11 Best Towns In Rhode Island To Retire Comfortably
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, with just five counties. As no local governments exist at the county level in Rhode Island, these counties are just geographical subdivisions, with some presenting a more affordable cost of living than others. The natural beauty and solitude of many Rhode Island towns draw retirees to relocate to "Little Rhody." Per Zillow.com, median home values statewide are $495,000 as of August 2025. The 11 towns we profile here all offer comfortable housing near, or under, the state median home value, from Burrillville with its lakeside recreation to Central Falls with its vibrant arts and culture.
Burrillville
The Providence County town of Burrillville, near the border with Massachusetts in northwestern Rhode Island, is home to just over 16,500 people. Homes here average just under the state median, at $460,000. The town's beautiful rural setting, strong sense of community, and access to outdoor recreation all attract retirees to relocate to Burrillville.
Spring Lake Beach is a popular seasonal attraction. Its penny arcade is home to some of the oldest arcade games in the country. The Burrillville Bike Path is a rail-to-trail linking the villages of Harrisville and Pascoag in Burrillville. This 1.2-mile-long trail makes for an enjoyable bike ride or walk. Eateries in Burrillville include Burrillville Diner, which serves breakfast and lunch on Victory Way, and Crystal Lake Tavern, which is part of the Crystal Lake Golf Club, a few miles down the road in Mapleville. Should retirees need medical care once moving to Burrillville, Landmark Medical Center is about 10 miles away in Woonsocket.
Coventry
Part of the Pawtuxet River Valley, the town of Coventry in Kent County, in the southern part of the state, is home to just under 36,000 people. Homes here average $450,000, still under the state median. Established in 1741, Coventry is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and its mixture of history and natural beauty attracts retirees to relocate to the village. The town is a hub for seniors, and nearly 19% of locals are above the age of 65.
The Major General Nathanael Greene Homestead, built in 1770, is a National Historic Landmark on Taft Street and a popular site for tourists and residents alike to visit. The Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge showcases the beautiful flora and fauna of the state in 295 acres of wildlife habitat. It also includes the 11-acre Carr's Pond. Restaurants are plentiful in Coventry, including A. Pagliarini's Family Restaurant on Washington Street and Black Oak Kitchen & Drinks on Tiogue Avenue. The closest hospital for Coventry residents is Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick, just six miles from town.
Central Falls
Just four miles from Providence, the state capital, in Providence County, you'll find the smaller town of Central Falls, home to over 23,000 folks. Median home values here are a comfortable $380,000. Affordability and the town's reputation for having a strong arts and culture district attract many retirees to move to Central Falls. The town also has senior programs set up, such as Zumba in the Park, Ice Cream with Senior, and Paint with the Mayor.
Jenks Park, on Broad Street, was built in 1890 and gifted to the town of Central Falls. Today, Cogswell Tower has become a defining symbol of the town. The New Millennium Art Factory, housed within Adams Public Library, showcases works of local artists. La Galeria del Pueblo on Central Street in the downtown area is a beautiful colonial house built in 1900 that hosts artist talks, demonstrations, and community events. The nearest hospital to Central Falls is The Miriam Hospital, just two and a half miles away on the outskirts of Providence.
Cumberland
The northeasternmost town in Providence County, Cumberland, is home to about 36,000 people. It was first settled in 1635 and incorporated in 1746. Home values here are slightly higher than the state average, at $515,000. Cumberland shows retirees a good mix of amenities and a higher quality of life than many other towns in Rhode Island. For a more affordable alternative, one can pay a regular fee at Chapel Hill Senior Living, offering assisted living and memory care with a fitness center and other amenities.
Although it is known for quiet neighborhoods and an abundance of nature, Cumberland still has much for residents to do. Diamond Hill Town Park in the northeastern part of the town is home to 3.8 miles of marked trails, perfect for active seniors. Food trucks park there during spring and summer on Thursday evenings, offering a diverse selection of foods, local beer and wine, as well as live bands. The town is also known for its eclectic shops, such as Pine Swamp Place gift shop on Pine Swamp Road, Modern Farmhouse, and With Heart & Soul on Mendon Road. If you are ever in need of medical care while in Cumberland, The Miriam Hospital is just a few miles down the road in Providence.
Glocester
Also in Providence County, the town of Glocester is home to about 10,000 people. Home values here are slightly above the state average, at $505,000. Retirees looking for a small town with a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life tend to enjoy Glocester, just a 30-minute drive away from the state capital of Providence.
The Glocester Heritage Society seeks to preserve the area's history and is a great place to visit for more information on the town. The town hosts a Summer Concert Series at Kent Field Pavilion, with 90-minute-long concerts held on Wednesday evenings. Retirees might also be interested in joining the town's Family Walking Club, which runs in the summer months and has varying trails from a quarter-mile to one mile through historic Chepachet. Medical care is available in Woonsocket, about 20 minutes away, at Landmark Medical Center.
Hopkinton
Located in Washington County, the historic town of Hopkinton, in the southwestern corner of the state near the border with Connecticut, is home to just under 8,400 residents. Home values here are under the state average, at $490,000. The town appeals to many retirees because of its peaceful, rural atmosphere and small-town charm. Moreover, seniors can take part in activities at the Crandall House, which offers a reading room, coffee, and special luncheons.
