options further up Route 77 in the Four Corners area as well. Take a walk or bike ride through Adamsville and you’ll find the Rhode Island Red Monument at the intersection of Adamsville Road and Westport Harbor Road, right in front of the baseball field. It commemorates the Rhode Island state bird and the history behind its breeding and origins.
One popular spot with locals (and visitors) is Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards. You can try the award-winning wines, shop at the mercantile store, get fresh food at the cafe, and enjoy live music throughout the open season. Be sure to get a tour of the vineyard and try a tasting with a group of friends over the weekend.
Little Compton’s restaurant scene is fairly limited due to its small population, but there are a few local favorites that never disappoint. Most of your dining options will be north towards Tiverton in the Four Corners neighborhood and further along the Sakonnet River. Middletown, Portsmouth, Fall River, and Bristol aren’t too far away either and all offer plenty of dining options.
Little Compton’s School Department consists of one school that serves the K – 8 grades — Wilbur & McMahon School. It serves approximately 250 students per year, with 33 teachers. Once a student reaches ninth grade, they attend Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, RI. Public school bus access is provided by the Little Compton School Department for students traveling to Portsmouth. For more detailed information about Little Compton’s School Department.
These are some of the top-rated public schools in Little Compton based on a variety of measures, including academic performance and equity. Find out more about GreatSchools ratings.
Little Compton is an oceanfront town of long winding roads and quiet seclusion. It’s miles away from the nearest highway and getting around here requires a car, motor bike, or bicycle.
Route 77: this is the main road that connects Little Compton to Tiverton and further access to highway travel via Route 24. It goes north to south, starting at Four Corners and ends at Sakonnet Point.
Route 24: Route 24 runs through Tiverton and provides residents a way to reach Bristol, Newport or Fall River. It’s also the quickest way to reach Providence via 195-W.
Long Hwy: runs north to south through the center of Little Compton and connects a few main villages — The Commons, Pottersville, and South Shore beach.
Distance to T.F. Green Airport: 40.2 miles
Distance to Providence Train Station: 34.9 miles
For more information on Little Compton community events and government departments, please visit the official website