Last Updated on: 31st October 2023, 12:46 pm
Looking for the best place to live in Rhode Island? Rhode Island is a good place to live with its miles of coastline, fascinating maritime culture, and quaint New England charm. Even though it’s the smallest state in the US, you’ll still find a wide variety of great cities and towns that offer friendly residents and world-class seafood. Rhode Island is a good place to live and features a more laid-back and down-to-earth atmosphere than many parts of New England, with a healthy mix of amenities and affordable living. It is made up of 39 municipalities, including eight cities and 31 towns, each offering something unique and exciting. So, to help you decide where to live in Rhode Island, here is a list of the best cities and towns in the state.
Westerly | One of the Best Beach Towns in Rhode Island to Raise a Family
- Population: 23,359
- Municipality: Town
- County: Washington County
Westerly is a peaceful town near the Connecticut border that offers sandy beaches, great restaurants, and low crime. Bordered by the Pawcatuck River and the Atlantic Ocean, Westerly is one of the best towns in RI and offers ample opportunity for water sports and outdoor activities. It also has a total crime rate that is 66% lower than the national average and a school system that ranks among the best in the state, making it one of the best places to live in Rhode Island for families.
Misquamicut State Beach is a notable attraction with beautiful stretches of coastline and an amusement park. The downtown features gorgeous historic architecture, and you’ll find plenty of Victorian and colonial homes with spacious lots on tree-lined streets. So, Westerly is one of the best towns to live in Rhode Island if you’re looking for a mix of summer fun and a pleasant atmosphere year-round.
Warwick | The Best Affordable Place to Live in Rhode Island for Growing Families
- Population: 82,823
- Municipality: City
- County: Kent
Warwick is a city in Kent County, located south of Providence between Greenwich Bay and the Providence River. It’s the 3rd largest city in the state by population and has a reputation for being one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. With a crime rate that is 45% lower than the rest of the country, Warwick is one of the safest cities of its size in America.
It also has an excellent school system, making it a popular choice for families. But despite all the value it offers, the median listing price of a home in Warwick is only $379,000. So, if you’re looking for a high quality of life at a reasonable price, Warwick is the best town in Rhode Island.
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Providence | The Best Place to Live in Rhode Island for College Students and Young Professionals
- Population: 190,934
- Municipality: City
- County: Providence
Providence is the largest city in Rhode Island and also the state capital. It’s the cultural epicenter of Rhode Island and home to several respected educational institutions such as Brown University, a school in the Ivy League, and the Rhode Island School of Design. Downtown Providence is the best city in Rhode Island for young professionals and college students, with plenty of hip neighborhoods, trendy bars and restaurants, and funky boutiques.
It offers the feeling of a small town with plenty of big city amenities as well as affordable homes, historic attractions, and a booming job market. Plus, only 32% of the population is married, making it the best place to live in RI for singles. So, if you’re looking for the best cities in Rhode Island offering excitement and culture, consider living in Providence.
Cranston | One of the Safest Places to Live in Rhode Island
- Population: 82,934
- Municipality: City
- County: Providence County
Located just south of Providence, Cranston is one of the top cities in Rhode Island and second-largest by population. Cranston often tops the list of best places to live in the United States due to its suburban ambiance, many parks, and robust economy. Living in Cranston offers a great blend of hip urban neighborhoods and calm residential blocks with plenty of trees and affordable homes.
Residents will find plenty of fun things to do, from Roger Williams Zoo Park to the Garden City Center Shopping Mall. Cranston is also very safe for a city of its size, and the crime rate is 45% lower than the national average, while violent crime is 66% lower. So, with a good mix of excitement and tranquility, Cranston is one of the best places in Rhode Island to live for residents from all walks of life.
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Newport | The Best Coastal Town in Rhode Island for Retirees
- Population: 25,163
- Municipality: City
- County: Newport
Newport is a coastal city on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, offering historic homes and picturesque scenery. Famous for its historic Gilded Age mansions and sailing culture, Newport is a peaceful resort town and one of the best cities to live in Rhode Island, with a central location and a high quality of life. It’s approximately 33 miles southeast of Providence, 20 miles south of Falls River, 74 miles south of Boston, and 180 miles northeast of New York City, offering easy access to the top attractions on the East Coast.
One of the best places to live in Rhode Island for retirees, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy, from sailing and fishing to tennis and golf. Notable attractions include the Cliff Walks Hiking Area and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Newport is one of Rhode Island’s premiere vacation destinations but also one of the best places to live in RI for easy access to attractions and breathtaking ocean views.
Tiverton | A Small Coastal Town with Low Crime and New England Charm
- Population: 16,359
- Municipality: Newport County
- County: Town
Tiverton is a town in Newport County located along the Massachusetts border that offers natural beauty and a great place to raise a family. It’s the best town to live in Rhode Island for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless parks, beaches, nature preserves, ponds, and streams. It’s one of the best Rhode Island towns with a quaint New England charm with plenty of great seafood restaurants, cafes, and antique shops; plus, it’s only a 30-minute drive into Providence for more amenities.
It’s a very safe community with a crime rate that is 61% lower than the national average. It’s also known for its fantastic school system, making it one of the best towns in Rhode Island to raise a family. So, if you’re looking for a small town in a central location, Tiverton is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island.
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Narragansett | A Quaint Rhode Island Beach Town with Natural Beauty
- Population: 14,536
- Municipality: Town
- County: Washington
Narragansett is a quiet coastal town in Washington County that offers a peaceful atmosphere and sandy beaches. Home to iconic landmarks like the Point Judith Lighthouse and Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett is one of the best small towns in Rhode Island for those looking for a quaint, historic atmosphere. It also has a nice, walkable downtown with plenty of charming boutiques and delicious restaurants.
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and swimming. Narragansett is a beautiful community and one of the best towns in Rhode Island for families and retirees. Home prices can be expensive, but for those who can afford it, it’s a coastal paradise and one of the nicest towns in Rhode Island.
East Providence | The Best Place to Live in Rhode Island for a Blend of Urban Excitement and Outdoor Adventure
- Population: 47,133
- Municipality: City
- County: Providence
Right across the river from Providence is the city of East Providence, the fifth-largest city in the state. East Providence is known for its breathtaking beauty and historic architecture. Living in East Providence offers a small-town vibe with big-city amenities, historic attractions, and plenty to keep you entertained. It’s one of the best places to live in northeast Rhode Island, with a good mix of suburban neighborhoods and urban excitement. Notable attractions in the city include the popular Comedy Connection stand-up comedy club and Crescent Park Carousel.
You’ll find plenty of shopping and world-class bars and restaurants offering everything from Italian food to Portuguese. But there is also plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation with the Seekonk and Providence Rivers and plenty of parks and nature preserves throughout the city. It’s also very safe for a city of its size, and the total crime rate is 64% lower than the national average, and the violent crime rate is 65% lower. As a result, East Providence is one of the best cities in Rhode Island for singles, young professionals, and growing families looking for a pleasant atmosphere with plenty to do.
Map of the Best Places to Live in Rhode Island
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