I've lived in one of New England's most popular tourist destinations for over 20 years. It's certainly not for everyone.
A long-time resident of Newport, Rhode Island, reflects on the challenges of living in a popular tourist destination. While the author appreciates the city's beauty, they note that increased tourism, traffic, and short-term rentals have impacted the quality of daily life for locals.
Why it matters
It illustrates the growing tension between local community needs and the economic pressures of the modern tourism industry in historic coastal towns.
I've been a Newport, Rhode Island, local for a long time now, and I've made peace with a lot of the drawbacks that come with living in a beloved tourist destination. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images I've lived in Newport, Rhode Island, for over 20 years. I love it, but it comes with drawbacks. The city gets so crowded with tourists in the summer and fall, which makes day-to-day life tougher. Still, navigating traffic and long lines is worth it to live in such a lovely part of New England . In 2002, I moved from Alexandria, Virginia, to Newport, Rhode Island, where my now-husband has family roots. I immediately fell for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and cozy New England vibe . It's so breathtaking that we chose to marry there, despite having spent much longer stretches of our lives in other amazing cities.
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