7 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In Rhode Island

Retirement is a phase that should be wildly free, significantly easier and comfortable, and filled with epic recreational opportunities. A brunch. An afternoon round of golf. An evening movie. All punctuated with warmth and laughter. Although not among the cheapest, Rhode Island is a decent place to retire. It is frequently listed among the top states for healthcare access in the nation and has a scintillating coastline that is soft but showy. And of course, expect a hypnotic dose of New England charm: history, culture, everything. But to which spots? Keep reading to discover the seven wallet-friendly towns in Rhode Island for retirees.

Cumberland

Because of how it deftly blends suburban charm and convenient access to urban amenities (Providence is just 15 minutes away), Cumberland has always been a solid retirement choice. T. F. Green International Airport is in nearby Warwick, while the historic town center dons classic Colonial architecture. It's also relatively affordable, especially compared with spots along the coast. A paved path connects to the 24-mile-long Blackstone River Multi-Use Trail, and can be a fantastic outdoor venue — as can the nearby Blackstone River State Park, which offers a scenic bike path along with a frothing river.

There's Diamond Hill Park as well, a quiet space with a nice incline, and the Chapel Hill Senior Living, where you can meet fellow empty nesters and get social support. The median listing home price in Cumberland is approximately $535,000, lower than the statewide median of around $560,000 as of October 2025.

Coventry

If you have an infatuation for the outdoors, Coventry should be among your top considerations. It is a fine area, although with a streak of the woodsy and pastoral. This comes with one significant advantage: proximity to several hiking areas. The area also has some ponds that enhance its peaceful ambiance, as well as plenty of restaurants and businesses, especially along Rt. 3. There is a segment of the lovely Washington Secondary Bike Path, which you can occasionally explore; the photo-worthy Coventry Greenway, a five-mile beauty popular with hikers and cyclists; and Merrill Whipple Conservation Area, an oasis-like expanse tucked away in the woods, meaning it's an ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature's restful rhythm.

The best part is that you are a short drive from Warwick, Cranston, and Providence. Kent County Memorial Hospital is located in Warwick, but for more options, Providence is a relatively short ride away. In August 2025, the median listing home price in Coventry was $545,000, a hair below the statewide median.

North Providence

If you have ever dreamt of retiring on the cheap — and remaining with lots of cash to roam the world — North Providence will prove a hit. In August 2025, the median listing home price in North Providence was $410,000, a price point that is lower than the statewide median by more than $100,000. The town itself offers a mix of rural and urban amenities, particularly due to its easy access to larger cities like Providence, Lincoln, and Smithfield. Keep in mind that North Providence is home to Rhode Island College, meaning it buzzes with youthful energy and vibrancy. There are fantastic senior centers, such as the North Providence Mancini Center, as well as outdoor venues like Governor John Notte Memorial Park, the beautiful Wenscott Reservoir, and the nearby Olivia's Forest, a 31-acre grove speckled with hardwood trees and featuring a wetland in the center. More than that, the Woonasquatucket River flows along the town's western edge. Countless healthcare options are in the area, including Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, recognized for America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery Award.

Lincoln

Lincoln is an incredibly charming spot well-known for its rich history as a former center of the Blackstone River Valley's industrial revolution. With a population of around 22,000, it has a small-town feel — much like most prefer — yet remains lively enough to offer an epic experience. You will find picturesque trails and parks, historic landmarks filled with nostalgia, and a strong sense of community. The Blackstone River Bikeway is a scenic route for cyclists to enjoy, offering miles of paved paths along the historic Blackstone River.

There's Lincoln Woods State Park, a tranquil escape with a freshwater beach, and Olney Pond, which is stocked with trout. There's also Lincoln Senior Center, if you want to regularly mingle with fellow old-timers, and Lime Rock Preserve, whose wildflowers and leafy deciduous trees draw visitors from almost every nook of the state. Meanwhile, nearby Providence is home to several award-winning hospitals, and Woonsocket is home to the highly rated Landmark Medical Center. The median listing home price in Lincoln is around $590,000, which is within a reasonable range of the state median.

North Smithfield

Originally part of Smithfield, North Smithfield has today carved its own identity and established its reputation as one of the best places to live and retire. For one, an empty nester is a whisper away from Landmark Medical Center, a hospital with a round-the-clock emergency room in nearby Woonsocket. It was originally known as the “Woonsocket Hospital” and has been serving the communities of northern Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts since the 1870s. There is Centennial Park, where you can regularly stretch and wash your face in the fresh air; Rustic Tri View Drive-In, the last of its kind that is still operating in Rhode Island; and the Slatersville Reservoir, a 170-acre beauty with a decent number of coves to explore. The median listing home price in North Smithfield was $460,000 in August 2025.

Greenville

One of Greenville's most alluring retirement appeals, aside from its wallet-friendliness, is that it is a great place to meet and mingle with fellow empty nesters. Residents have a median age of over 50, so you’ll have no trouble making friends. And you know how crucial it is to have a strong social support network. But just as alluring is the town's affordability. The median listing home price in Greenville was $475,000 in August 2025, significantly lower than the statewide median.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you have several options to plan with. These include the Wolf Hill Forest Preserve, which features nicely groomed trails, the correctly named Stillwater Reservoir, an outdoor playground with a wide range of recreational activities, and Snake Den State Park, a pristine space with lovely walking trails. Regarding healthcare access, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, a recipient of a 5-Star award for treating heart attacks for three consecutive years by Healthgrades (2018-2020), is approximately five miles away.

Johnston

Johnston is a small, adorable gem in central Rhode Island and an incredibly comfortable place to retire. This is partly because it's affordable, especially by Rhode Island standards. In August 2025, the median listing home price in Johnston was approximately $500,000, which is significantly higher than the statewide median. Verde Vineyards, a perfect excursion for wine enthusiasts, is also in the vicinity. Occasionally, you can enjoy a mid-morning walk at Johnston Memorial Park or just sit on a bench and people-watch. On healthcare access, there are several award-winning options in nearby Greenville and Providence. Finally, Briarcliffe Preserve Assisted and Independent Living is in the area and is loved for its emphasis on individual care and personable relationships with each one of its wards.

Retirement In The Ocean State

So, if you are about to pull the plug on your work life, don't ever settle for an average Joe with no outdoor beauty and amenities. Look for a location that is full of life, even if it's small and laid-back, and has immediate access to a decent hospital with round-the-clock emergency services. Of course, there will be some trade-offs. But don't settle for less, where life is hard and rough. One crucial (and desirable) factor is that Rhode Island is among the best states in America for healthcare. The best part is that it boasts a decent number of wallet-friendly spots.