Last Updated on: 5th February 2025, 08:23 am
Are you searching for a family-oriented, New England town with a rich history and charming downtown? Then, you may want to consider moving to East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
East Greenwich is a town in central Rhode Island, just south of Providence. It’s known for its beautiful homes, good schools, and easy access to beaches.
Formally incorporated in October 1677, East Greenwich was founded to solidify land claims made by landowners in Connecticut and Narragansett. It’s the eighth oldest town in Rhode Island and named after Greenwich, England.
In the modern day, East Greenwich RI is a good place to live for young families and retirees. It offers outdoor recreation, great schools, and a fascinating history. For those considering a relocation, here is everything you need to know about living in East Greenwich RI.
Where Is East Greenwich RI?
The town of East Greenwich RI is in Kent County. It is within the Providence and Great Boston metro areas. A coastal town, it’s situated on the western side of Narragansett Bay and offers residents living in East Greenwich RI gorgeous waterfront views.
Although mostly residential and suburban in character, about 20% of East Greenwich’s land is undeveloped woods and farmland. Several major highways pass through the town, including I-95, US Route 1, and Rhode Island Routes 4 and 2 (also known as the South County Trail).
It once had a historic train station served by Amtrak, although it was decommissioned in the 1980s and now houses local businesses. It’s close to towns like Exeter, West Greenwich, Coventry, North Kingstown, Warwick and West Warwick.
It’s 18 miles or 34 minutes to drive from East Greenwich, RI, to Providence, RI, and 74 miles or 1 hour 40 minutes to drive from Boston to East Greenwich, RI.
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East Greenwich Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the East Greenwich, RI, population is 14,302. The number of people living in East Greenwich RI, has steadily increased over the past few decades and went up by 8.8% between 2010 and 2020. It has a spacious, small-town ambiance with a population density of 872 residents per square mile.
It’s a very wealthy community with many growing families and retirees living in East Greenwich RI. The median household income is $155,037 per year, more than double the amount in the rest of Rhode Island. About 25% of residents living in East Greenwich RI are under 18, 16% are over 65, and only 6% are in their 20s.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of people living in East Greenwich RI is 82.5% (80.8% white, non-Hispanic), 10.8% Asian, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 4.6% two or more races.
Other East Greenwich, RI demographics
- The median age is 43.6 years old
- 51% of people living in East Greenwich RI are female, while 49% are male
- 97.4% of residents living in East Greenwich RI have a high school diploma, while 66.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 12.8%
With a low crime rate and a family-friendly atmosphere, living in East Greenwich RI is very safe. The total crime rate is only 624 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 57.2% lower than the Rhode Island crime rate and 73.2% lower than the rest of the country.
The violent crime rate is 63.4% lower than the rest of Rhode Island and 83% lower than the rest of the country. The property crime rate is 56.3% lower than the rest of the state and 71.3% lower than the rest of the country. So anyone moving to East Greenwich won’t have to worry about dealing with much crime.
The East Greenwich Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 32 sworn officers and 8 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in East Greenwich RI
The cost of living in East Greenwich RI is likely a consideration if you’re planning a move. A great way to get a sense of how much it costs to live in an area is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the typical price of consumer goods to the rest of the country, represented by 100.
The COLI for the Providence area is 110.7. That means the cost of living in East Greenwich RI is about 10% more expensive than the national average. Another good resource to reference is the Family Budget Calculator that the Economic Policy Institute created. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make about $104,755 per year to afford the cost of living in East Greenwich RI.
Standard expenses of living in East Greenwich RI:
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant: $100.00
- Cappuccino: $5.50
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.60
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.26
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $5.62
- Bottle of wine: $15.00
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.42
- Average East Greenwich monthly utility bill: $158.55
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect the neighboring town of West Greenwich but will be similar for residents living in East Greenwich RI
From affordable starter homes to luxurious estates, you’ll find an interesting selection of East Greenwich real estate options available. Redfin shows that the median price of homes for sale in East Greenwich, RI is $767,500. The median home price per square foot of East Greenwich, RI real estate is $332 per month. You can even find East Greenwich condos for sale starting around $250,000.
The majority of people living in East Greenwich RI are homeowners, and 81% of properties are owner-occupied, while 19% are rented out. Tenants moving to East Greenwich will find a healthy selection of options as well. RentCafe shows that the average rent in East Greenwich is $1702 per month. Rent prices for apartments in East Greenwich RI start at $1350 for a one-bedroom and go up to $3,000 for a four-bedroom.
East Greenwich Neighborhoods | Where to Live in East Greenwich
East Greenwich is full of upscale neighborhoods and tight-knight communities offering tree-lined streets and friendly neighbors. The Seasons East, is a highly rated assisted living facility in East Greenwich RI if you’re looking for the ideal place for an elderly relative. Here are a few other areas to check out if you’re thinking about moving to East Greenwich.
Frenchtown | An Affluent East Greenwich Neighborhood with a Range of Architectural Styles
Frenchtown is an affluent area in the western part of town that offers wealthy homeowners living in East Greenwich RI beautiful foliage, well-maintained streets, and ranch and Cape Cod-style homes ranging in price from $400,000 to $1.3 million.
