9 Best Places To Retire In Rhode Island

The charming East Coast states of New England offer a plethora of retirement options, ranging from riverside towns along the Blackstone to rural communities in the Providence metropolitan area. Rhode Island's growing population of over-60s is proof that you do not have to settle in sunny climates to live a vibrant, active lifestyle. Almost 20% of the state's population is people over 65, who are discovering the benefits of small-state living.

Although the state does have a higher cost of living than the national average, these nine best places to retire in Rhode Island offer comfy homes sitting below or close to the state's median list price of $520,000.

Central Falls

Central Falls is a tiny dot of a town sitting on the Blackstone River. As part of the Providence metropolitan area, it is a convenient location for retirees looking for a quiet town close to big city amenities. Average home values in town are around $370,000 (according to Zillow), making this an affordable option.

The main attraction of Central Falls is the riverside parkland and paths, including the unique 4-acre River Island Park, reached via a footbridge. It is an idyllic spot where the peaceful sounds of the gentle rapids, shady oak trees, and scenery offer a place to sketch, birdwatch, or hike. Retirees can lead an active life, biking or walking the riverside trails at Chocolate Mill Overlook, or enjoy the exercise facilities and scenic walking path at Governor Lincoln Almond Park.

Community events include an exciting calendar for seniors, from Zumba in the Park to Ice Cream Socials and Jazz Nights to Mayor-led gatherings, from dancing to painting.

Cumberland

The riverside town of Cumberland sits along the Massachusetts border in Providence County. Homes are just slightly above Rhode Island’s median list price at around $540,000, keeping them within reach for many retirees.

Cycling and walking along the Blackstone River Pathway offers hours of outdoor activity. Accessed from Cumberland’s charming Ashton Historic District, the pathway is also a fun way to explore neighboring towns. Diamond Hill Park is a former ski hill offering a more challenging trail. Take your time hiking 350 feet up the 3.8-mile path to the spectacular valley views from the summit, or sit and relax by the park’s tranquil pond.

Get involved by volunteering at the historic Franklin Farm. There are several ways to pitch in, from handyman chores as part of the Fix-it Crew to writing press releases and grant proposals. The Senior Center welcomes retirees to live an active, social lifestyle. Enjoy group day trips, join fellow members for center lunches, play pool, take exercise classes, or sign up for educational programs to learn new skills.

Woonsocket

Woonsocket is located in the Boston/Worcester/Providence Triangle, offering retirees access to vibrant city amenities while enjoying a slower pace of life. The median list price sits well below Rhode Island’s at around $380,000, offering a wide range of housing options to settle in for retirement.

Avid fishers can cast their line at local parks, including Soucy Falls and Cass Park. Soucy Falls is also a birder spot where you can sit for hours spotting birds and waterfowl. Scenic running trails, footpaths, and cycling paths through serene woods and along the Blackstone River allow you to keep active at your own pace.

Woonsocket offers opportunities to meet new people, help out at local events, or become a caretaker for the surrounding parkland. Autumnfest is an annual event that attracts people from across Rhode Island to celebrate the harvest with rides, food, and vendors. Retirees can immerse themselves in the carnival-like atmosphere, whether as an event volunteer or attendee.

The vintage Stadium Theatre is a town gem offering a calendar of first-class performances, including comedies, plays, and concerts. Retirees are welcome to audition for upcoming plays, volunteer during performances, or help with production from costume design to audio/visual production.

Glocester

Around 30 minutes from Providence, Glocester is a picturesque town where home list prices tend to hover just above the state median at about $560,000. The historic Chepachet Village is a quaint downtown area where the heritage buildings add to the town’s charm.

The village hosts a rotating calendar of annual events with shuttle bus services offering a convenient way to attend. Candlelight Shopping is a delightful way to explore the window displays and streets decked out in their seasonal best while the sounds of carols get you into the holiday spirit. The town’s Ancients & Horribles Independence Day Festivities is nearing its century milestone, attracting people from around Rhode Island and beyond to join in the celebrations. Retirees are always welcome to volunteer in event planning as a pleasurable way to get involved in the community.

The Glocester Senior Center is a social spot where retirees gather for community meals, participate in fitness classes, and attend events. A games room and event space welcome members to play board games, bingo, cards, and billiards, or attend dances.

Coventry

Coventry's location, tucked away in the Pawtuxet River Valley, offers seniors a peaceful retirement town. The reasonable median list prices, around $515,000, add to the town's appeal.

The Coventry Greenway is a 5-mile converted railway where hikers and cyclists can explore the parkland. This pathway is a segment of the East Coast Greenway, and the path from the West Warwick line to Station Street is open all year.

