18 Commons
Little Compton, RI 02837

"Lots of beautiful outdoor space; somewhat remote; beautiful beaches. Nice park and rec area; lots of small local farms"

"is how the New York Times described Little Compton several years ago. It is indeed largely undiscovered - bucolic, serene, visually beautiful and restful. I fell in love with LC in 1975, discovering it on a day trip a year after moving to Providence. I bought a second home here 17 years ago, and have been living here full time for the past six years. It is paradise in many ways - peaceful; small (pop. 2000 in 1890 and 3500 now); and with a citizenry actively committed to preserving its unspoiled character. I looked for thirteen years before finding my special spot, and never thought I would leave it. Like all places, LC has its drawbacks. Wilbur's General Store and the library are the extent of goods and services one would look for in a residential area. The nearest viable shopping is eleven miles away from the northern limits of town. Being a quintessential New England town, people largely keep to themselves, particularly in the winters, which can be interminably long and isolated. Apart from occasional civic activities - book sales, road races, etc., entertainment in town is non-existent. This makes it especially hard if you are single, or even a young couple. Over the years, many have found living here too isolating, and have moved away to areas where opportunities for socialization are clearly better. I have four neighbors who are "snow birds", spending six months of each year in Florida. This makes the winters more isolating. But when I asked them where they would prefer living when the time comes that they can no longer "relocate" twice a year, two chose Florida and two Little Compton. A dead heat. As retirement looms in the next two months, we have made the decision to sell our home and move to a small, historic, and largely unspoiled town in Florida, with nary a chain store in the downtown, with many shopping options nearby, and with a population that is friendly and inviting. C'est la vie. . "