Rhode Island
7 Towns Perfect for Retirement in Rhode Island
Rhode Island covers a diminutive 1,214 square miles and is the smallest state in the nation. To put that in perspective, this tiny state can fit into Texas approximately 221 times. Also known as “Little Rhody” and “Ocean State,” Rhode Island holds a surprising distinction unbeknownst to most: it was the first colony to break away from the British Empire and was the first to initiate a military act against it by sinking an English ship in the Narragansett Bay. Aside from its fascinating history, the Ocean State offers an ideal setting for those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with plenty of fresh seafood, scenic beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene to explore. This article will explore the top seven towns to retire.
Jamestown
Jamestown was incorporated more than 300 years ago, making it one of the most historically significant towns in the state. It’s also somewhat of a pop culture sensation, as several movies have been filmed here, including the acclaimed “Moonrise Kingdom,” which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. To learn about the town’s storied history, consider visiting the Beavertail Lighthouse & Museum for your first stop—the 168-year-old lighthouse famously survived a brutal assault by retreating British soldiers amidst the American Revolutionary War but was later restored to operational duties. Today, it stands on a mesmerizing vista on the Conanicut Island while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Another prominent attraction is Fort Getty Park & Campground, a 41-acre area with a beach, a public boat ramp, and dozens of RV and tent sites; the park is also ideal for strolling along scenic trails while enjoying the melodic sounds of birds. And lastly, don’t miss out on an exhilarating boat tour provided by Gansett Cruises to witness historic landmarks such as Castle Hill, Newport Bridge, and Rhode Island’s idyllic shoreline. The 75-minute trip includes live commentary, with the option of viewing the tour from comfy seats in the cabin or the open deck to soak in the fresh air. According to BestPlaces, violent crime stands at a minuscule 7.7 on a scale of 1 to 100, far below the national average of 22.7.
Bristol
The seaport town of Bristol was one of five state capitals of Rhode Island. Presently, Seaport is a peaceful haven and home to the lengthiest ongoing celebration of Independence Day festivities in the country, dating back to 1777. Notable attractions include Coggeshall Farm Museum, a 48-acre coastal farm where you can relive the experiences of salt marsh farmers through interpreters and fun interactive activities. And less than a 10-minute drive away is the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, a botanical paradise sitting on 13 hectares of land. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the summer estate offers over 300 species of trees and shrubs, featuring native Rhode Island plants and exotic varieties while also serving as an ideal venue for bird-watching, nature workshops, and weddings.
Another perk that comes with living in Bristol is the town’s emphasis on community, as this small yet lively town features several events throughout the year, including art nights, the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, and trivia nights. To live here, median listings cost $579K per Realtor’s data, while median rent costs $2.2K, according to Zillow.
Charlestown
Named after Charles II of England, Charleston boasts a humble population of 7,997 residents as of 2020. This town features ten national historic places, including the historic village of the Narragansetts, the Shannock Historic District, and Fort Ninigret, one of the oldest military posts in the Atlantic coast. To get some fresh ocean air, the Charlestown Breachway is a local favorite, offering beachgoers a remote sandy beach far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing all the space you need to unwind and relax. This safe community, which boasts a violent crime rate of just 19.6, is within close proximity to the Wood River Health Medical Center, Burlingame State Park, and Ninigret Park, an enormous 227-acre preserve that features a beach, a cycling track, basketball court, plus a swimming pond.
East Greenwich
Big things come in little packages—and East Greenwich is no different. Despite covering just 16.71 square miles, this mighty small town is home to a waterfront that harbors several bars and restaurants, a cozy library that includes special collections pertaining to Rhode Island’s history, and a dozen National Historic Places, including the Massie Wireless Station, the oldest functioning wireless station in the world. The town is just a 22-minute drive from the state capital of Providence for all your big city needs and only 6.6 miles away from the Big River Management Area, a beautiful nature preserve covering over 8,000 acres of land that is home to evergreens, wetlands, and river streams. The park is famous amongst locals who utilize the park’s 180+ trails for mountain biking, trail running, and Nordic skiing. Residents of Greenwich enjoy living in safe communities, with an overall crime rate of 14.94 per 1,000 residents, good enough for a B+ by CrimeGrade.
Tiverton
Tiverton is a picturesque town on the easter edge of Narragansett Bay. The city harbors two year-round beaches called Fogland Beach and Grinnell’s Beach, both of which display unique features. The architecture in Tiverton consists of 18th-century-themed buildings, with many restaurants and boutique shops available to explore. To settle here, average rent hovers at $1.8K, according to RentCafe, while homes cost $488K per Redfin’s latest data. Safety is not something taken for granted by the city, as NeighborhoodScout’s data suggests a modest crime rate of just 9 per 1,000 residents, making Tiverton one of the safest towns in the region. Last but not least, Tiverton is home to six historic places registered on the National Register of Historic Places. One of them is the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District, a 50-acre village offering the finest Colonial, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture.