Nichols Corner | A Centrally-Located Neighborhood Full of History
Named after some of the town’s earliest settlers, Nichols Corner is a centrally located neighborhood near Main Street in downtown East Greenwich, RI, that offers a mix of older homes and newer developments.
Hill & Harbor | A Waterfront Neighborhood With Charming Homes and Shops
Hill and Harbor is a charming neighborhood on the banks of Greenwich Bay. It offers colonial architecture, waterfront views, and a mix of residential and commercial development.
Climate & Weather in East Greenwich
The weather in East Greenwich is typical of what you might expect in any town in New England. It has a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Temperatures typically range from about 21°F to 83°F, although winters can drop down to 7°F and summers can get up to 90°F. The best time to visit a friend living in East Greenwich is June through September.
Get ready for precipitation if you plan on moving to East Greenwich. The town averages 49 inches of rain and 36 inches of snow every year, so don’t forget an umbrella and snow boots!
What to Do in East Greenwich RI
Although it’s a small, residential town, you’ll still find a wide variety of fun things to do in East Greenwich, RI. You’ll find an interesting selection of shops, bars, and restaurants on Main Street in East Greenwich, RI. There are also plenty of options at local shopping centers such as East Greenwich Commons and East Greenwich Square. Here are a few other fun things to do in East Greenwich if you’re planning a weekend outing.
The Greenwich Odeum
The Greenwich Odeum is a historic movie theater and event venue built in the 1920s. It hosts regular concerts, comedy shows, and films.
59 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 885-4000
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The Varnum Memorial Armory
The Varnum Memorial Armory is the largest military museum in Rhode Island. It is housed in a 1913 medieval-style red-brick building and features a wide selection of weapons and history exhibits.
6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818
Goddard Memorial State Park
Goddard Memorial State Park is a 490-acre public space located on the shores of Greenwich Cove. It offers walking trails, picnic areas, and some of the best beaches in East Greenwich, RI.
1095 Ives Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 884-2010
Additional East Greenwich Attractions
The Community Services and Parks Department’s website offers resources for those searching for additional East Greenwich playgrounds, parks, and beaches.
East Greenwich Restaurants
You’ll also encounter a wide selection of delicious restaurants in East Greenwich, RI. Here are some of the top East Greenwich, RI restaurants if you’re looking for a delicious meal.
Ritrovo
Ritrovo is a laid-back eatery serving Italian entrees and comfort food. It has bar seating and a formal dining room, depending on your mood.
1050 Main St #3161, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 398-7600
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Meritage Restaurant
Meritage is one of the best restaurants in East Greenwich, RI, if you’re in the mood for New American cuisine. It offers take-and-bake pizzas and delicious entrees like veal chop and Jamaican jerk chicken.
5454 Post Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 884-1255
Providence Oyster Bar East Greenwich
For those who like seafood, Providence Oyster Bar is hands down the best restaurant in East Greenwich. It serves raw oysters, sushi, cooked seafood, and other popular plates.
5707 Post Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 715-2526
Jobs in East Greenwich
East Greenwich is one of the wealthiest towns in Rhode Island and features a strong economy. The largest industries in town are education, social services, healthcare, science and administration and finance, real estate, and insurance.
Most jobs in East Greenwich, RI, are in the service sector, sales and office roles, or business, science, and arts occupations. The East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses in the community with resources and public events.
Some of the largest employers in East Greenwich, Kent County & Rhode Island:
Payscale data reveals that the average salary for workers living in East Greenwich RI is $76,000 per year. Employment hunters will find a ton of fantastic East Greenwich jobs available, ranging from medical receptionist to audit manager. You’ll also find plenty of high-paying jobs at East Greenwich town hall and other positions in the local government.
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East Greenwich Schools
Students living in East Greenwich RI will receive a fantastic education because it’s known for its excellent educational system. The East Greenwich School District contains six public schools and four elementary schools, including Meadowbrook Farms, Frenchtown, George R. Hanaford, and James H. Eldredge Elementary Schools. Frenchtown Elementary is generally considered the best, with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio.
Grades 6 through 8 will attend Cole Middle School, while grades 9 through 12 attend East Greenwich High School. This highly respected school ranks third in Rhode Island and 548th nationally. It has a 97% graduation rate and a 58% AP participation rate.
Our Lady of Mercy Regional School is a notable private school in East Greenwich, RI, offering Catholic education to students in grades pre-K through 8. The primary campus of the New England Institute of Technology is also in East Greenwich, which offers opportunities for higher learning.
Any residents living in East Greenwich RI can also stop by the East Greenwich free public library for books and other media.
East Greenwich Statistics & Information
- East Greenwich County: Kent County
- East Greenwich area: 16.17 square miles
- East Greenwich zip code: 02818
- East Greenwich area code: 401
- East Greenwich elevation: 207 ft
- East Greenwich time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- The closest airport to East Greenwich: The Rhode Island TF Green International Airport (PVD) is 10 miles away.
Map of East Greenwich, RI
Discover more attractions, activities, and fun things to do while living in East Greenwich RI with this map.
Ready to Relocate to East Greenwich RI?
Thinking about settling down in this pleasant New England town? Trust our dedicated East Greenwich RI movers to make your next relocation easy and affordable. Call (401) 648-6683 today for a free quote.
