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Home » 55+ » 2021 Best Places to Retire in Rhode Island

2021 Best Places to Retire in Rhode Island

The smallest state in the country is large in heart. With scenic shorelines, beautiful woods, and no shortage of delicious seafood, Rhode Island makes a comfortable, quiet place to retire. NewHomeSource is highlighting the top 10 cities for retirees in Rhode Island, making it easy to find the perfect destination to start this new chapter in your life. If you’re moving to the state for the first time, check out the first-time homebuyer programs for Rhode Islanders. And don’t forget to check the safety of your new city against our safest cities in Rhode Island list!

Skip Ahead
1. Central Falls
2. Woonsocket
3. Pawtucket
4. Providence
5. West Warwick
6. North Providence
7. East Providence
8. Warwick
9. Johnston
10. Coventry

1. Central Falls

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 7.2%

Median Home Value: $159,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 82

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 289

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 21

Central Falls lands as our top pick for Rhode Island retirement. With over 22,000 folks in a little under 1.3 square miles, Central Falls feels like a big city in a small space. Despite its size, this city has it all: Parks, schools, places of worship, and no shortage of restaurants. The low crime rate means you’ll walk through the neighborhoods and enjoy everything Central Falls has to offer with peace of mind.

2. Woonsocket

Historic city buildings in downtown Woonsocket.

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.7%

Median Home Value: $173,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 237

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 866

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 26

Woonsocket is a community of over 43,000 individuals ready to welcome you home. Located in Providence County, Woonsocket is known for its thriving culture and urban delights, including the Museum of Work & Culture, World War II Memorial Park, and Polar Express Station. The Blackstone River cuts through the city, and residents can enjoy kayaking along the blue waters on warm, sunny days. 

3. Pawtucket

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13%

Median Home Value: $194,600

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 294

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,642

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 22

There’s plenty to love about Pawtucket! The city is home to beautiful sights such as Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark and the Slater Memorial Park. Pawtucket is also home to multiple breweries, so there’s always a new drink to try. Visit the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience for a thrill, or take a step back in time in the Downtown Historic District and check out the shops.

4. Providence

Providence skyline on a bright day.

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.8%

Median Home Value: $200,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 895

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 5,552

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 19

Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and the most populous city in the state. There’s no shortage of activities to explore: golf courses, a zoo, museums, and plenty of parks. Check out the Waterplace Park, which features art exhibits and festivals that overlook the nearby water basins.

5. West Warwick

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.4%

Median Home Value: $205,800

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 56

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 244

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 17

West Warwick is the youngest city in the state – it was incorporated in 1913. You can expect this city to give you a spring in your step as you relish in all it has to offer. The Pawtuxet River runs through the heart of the city and invites you to enjoy morning strolls along the river at Riverpoint Park. Whether you’re visiting the country club or the civic center, you’ll have a great time living here.

6. North Providence

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.5%

Median Home Value: $217,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 44

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 209

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 18

North Providence is located just northwest of its namesake Providence. With a population of approximately 34,000, the town is a good choice for those who wish to live near the capital city without the crowd. If you’re looking for beautiful sights, check out the Governor John Notte Memorial Park, which features abundant green space and a beach.

7. East Providence

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.7%

Median Home Value: $221,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 62

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 500

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 20

Located along the eastern portion of the Seekonk River and Providence River, East Providence has no shortage of blue water to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will love the Ten Mile River Greenway, a perfect hiking place when it’s cool outside. If you want to focus on relaxation, find a local eatery and end your night out with a true Northeastern experience: Watch the lights at the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse!

8. Warwick

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20%

Median Home Value: $225,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 79

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,300

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 20

Warwick is the third most populous city in Rhode Island and is nestled along Greenwich Bay. Plan to make the most of your waterside home by checking out all the state parks and walkways along the coastline. If you prefer to stay indoors, catch a show at the Warwick Center for the Arts, or refresh your taste buds with a drink from one of the many breweries.

9. Johnston

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.7%

Median Home Value: $231,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 32

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 327

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 19

Enjoy the best of Rhode Island’s greenery in Johnston. Get your daily fill of fresh air and wooded scenery at locations like Johnston Memorial Park and Snake Den State Park. History lovers will enjoy the Clemence-Irons House, a stone-ender museum; while wine aficionados will love tastings at Verde Vineyards.

10. Coventry

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.3%

Median Home Value: $241,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 393

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 17

If your desire is to get away from it all, Coventry is the answer. A significant portion of the land is allocated for nature preserves, wildlife refuges, and state parks. There’s plenty of urban amenities as well, including grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and places of worship.

city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price
Barrington 16.50% 4 89.00 20 $433,200
Providence 10.80% 895 5,552.00 19 $200,300
Warwick 20.00% 79 1,300.00 20 $225,300
Cranston 17.00% 120 1,113.00 20 $243,500
Pawtucket 13.00% 294 1,642.00 22 $194,600
East Providence 19.70% 62 500.00 20 $221,700
Woonsocket 13.70% 237 866.00 26 $173,300
Coventry 17.30% 33 393.00 17 $241,300
Cumberland 17.70% 25 253.00 24 $288,200
North Providence 18.50% 44 209.00 18 $217,900
South Kingstown 19.00% 19 227.00 5 $371,400
West Warwick 16.40% 56 244.00 17 $205,800
Johnston 19.70% 32 327.00 19 $231,400
North Kingstown 19.10% 23 225.00 14 $350,400
Newport 21.70% 68 538.00 13 $361,100
Bristol 20.70% 16 103.00 19 $337,700
Westerly 21.30% 15 253.00 4 $302,600
Smithfield 19.80% 6 195.00 17 $288,700
Lincoln 19.00% 44 411.00 23 $319,800
Central Falls 7.20% 82 289.00 21 $159,100
Portsmouth 22.40% 11 77.00 19 $386,600
Middletown 19.90% 11 152.00 15 $379,100
Burrillville 14.60% 9 79.00 20 $253,200
Narragansett 24.30% 14 110.00 8 $444,300
Tiverton 24.00% 11 181.00 17 $277,500
East Greenwich 17.30% 5 94.00 17 $437,500
North Smithfield 22.90% 6 272.00 23 $295,900
Warren 21.10% 18 133.00 20 $297,300
Scituate 18.70% 6 38.00 16 $323,000
city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.

Other Rhode Island Resources

2022 Healthiest States to Live In
How to Build a House in Rhode Island
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Rhode Island
2022 Most Affordable Cities in Rhode Island
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Rhode Island
10 Safest Cities in Rhode Island
sarah-scott-photo
Sarah Scott

Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.

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