Glocester
This 293-year-old town has something for everybody. Enjoy nature? Go all out in the Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area, a 4,000-acre park, to relish outdoors, hike, cross-country ski, and savor some of the best trout fish in the area. Want to know how previous generations lived and what they used? Visit The Town Trader antique shop, the oldest building in the Historic Chepachet Village. And be sure not to miss the beloved Petersen Farm, where you can buy lush Christmas trees while being surrounded by crisp farmland. According to Realtor, median listings stand at a modest $430K in a seller’s market as of 2024. The town is also just 19.4 miles away from Providence and less than an hour away from Boston—giving you the best of both worlds at your convenience.
Woonsocket
How many towns can say they have 37 historic sites? Woonsocket can! This small town features an eye-popping number of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among the many that stand out are the 98-year-old and still operational Stadium Theatre Performs Arts Centre, in addition to the Woonsocket Civil War Monument, and the Woonsocket Rubber Company Mill, one of the earliest producers of rubber goods in Rhode Island. Interestingly, this town was also the place (along with Providence) where the film “The Purge: Election Year” was filmed. To settle in Woonsocket, Median listings based on 88 homes for sale on Realtor stand at $354K, while the average rent is $1.5K, according to Zumper. The town is also home to the Landmark Medical Center, several authentic eateries, and a crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 residents.
In conclusion, while Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, it offers a plethora of unique towns to call home and retire in, each offering a rich tapestry of history and picturesque settings. Whether it’s the natural beauty of Tiverton, or the dozens of historic sites in Woonsocket, Little Rhody offers a surprisingly large variety of vibrant and safe towns to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle for your golden years.
Rhode Island
Man killed in RI shooting; suspect involved in Mass. car crash that killed 2 others
A man has died after a shooting in Cranston, Rhode Island, and investigators say a suspect was later involved in a car crash in Swansea, Massachusetts, that killed two other people.
The shooting victim was found Thursday on Legion Way, shot multiple times in the chest, Cranston police told NBC affiliate WJAR-TV. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he later died. His name has not been released.
The suspect initially fled on foot, setting off a shelter-in-place order while investigators searched the area.
Police said Friday that investigators identified a suspect vehicle, which was later spotted by Massachusetts State Police. A trooper followed the car down Route 6 and Interstate 195, but stopped when it crossed back into Rhode Island. The car was later involved in a crash on Route 136 in Swansea, Mass.
Swansea police say that crash on Route 136 (James Reynolds Road) resulted in the deaths of two other people.
According to the Swansea Police Department, two officers saw a white Infinity G37 speed past them around 12:18 a.m. Friday on Route 6, otherwise known as Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Moments later, officers observed that the vehicle had crashed into the side of a blue Subaru Ascent that had been traveling southbound on Route 136.
Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage, police said.
The vehicle that was struck was fully engulfed in flames. First responders and bystanders tried to extinguish the fire, but both occupants — a man and a woman — were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Their names have not been released.
The 28-year-old Infinity driver, who struck the victims’ Subaru, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries and later into custody by Cranston Police. They have not been publicly identified at this time.
Swansea police said they are aware that the Infinity was the subject of a police pursuit, and know the driver was wanted in connection to the Rhode Island homicide investigation. While Swansea police had been alerted to be on the lookout for the suspect’s vehicle, however, they say they were not involved in the pursuit and were not pursuing the vehicle at the time of the deadly crash.
The crash in Swansea is under investigation by Massachusetts authorities, including state police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Meanwhile, Cranston police said they would give an update on their investigation around 1 p.m.
Rhode Island
RI House speaker unveils housing bills for 2026. What to know
House Speaker Shekarchi unveils 2026 RI housing legislative package
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s nine-bill package for 2026 seeks to cut red tape and relax rules on parking, dividing lots and staircases.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi is once again taking aim at the regulations he says are stifling new homebuilding.
The Warwick Democrat unveiled his sixth annual suite of housing legislation on Thursday, Feb. 26, a few weeks after announcing he would not be running for governor this year.
“We are still trying to play catch-up for all the years that Rhode Island was dead last in the country for new housing starts,” Shekarchi said. “While Rhode Island remains a relatively affordable option for people moving here from other states, our own residents are too often priced out of the neighborhoods they grew up in.”
The legislative text of the nine-bill housing package, and with it the specifics of how it would work, were not available for Thursday’s news conference.
But highlights of the package, according to summaries, include:
- Infill housing. Allow property owners to divide lots in single-family zoning districts, creating multiple dwellings instead of one, provided they have water and sewer service.
- Parking maximums. Put new limits on how much off-street parking communities require for new apartment buildings.
- Homeless Bill of Rights. Expand the state’s Homeless Bill of Rights to require 15-day notice to the occupants of encampments before local authorities clear them.
- Emergency shelters. Let communities build temporary shelters, such as the ECHO Village Pallet shelter in Providence, during a state of emergency.
