8 Best Places to Live in Rhode Island in 2024

Why move to Rhode Island? Well, the small ocean-bounded Ocean State, home to seaside towns, makes even its thriving cities appear charming. There is nothing quite like breathing in the sea breeze in between your errands, work, and play, which often leads to the waterfront for sunset before a delicious seafood feast.

Moreover, with many affordable places to live, it is easy to catch on to the local vibe, where work-life balance comes as naturally as breathing in the sea breeze with friendly people—some of the luckiest residents in the nation. From pristine Atlantic beaches and picturesque coastal trails to scenic rivers, the “Ocean State” is a charming pocket of the country with compelling outdoor recreation and thriving job markets.

Barrington

Home to just 17,121, Barrington is proud to offer a stable median household income of $141,010, one of the highest in the state. As it is 189.01% higher than the US median household income of $74,606, it is truly a quintessential place to settle and plan for any future you want while enjoying all the small-town benefits. In Barrington, 45- to 64-year-olds make a median of $168,893, but even the workers aged 15 years and older, regardless of work hours, make $91,941 for males and only half that for females. That is largely dependent on the type of job—working full-time or part-time.

Its primary industries include various manufacturing, real estate, cultural, and retail spaces. Niche rates Barrington as the number one place to live in the state, with an A+ overall, second-to-none public schools, a B+ for crime and safety, as well as housing, and a B-minus for diversity and nightlife. No wonder it is a foremost destination for families, with median home prices in the city at $665,180, an 8.4% increase over one year, according to Zillow data. Spread along the Providence River with a riverfront downtown, the unmissable attractions in Barrington include the Sabin Point Waterfront Park and Crescent Park Carousel, just to the northwest.

Cranston

This mid-size city in Province County holds a promise for a balanced, quality life, with a population of just over 81,000 people and just the right sense of suburban feel. Neighborly and charming, the relatively densely populated Cranston is popular among young professionals, so if you are like-minded—easygoing, and determined—it is easy to make friends and have fun in the after-hours. Offering vibrant and exciting nightlife and tons of ways to spend acculturated weekends and relax, go on dates, and enjoy activities to bond, including a visit to various concerts at the Park Theater. The annual Cranston Greek Festival is a fun event encompassing everything Greek, like food traditions, for cultural insights.

Offering a median home price of $389,334, a 7.4% increase since last year, and a median income of $83,123, Cranston fits in the middle for the cost of living in the state, where monthly expenses add up to around $8,275. Named the friendliest town in Rhode Island, Cranston's very low unemployment rate is also one of New England's oldest communities. Enjoy beautiful architecture on a daily basis, being sure that in between work and errands, you will never be bored, playing, or browsing around, including a 3.3% lower cost of living than the state average. Home to the Governor Sprague Mansion, Cranston is a great place to live, not just for history geeks but for families, with a fair share of parks and a vibrant dining scene. 

Kingston

Kingston, the tiny town of 6,560, is a great place to live for those who enjoy serenity. It is popular among commuters to the city, boasting the 2nd shortest average time for a trip to and from work in the capital of only 18 minutes. Moreover, ranking 3rd best for a median household income in the state at $108,056/year, the cost of living in Kingston is only 10% higher than the statewide. While it is not cheap to own a place, with a median home value of $562,467 compared to the state's median of $432,687 and an unemployment rate of 11.0%, it remains desirable.

Offering a slightly lower crime rate per capita than the state's, the village in southern Rhode Island is one of the state's youngest and home to the University of Rhode Island. Attracting students straight from high school with a median age of 19, thanks to the URI, Kingston is one of the state's most educated places, where over 60% of residents boast a degree and 25% boast a master’s degree or higher. So if you enjoy a stimulating conversation with friendly neighbors and a prevalent youthful vibe, Kingston is easily the best choice in the state, together with its fun attractions to unwind, like the nearby Kinney Azalea Gardens.

Newport

Newport is one of the best places to live in the state, home to an active population of 23,850 who enjoy boating when not browsing through the vibrant town's historic district. Offering great schools, culinary delights, and friendly neighbors to enjoy it all with, the beautiful city features breathtaking coastal landscapes and a vibrant cultural heart. Undeniably one of the most coveted places to call home in the whole Northeast, it is a real rendezvous of seafaring roots and views that stretch into present-day modern attractions like cruises from the picturesque shores of Narragansett Bay. Generously blending a lively economy into a laidback lifestyle, the thriving job market offers newcomers openings in tourism, maritime, and health care. The diversity and stability leave peace of mind to enjoy life while planning for a bright future, despite the demand that hikes the median house price to $804,730!

The hiked-up cost of living in Newport is due to its popularity among both locals and tourists for the charm of the waterfront. Without facing much of a commute or crowds, it is a pleasure to run errands in the sea breeze in between work, looking forward to a fun coastal-style evening, which often comprises romantic sunset strolls along the waterfront and delicious seafood dining. The proximity to major metropolitan centers offers an easy commute to both Providence and Boston, with many open opportunities to establish a career. From the iconic Gilded Age mansions like the Breakers to the historic Fort Adams and the renowned Cliff Walk, the green spaces include Brenton Point State Park and the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Newport’s already vibrant arts and music scene leads up to annual events like the Newport Jazz Festival or the International Boat Show.

