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Welcome to Brown Ave Historical District: Johnston, Rhode Island

BirdThirty years ago, realtor David Callaghan and his wife left Manhattan with a six-month-old in tow, landed in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and never looked back. 

Driving down Brown Ave takes you back in time. Just one turn past the Dunkin’ Donuts on busy Hartford Avenue, high overhanging trees line a twisting, narrow road that winds through the center of a small neighborhood. The 1,000 acres of undeveloped state parkland and preserved 500-acre farmland border both sides creating a feeling like you have stepped back into the 1800s—it's as though you are driving down an old country road.

Brown Ave was added to the list of the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and serves as a tangible reminder of Rhode Island's agricultural past.

Brown Ave Historical District is a small neighborhood located in Johnston, Rhode Island. The district is characterized by a distinctly rural and agricultural landscape extending along 1 mile of Brown Avenue between Hartford Avenue (United States Route 6) and Greenville Avenue.

5 Reasons You'll Love It

1. This road was once home to 5 farms and fed a majority of Rhode Island in the 1800s. Dame farm and Orchard are still one of these working farms today—where you can pick fresh blueberries, pumpkins, apples…and sunflowers!

2. You can hike in Johnston! Serval entrances to Snake Den State Park can be found along this neighborhood. The property includes 1,000 acres of undeveloped land, which boasts beautiful walking trails lined with trees, plants, and a working farm.

3. Close to everything: Route 5 and Route 6 have endless shops, restaurants, and necessities.

4. In the autumn, its foliage is spectacular.

5. Oak Swamp Reservoir is just minutes away and allows for fishing, kayaking, and hiking.

5 Reasons You'll Hate It

1. Connecting two major routes quickly can have its downsides. Firetrucks, police officers, and ambulances often use Brown Ave to get from Johnston to Smithfield quickly.

2. The neighborhood has no gas lines. All homes are either oil or propane heat.

3. Popular elementary school on Brown Ave causes congested traffic during pick up and drop off times.

4. Dame farm can cause traffic during holiday festivities.

5. Hartford Avenue (US Route 6) is a major trucking route, so if you live near the end of Hartford Ave and it's late at night—you may hear trucks passing through.

Styles Of Homes In The Neighborhood

The Dame Farm home has been preserved through the years and is still owned by descendants of its original owners. According to records, it looks almost identical today as it did in the 18th century. Farmhouse architecture is best known for its large wrap around porches where families used to sit and watch their crops grow.

If you're looking to buy a home in Johnston, Rhode Island, browse current listings in Johnston or contact Teri Degnan Real Estate today.

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