Events, programs, and classes at the Coventry Public Library offer opportunities to engage with like-minded people. Participate in craft projects and learn new skills. The library's homebound services also deliver books, magazines, and music to seniors unable to travel.

Join the Coventry Cares Volunteer Program to assist the community across a wide range of initiatives, from the food bank to maintaining the Coventry Community Garden. Participate in Coventry Resource and Senior Center event planning or check our their Cafe.

Johnston

This Providence neighbor is a laid-back town within the Providence metropolitan area with affordable median list prices sitting at about $485,000.

Johnston Memorial Park features a lovely pond surrounded by shady trees and a charming footbridge. Its tranquil grounds are ideal for picnics, strolls, or casting a line for a morning of fishing. You can also watch locals playing friendly games of basketball or volleyball, or invite your grandkids to join you for a day of fun at the many facilities.

Snake Den State Park is 1,000 acres of undeveloped land with miles of trails through peaceful woods. Dame Farm is an attraction offering apple picking, fresh produce at the market, and fields of breathtaking seasonal flowers that change throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Find new interests at the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library, from writing workshops to drawing classes, or hone your computer skills by learning how to use the internet and popular software programs. Bookworms can also snag 50-cent paperbacks at library book sales.

West Warwick

Nestled in a sheltered valley where the Pawtuxet River flows, West Warwick’s housing prices are a great incentive to call this town home. With a median list price around $390,000, West Warwick is a retirement spot where the town’s history is well-preserved in its heritage homes and buildings.

Arctic Gazebo is the town’s main gathering place, where music fills the air with summer concerts, the town Christmas tree is lit to kick off the holidays and the annual Christmas Festival, and events are held throughout the year.

Theater lovers can find an exciting community at the Arctic Playhouse, where volunteers help out at performances and get hands-on experiences in various production roles by joining the stage crew, learning the ropes as a technician, or helping out with costumes. Ticket vouchers and an end-of-season party round up the benefits of volunteering.

Skilled golfers can experience the unique course at Midville Golf Club, where slopes, angles, and unexpected hazards help you perfect your game. The 9- and 18-hole courses at West Warwick Country Club offer a more leisurely round of golf on well-manicured greens and fairways.

East Providence

East Providence is located directly across from the state capital on the eastern side of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers. This retirement town has affordable median list prices, around $440,000.

The small-town vibe has an artsy feel, where gathering places like Myrtle offer eclectic venues to take in some jazz or bluegrass bands, shop the vintage store, and sip drinks with friends. Edgier retirees will enjoy discovering the East Providence Arts District and the town's arts community. HeARTspot Art Center and Gallery offers art classes taught by the gallery owner and fellow art educators to help you develop your talent.

East Providence Heritage Arts Inc. celebrates arts and culture in all forms and across the diverse cultural heritage of Rhode Island. The volunteer-run group hosts a wide range of events, from musical performances at the Gathering Grounds Coffeehouse to the Heritage Festival. Get involved as a volunteer, or keep an eye on the calendar to find classes and workshops that pique your interest.

The town also has ample green space for daily walks, including the peaceful woodlands and shady lawns at Squantum Woods.

Warren

Warren sits on the east bank of the Warren River with tranquil scenery spanning from the pastoral farmland to 16 miles of coastline. This arm of Narragansett Bay includes one of New England’s oldest working waterfronts, dating back to the mid-1650s. Warren has much to offer as a retirement town, with housing prices that are reasonable, at a median list price of around $475,000.

Spend fair weather days cycling the East Bay Bike Path, wending through peaceful coves and marshland along the shore of Narragansett Bay. Discover the green parks and local towns along the trails, or stick closer to home. The arc{hive} book and snackery is made for rainy afternoons. Have lunch and browse their selection of great reads, or attend one of their bookworm-friendly events.

Keep up on current events and participate in community programs at George Hail Library. Have your say at city project meetings, sign up for Jeopardy! at the Library, participate in book discussions, or pull up a seat for social knitting or embroidery.

Arts Alive is a thriving youth hub where local children can participate in performing arts programs. Retirees can get involved with events and workshops that benefit the entire community. All skills are welcome, whether you sew, have creative talents, or love keeping things organized as an administrative whiz.

Whether you pictured yourself "retiring gracefully," living a life of restful leisure, exploring your creative side, or pursuing new adventures and interests every day, Rhode Island's little slice of New England is blessed with charming towns to call home. Despite the higher cost of living, these nine best places to retire offer a wide range of comfortable housing options and varied lifestyles that allow you to live your retirement days in style.