Pawtucket

Boasting a stable population since the 80s, Pawtucket, home to 74,644 today, enjoys an average household income of $79,635 and a median home price of $341,579, which is a 9.3% yearly increase yet still cheaper than the rest of the state. With monthly expenses at around $8,730 and only a 4.0% unemployment rate, the vast majority of locals can vouch for a quality life full of opportunities and plans for the future. You would think it is pretty hard to beat off the demand with low housing stock, but not with Pawtucket's solid real estate market. The larger, budget-friendly city offers a vibrant cultural scene, like the iconic Slater Mill, a national landmark and the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Replete with art galleries, theaters, music venues, and green parks within city limits, enjoy the city's affordability, especially compared to larger cities in the state.

Pawtucket, the state's fourth-largest city along the Massachusetts border, has a distinct identity with its own city government, a suburban feel on the outskirts, and an urban heart. The culture and diversity in dining options make it particularly popular among families and young professionals as one of the best places to live in Rhode Island, together with a strong sense of community. The higher median age of 37.1 tells of all those who stuck around and built a happy life, with a robust job market that attracts newcomers. With regular openings in healthcare and manufacturing, as well as education and technology, the strategic location next to Providence expands the option of career-building without the capital price tag—just a little gas mileage if not using public transport. 

Providence

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is one of the best cities to live in the state and one of the nation's best capitals for life. But what lends it that reputation for being such a highly esteemed place to call home? Well, Providence wouldn't be the same without its rich history, a lively job market, and a vibrant cultural scene, which you can enjoy in any combination on a daily basis. Newcomers find it easy to achieve the perfect work-life balance in the city that draws in and makes them fall in love with scenic and historical traits along with its well-preserved architecture of colonial-area homes and landmarks. Don't miss Rhode Island State House, its touchstone and pride that lend a sense of community, whereas WaterFire is a series of bonfires along the Providence River and live music performances. Home to 188,527, the median age is 32.3 years, and it is not expensive to live in the capital at the median home price of $368,130!

The waterfront district is a hub for the large area around the city, a destination for eateries and strolls in a revitalized blend of history and modernity. Providence's impressive job market is rooted in education, health care, and technology, with the presence of prestigious institutions. Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design attract the young crowd, with direct effects on the economy and culture, while Rhode Island Hospital offers a range of jobs for the qualified. From India Point Park to Blackstone Park, recreation abounds, where you can hike, picnic, and stretch out in the sun. The nation's biggest hubs, Boston and New York City, are a quick drive away for entertainment and business deals. Start along the scenic East Bay Bike Path, while families love the Roger Williams Park Zoo, whereas Prospect Terrace Park offers panoramic city views of your new home, with a launch for kayaks or paddleboards along the Providence River. 

Warwick

Having grown rapidly in the 1920s and leveled off in the 80s, Warwick's 83,000 residents enjoy all the benefits of a tight-knit community with big-city comforts and entertainment. Attracting with surprising affordable housing prices, 7% lower than the national average, a whole lot of natural beauty awaits. Moreover, there are thousands of homes in one of the best towns to live in Rhode Island, Warwick, thanks to its thriving job market. Many work at Kent Hospital and the community college while being in one of the state's primary manufacturing zones, which involves a lot of textile factories, metal fabrication centers, and electronic plants.

Resting on the front of Greenwich Bay, snatch a house at the $361,458 median, which is cheaper than the state's. Offering an average household income of $100,381 and one of the lower poverty rates, 7.26%, with a median age of 44.5 years, the cost of living is 5.8% lower than the state average. While the monthly expenses add up to $8,713, the locals are happy to work for good pay, with one of the state's lowest unemployment rates of 2.7%. Named one of RI's coolest places, the small waterfront city is home to the fantastic Warwick Neck Avenue. Spend time admiring beautiful architecture before heading over to Apponaug Harbor for a picturesque dining experience over American or Italian cuisines for an iconic RI experience. 

Westerly

Home to 18,272, the population of Westerly skyrocketed in 2017 with hype to live in this adorable town with some great stats for quality life. The higher cost of housing at $518,770 is explained as one of the most incredible places to live, with a high median income of $102,118, a low unemployment rate of 6.29%, and less crime than the state's per capita. Offering excellent beach access, summer concerts, great bars and breweries, and some scenic golf courses, Westerly feels like a resort for locals without the tourist crowds. 

The town at the border with Connecticut is an excellent place for commuters, perched enviably at the southern tip of Rhode Island, which offers miles of sandy beaches for a different vibe and scenery every day. Enjoy lively waterfront events like movies at the beach, with access from downtown to the local favorite, Misquamicut Beach. It alone makes this the 6th most expensive town in the state, worth every penny! The median age in Westerly is 50.6, so it's heaven for retirees and seasoned professionals who wish to live in well-deserved peace. With a few large manufacturing companies, health care, and education at its top-rated schools, there are also digital imaging systems and IT solutions.

Your Ideal Rhode Island Home Awaits

Ocean State is a surprising scene of many bustling cities living with a small community mindset, where residents don't have to compromise work for leisure regardless of their zip code, as evident from this list of the best places to live in the state. Abounding in family-friendly attractions, big hubs like Boston and New York are just a day trip away.

With an up-and-coming housing market in the state in general, look no further than Pawtucket or the vibrant capital, Providence, to snatch a house and start enjoying life with big plans for the future. Kingston, the smallest town on the list, offers a stimulating atmosphere of intellectuals as well as the lowest median age in the state by far.