9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Rhode Island

Many Americans are looking to resettle in small towns to avoid the higher crime rate of larger urban centers. As the smallest state in the Union and one of the smallest in the US by population, Rhode Island makes a strong candidate. Its average crime rates sit well below the national average, and as a part of New England, Rhode Island is built upon charming villages and quiet hamlets. Safety does not equate to dull, though. With its history, natural beauty, and inclusive welcome, Rhode Island’s small towns offer residents and visitors plenty to enjoy in a low-crime setting.

Bristol

Although it lies only half an hour from Providence and has a population of roughly 23,000, Bristol has avoided a high crime rate due to its patriotic community and strong historical roots. The nearly 340-year-old town has consistently had low violent crime rates, well below the national average and that of Rhode Island as a whole. Bristol also offers a range of experiences. Its 4th of July celebrations may be among the oldest in the nation, and the Herreshoff Marine Museum highlights the town’s ship-building history with restored vessels built by the Herreshoff family. For a quieter activity, visitors can view contemporary art and metalwork at the Kendall Reis Gallery and Studio or take an art class if inspired. Visitors and residents can enjoy Bristol without concern for violent crime.

Newport

While Newport has long-standing ties to the fast life and wealthy elite of the Roaring 20s, the city today is far quieter than its reputation suggests. Though crime levels can fluctuate with the tourist season, Newport’s overall violent-crime numbers remain modest for a busy coastal destination. The closest visitors come to a car chase is booking a Newport Jaguar Tour, where they are driven at reasonable speeds around town in a classic British Jaguar. These guided tours range from the Kennedy family’s presence in Newport to scenic natural landmarks.

The “Scandalous Newport” tour offers stories about the town’s wealthiest families, though visitors can tour many of the summer estates with or without the gossip. One example is the Breakers, built by the Vanderbilt family. This Italian Palazzo has stood for more than 125 years and gives visitors a look at the splendor of one of America's wealthiest families of the era.

Westerly

Settled in southwestern Rhode Island, Westerly has crime levels similar to other small towns in the Ocean State, with long stretches of very low violent-crime activity. Although some categories show occasional spikes, its calm setting, shoreline access, and resort atmosphere make it a relaxed place to settle.

Residents and visitors can take in the sea air from Napatree Point, a quiet beach within the growing resort community of Watch Hill. All eighty-six acres of this beach are open year-round, and many rare bird species live here, making it a haven for birds and bird watchers. Westerly also offers a family attraction with the Watch Hill Carousel, the oldest carousel in America in continuous public operation. Believed to have been built in 1867, it arrived at its current location in 1883 and has remained in service for more than a century.

Lincoln

Although it is only about a 20-minute drive north of Providence, Lincoln is a historic town that maintains a generally low level of violent crime for a community so close to the capital. While some categories fluctuate from year to year, its overall violent-crime numbers remain modest and below national levels.

Named in memory of President Lincoln when it was established in 1871, this town of 22,571 offers a safe locale without being far from the bustle of the state capital. It has some bustle of its own. One example is the Italian dining available at Trattoria Romana, created by Chef Luciano Canova, an Italian immigrant who spent years honing his craft before opening the restaurant. For a more casual option, Trattoria Express and Pizzeria Romana sit right next door.

Little Compton

Annexed by Rhode Island in 1747, Little Compton has entered a new chapter as a bedroom community after a busy history as a summer colony and WWII Army base. Today, it is one of the safest towns in the state, with very little crime, easy access to Pottersville to the east, and a countryside filled with natural beauty.

Any visit to the shoreline and surrounding landscape can start at Sakonnet Garden. This cottage-sized “secret” garden blends into the coastal fields and gives visitors an intimate place to wander. To the north, Sakonnet Vineyard offers a different experience. Planted in 1975, it is considered New England’s oldest vineyard and allows visitors to tour the grounds and taste the wines produced there.

Charlestown

A seaside town that was once part of Westerly until it separated in 1738, Charlestown is a safe and scenic place to settle, with an eclectic mix of boutiques that make any shopping trip an adventure. With its low crime rates, the variety of shops provides the thrills. The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is a key example. Established almost sixty years ago on a former farmstead, the complex has expanded to include several structures and businesses, featuring stained glasswork, stoneware pottery, and other handmade goods. It also includes a Native American trading post, a toy store, and a candy store. A few minutes down the road, Dave’s Coffee offers locally sourced drinks and baked goods, a good stop before or after visiting the Umbrella Factory or the nearby beaches and hiking trails.

Cumberland

Northeast of Lincoln and north of Providence, Cumberland has long been a place of quiet reflection, supported by generally low levels of violent crime and a well-loved community setting. Monastery Park began as a religious center founded by twelve Nova Scotia monks in 1900. A fire in 1950 destroyed the church’s interior, and the monks moved on, but the grounds now give residents peaceful hiking trails. The Cumberland Library offers a range of programs, and the Friends of the Library run a used bookstore next door that sells books, games, and DVDs at low prices. After browsing, many locals stop at Andrew’s Bistro, a full-service Italian bistro known for its steak, seafood, and fresh-baked desserts.

Jamestown

Just west of Newport is another Rhode Island community that offers a peaceful place to settle. Built on Conanicut Island, the second-largest island in Narragansett Bay, Jamestown benefits from its distance from larger cities, which helps keep its crime rates low. Its amenities provide steady stimulation and enrichment. Along with locally owned boutiques, parks, and beaches, Jamestown has several cultural and culinary highlights. The Jamestown Arts Center, founded in 2008 in a former boat shop, serves as a space for local artists to develop and share their work.

For dining, the Narragansett Café has been a local favorite since the 1940s, offering live music every weekend and a menu that mixes classic sandwiches, New England standards, and occasional creative dishes such as Reuben egg rolls. For history enthusiasts, the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum covers the story of the third-oldest lighthouse in North America and offers volunteering opportunities for those interested in contributing their time.

Narragansett

A prominent summer retreat that has settled into a quieter suburban phase, Narragansett lies minutes west of Newport and a short drive south of Providence, giving residents easy access to both. Its beaches, boutiques, and gardens keep the town lively, and its crime rates remain well below average.

The South County Museum provides a varied weekend stop, with exhibits, a living farm, and a craft school where carpenters and blacksmiths demonstrate traditional skills. Visitors can observe the work or participate in select activities. The museum also includes an heirloom herb garden and walking trails through the surrounding wildlands. For a more adventurous outing, the Coast Guard House has served locally sourced seafood since the 1940s and offers broad views of Narragansett Bay.

The Appeal of Rhode Island’s Quiet Towns

When looking for a new place to settle down, Rhode Island’s small towns often rank among the safest in the nation. Their historically low violent crime rates sit below even the state’s already low averages, yet they retain the character and variety that draw so many new residents to New England. Those seeking a safer place to live will find shorelines and gardens, a strong sense of history, and a welcoming culture that includes diverse dining options, all while maintaining the quiet small-town atmosphere that makes these communities appealing.