8 Best Towns In Rhode Island For Retirees
If you are about to retire, Rhode Island has several attractive features that make it worth paying attention to. For starters, the Ocean State is frequently listed among the nation's top states for healthcare access. This means you will not have to drive for hours to find a qualified specialist. And with its white-sand beaches and jaw-dropping coastline, Rhode Island is incredibly beautiful. Although it may not be as cheap as Alabama or Oklahoma, you can still find Rhode Island locations with decent price points. Ready to explore what the country's smallest state has to offer? Keep reading to discover the 8 best towns in Rhode Island for retirees.
Cumberland
Cumberland offers a charming suburban lifestyle with easy access to both nature and city life, especially considering that Providence, the capital of the state, is just about 15 minutes down the road. Cumberland is known for its quiet neighborhoods, good schools, and friendly community atmosphere. You will enjoy great parks and outdoor spaces like Diamond Hill Park, a quiet space with a nice incline up to the top of the hill and water tower; the small and secluded Otis Smith Farm and Rowbottom Preserve - Cumberland Land Trust; and above all, the nearby Blackstone River State Park, which offers a scenic bike path along the eponymous river. In June 2025, the median listing home price in Cumberland was $550,000, significantly lower than the statewide median of $599,000. Remember, this price point comes with access to several excellent hospitals in Providence. To cap it off, Safewise has ranked Cumberland the third-safest city in Rhode Island for 2025.
Coventry
Coventry is a pretty town close to Route 95. It is in a pastoral and woodsy area with ponds and lots of hiking trails. A segment of the lovely Washington Secondary Bike Path, Coventry Greenway, runs through the heart of town and features several interesting spots, including the Moosup River, Carbuncle Pond, and Johnson’s Pond in Western Coventry. Although you will find plenty of restaurants and other businesses along Route 3, you are a short drive from Warwick (9 miles), Cranston (11 miles), and Providence (19 miles), if you want more to do. Merrill Whipple Conservation Area is a peaceful area in the woods to relax and enjoy nature's restful rhythm. There are also close hikes in neighboring West Greenwich and Arcadia in Exeter. In June 2025, the median listing home price in Coventry was $550,000. On healthcare access, Kent County Memorial Hospital is in Warwick, while numerous other options are in Providence.
North Providence
One of the most appealing features of North Providence is its affordability. In June 2025, the median listing home price in North Providence was $399,900, nearly $200,000 below the statewide median. North Providence Mancini Center has been around since 1976 and is a senior centre offering a high-quality, age-appropriate health and wellness program to empty nesters in the area. With Providence just a whisper away, a retiree has fantastic access to all kinds of cultural attractions and big-city amenities, including some of the best hospitals in New England. You are at the doorstep of Rhode Island College, which claims to provide the best value for a four-year college degree in the region. Governor John Notte Memorial Park offers a shimmering lake (Wenscott Reservoir), lovely trails, and a sandy beach with beautiful views. You will also fall in love with the nearby Olivia's Forest, and with the stream that cuts through the on-site trail. Woonasquatucket River flows along the town's western edge.
Lincoln
With its quiet suburban streets, safe neighborhoods, and nice public parks, Lincoln is an amazing place for a family to retire. No wonder Niche.com ranks it the best place to raise a family in Providence County. It is incredibly close to Providence, which means its median listing price of $599,900 is excellent value for money. Moreover, this is almost the same as the median price point in the state. Places like the Lincoln Senior Centre, where you can play card games with fellow empty nesters, and the Lighthouse at Lincoln provide opportunities to mingle with peers and establish connections. Outdoor pleasure spots include the Blackstone River (and the state park), the mind-bending Lincoln Woods State Park, which doubles up as Rhode Island's first state park, and the scenic Lime Rock Preserve, whose wildflowers and leafy deciduous trees draw visitors from across the state. You can dash to Providence for any urgent medical care, or Woonsocket, which hosts the award-winning Landmark Medical Center.
North Smithfield
North Smithfield is set in a way that beauty comes naturally to it. Right from town, nature is conspicuously present in almost every look or glimpse. For example, at the Centennial Park, you will find a scenic walking trail that follows a lazy, peaceful border overlooking the Historic Slatersville Reservoir, a 144-acre beauty with a decent number of coves to explore in a small boat. The Branch River flows into the southwest end of the reservoir, while Broncos Fishing Area is often a cool place to reel in a yummy catch. North Smithfield Public Library is a tranquil space to get snug with a gripping read or finish an urgent task. With a median listing price of $499,000, a retiree can get some decent property for a home and remain with a tidy sum to spend. Remember, Landmark Medical Center, a 2024 winner of the Patient Safety Excellence Award, is just next door in Woonsocket.
Greenville
If looking for a Rhode Island location where you will enjoy ample opportunities to mingle with fellow empty nesters and feel part of a family, Greenville beckons. Greenville residents have a median age of 52.4, while the median age across the state is about 40. Also, by New England standards, Greenville is relatively affordable. In May 2025, the median listing home price in Greenville was $499,900, almost $100,000 lower than the statewide median. Keep in mind that Safewise ranks the Smithfield area among the safest locations in Rhode Island. Snake Den State Park, a largely undeveloped property with walking trails and stunning fall foliage, is just south of town. Other places to kill time include the Wolf Hill Forest Preserve (you will love its well-marked trails) and the aptly named Stillwater Reservoir, an outdoor wonder with a wide range of recreational activities.
Johnston
Johnston ranks among the most affordable towns to retire in Rhode Island and will appeal to empty nesters desiring to stretch a dollar. In June 2025, the median listing home price in Johnston was $499,000. That said, there are several other things to love about Johnston, including the lush, verdant landscapes around, perfected by attractions such as Verde Vineyards and Pezza Farm. This famous farm is a nice, peaceful space that offers a great wine-tasting experience complemented by a beautiful view of a lake. You can enjoy a mid-morning walk at Johnston Memorial Park or just sit on a bench and people-watch. There are ponds, rivers (such as the Pocasset River), and a decent number of assisted-living options, including Briarcliffe Manor, one of the largest wellness facilities in town. On healthcare access, there are several hospitals in Providence and North Providence, including the award-winning Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.
West Warwick
West Warwick and the area around it is quiet and laid-back, but boast access to local highways, including Interstate 95, the main north-south highway on the U.S. East Coast. You will enjoy small-town shopping, a fantastic sense of belonging, and proximity to both urban amenities and natural attractions. As with many towns, some areas are nicer and better than others, and you will have to choose carefully. In June 2025, the median listing home price in West Warwick was $399,500, an awesome bargain by New England standards. Pawtuxet River runs through the town and offers both aesthetic and outdoor recreational opportunities. Once in a while, you can have a good laugh at the Arctic Playhouse or swing a driver at the West Warwick Country Club. On healthcare access, Kent County Memorial Hospital is in Warwick, and there are several other options in nearby Providence.
If your dream is to retire next to the water or to access a sandy beach on a whim, Rhode Island is among the states that should be on your radar. Also, Rhode Island is frequently ranked among the best states in the nation for healthcare access and tops the charts for states with the highest number of primary care physicians per capita. But every town is different, and several other factors often come into play. Still, from Cumberland to West Warwick, you will not miss finding a town with your name on it.