Briggs Memorial Park on the Ashaway River is filled with four acres of walking trails, offering picnic tables and scenic views. Crandall Field, on Main Street, is a bit larger, with 25 acres of open space featuring small ponds, sports courts, and a pavilion and gazebo. The town comes alive with its annual events that foster its sense of community. They include Huck Finn Day, a celebration of fishing and backyard fun, each June; and the Hopkinton Fall Festival each October. Westerly Hospital, about 10 miles to the south of Hopkinton, is the closest medical center if care is needed.
East Providence
A suburb of the capital city of Providence, East Providence is home to just under 48,000 residents, and homes here average $440,000. It offers a mixture of historical attractions, waterfront activities, and entertainment to keep residents of all ages occupied. There is also a senior center with a coffee cafe, fitness center, and dining room.
The Crescent Park Looff Carousel, built in 1895, is a fun place to visit, especially when it hosts events such as Summerfest, Line Dancing, and Movies in the Park. Bold Point Park, along the Providence River, is a quiet, waterfront park with views of Upper Narragansett Bay and the Seekonk River. Popular downtown eateries include Red Bridge Tavern and O'Dinis Restaurant. Rhode Island Hospital, the largest medical center in the area, is just two miles down the road in the state capital of Providence, should medical care be required.
Johnston
Another Providence County town, Johnston, is the site of the only landfill in Rhode Island. While this might not be a draw for retirees to move to Johnston, the median home value of $450,000, population just under 30,000, rich history, and suburban amenities may entice those looking for a new home during retirement to relocate to Johnston. On the other hand, those about moving can stay at The Bridge at Cherry Hill for some time, offering assisted living options with services like local outings, art lessons, and dining.
The Clemence-Irons House, a historic home built in 1691, is a popular Johnston attraction as it is one of the few surviving examples of a stone-ender home like those found in western England. Downtown shops like StoneHill MarketPlace on Atwood Avenue and Cici and the Moon on Killingly Street attract those looking to browse and/or buy. Bar'Lino Ristorante on Atwood Avenue is a great downtown spot to grab food or a drink. Should medical care be needed, the nearest hospital to town is Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, just seven miles away.
North Providence
A suburb of Providence, the state capital and largest city, North Providence offers a slower-paced, more affordable environment for retirees looking to relocate. The median home value in this Providence County town of just over 34,000 is $412,000, and there is plenty going on here to keep retirees busy. For example, the North Providence Mancini Center hosts regular events and promotes healthy aging.
The North Providence Summer Concert Series takes place on Tuesday evenings during the summer months at the Overlook at Meehan Amphitheater. These shows are presented free; just bring a lawn chair or blanket, and food is available for sale. Shops in North Providence include Rainbow Shops on Smithfield Road and Plato's Closet on Douglas Avenue. Tumblesalts on Mineral Springs Avenue serves American cuisine, alcoholic beverages, and live music on weekends. Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence can serve most medical needs.
West Warwick
Located in Kent County, West Warwick is the youngest town in Rhode Island, having been incorporated in 1913. However, the town's relative youth does not mean that it is inappropriate for retirees; just the opposite is true. Of its just over 31,000 residents, 19 percent are age 65 or older. Median home values in West Warwick are $390,000, well under the state average.
The Pawtuxet Valley Preservation and Historical Society in West Warwick's downtown area is filled with fascinating information on the town and region. Other sites of interest include the Station Fire Memorial Park, commemorating the lives of those who died in the Station nightclub fire in February 2003. The Jaycee Riverwalk Corridor and Arboretum is a trail system that circles the perimeter of Riverpoint Park along the Pawtuxet River, ideal for active seniors. The hospital nearest West Warwick is Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick, just three miles away.
Woonsocket
The city of Woonsocket, with just under 45,000 residents in Providence County, offers a strong mix of affordability and senior-friendly amenities. Home values average $385,000, making it one of the more budget-friendly retirement options in Rhode Island. Retirees are particularly drawn to Woonsocket’s excellent healthcare access, as the city is home to Landmark Medical Center. This full-service hospital has served the region for over a century. For those seeking additional support, the nearby Villa at Saint Antoine provides assisted living, memory care, and wellness programs in a welcoming community setting.
Seniors who enjoy staying active can take advantage of the Dionne Track on Cumberland Hill Road, a quarter-mile lighted walking loop with fitness stations and rest areas open from April through November. The World War II Veterans Memorial Park offers more recreational opportunities with walking paths, gardens, and spaces for community events. After a day outdoors, retirees often enjoy the town’s eateries, such as River Falls on Main Street, known for its riverside dining, or La Placita Kitchen and Bar on Front Street.
Retire to Little Rhody
These 11 towns offer the peace, solitude, and amenities that many retirees are seeking. Whether you opt to check out a suburban town such as North Providence or East Providence or prefer a more rural town such as Hopkinton or Glocester, these towns each provide historical, cultural, and natural attractions that entice retirees looking for a different pace of life. Before committing to relocating to any of these Rhode Island towns, check them out for yourself to be sure that they fit with your idea of an ideal retirement oasis.