- Stairs. Legalize the construction of four-story apartment buildings with a single staircase.
- Affordable housing taxes. Overhaul the tax system for income-restricted housing covered by the state’s “8 Law.”
Is land-use reform working?
Since Shekarchi was elected speaker in 2021, the General Assembly has passed dozens of bills he backed that tweaked state land-use statutes or streamlined the process for building.
How successful this approach has been is subject to debate.
Many local elected officials wary of development in their communities continue to rail against efforts to erode their power over construction.
Others in the growing Yes In My Back Yard movement see Rhode Island’s piecemeal approach as inadequate in comparison with the scale of the affordability problem and what other states are doing.
As evidence that his changes are making a difference, Shekarchi said Rhode Island saw a 70% increase in building permits in 2023 and a more modest increase in 2024. (Statistics for last year were not immediately available.)
Gov. Dan McKee’s 2030 plan calls for 15,000 new housing units built by that year.
Democratic primary challenger Helena Foulkes is slated to roll out her housing plan on Monday.
It is expected to include a millionaires tax to fund affordable housing, a revolving fund and target of 20,000 new homes.
What would the new laws do?
Letting property owners put multiple homes on a plot of land is one of the most direct ways that lawmakers can encourage the construction of more homes, but it is also one of the most controversial.
That’s especially true in areas zoned for large lots and single-family homes.
How far the new bill allowing lots to be subdivided in single-family zones goes is unclear. It is sponsored by Rep. Stephen Casey, D-Woonsocket.
Legislation setting maximum parking requirements for new developments, introduced by Rep. Joshua Giraldo, D-Central Falls, would apply to areas accessible by public transit.
Critics of off-street parking requirements say they make it harder to build new apartments and make the units that are built more expensive.
Shekarchi proposed the emergency shelter bill last year. It passed the House and died in the Senate.
It was the result of how long it took state officials to navigate Rhode Island’s building code and open the ECHO Village Pallet shelter in Providence.
The staircase bill, sponsored by Rep. June Speakman, a Warren Democrat and chair of the House’s home affordability study commission, follows a wave of cities and states relaxing rules on how many exits are required in new construction.
Currently, the state building code requires two stairways in buildings with more than three stories, and fire officials have opposed all efforts to change that.
Speakman’s bill would allow four-story buildings with a maximum of 16 units with a single staircase.
Supporters of single-stair buildings say they allow development of small sites that would otherwise sit vacant and allow family-sized units with more light and better ventilation.
A previous Rhode Island single-stair bill would have allowed six stories, but it died in committee.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order in mid-February to study the idea.
Rhode Island
One of Africa’s soccer giants will be based in Rhode Island for the World Cup – The Boston Globe
Providence has positioned itself as an alternative to Boston, one of the official host cities for the 2026 competition. Located just 30 miles away from Gillette Stadium — or “Boston Stadium” as it will be known during the World Cup — Rhode Island’s leaders have been touting the tiny state as more-affordable for fans and closer to the action. Seven matches, including a quarterfinal, are scheduled to be played in Foxborough.
“Today we announce that Ghana will be staying in Providence and we’d also like to extend an invitation to the fans and families to come to our city,” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in a statement on Thursday. “We are committed to being a festive destination for soccer fans from around the world.”
The news has created excitement among the local Ghanaian community in the state.
Kwame Larbi, the president of the Ghana Association of Rhode Island, said Ghana’s decision will be a chance for people to celebrate the West African country’s culture through its soccer team and an opportunity to see what successful Africans look like on a grand stage.
“The Black Stars represent everything Ghanaian. They are Ghana’s pride and joy, our strength, perseverance, and freedom,” he said. “Hosting the Black Stars at Bryant would mean so much for our community. More specifically, our youth. Representation is everything.”
Larbi said the local community plans to show out for the team with traditional Ghanaian dances at Foxborough when they face England on June 23.
“We will all be in our Ghana T-shirts, Ghana flags and our drums,” he said. “I just came from Ghana. My shirts are ready.”
This is the fifth time that Ghana has qualified for the World Cup. Their best showing was in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinal after defeating Team USA only to be eliminated when Uruguay prevented them from scoring in extra time with an intentional handball on the goal line. The team boasts some world-class talent who compete in top leagues around the world, such as star players Mohammed Kudus, who plays for the English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur, and Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City.
Larbi is bullish about Ghana’s chances at this year’s tournament.
“We are going to beat England. It’s a big name, but we have hope. We are going to surprise everyone, and with the spirit of brotherhood and all, we are going to be successful,” he said.

Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo said his father, who hails from Ghana, is excited about the team being based in the state.
“The first thing he texted back to me upon the announcement was ‘Nice. Exclamation point. Buy me a ticket,‘” he said. “There’s a lot of immigrants and immigrant kids who are going to feel some special feelings across the weeks that Ghana has us as their home base.”
Amo said he hopes Ghanaian fans from places such as Worcester, Mass., and New York City will join their compatriots in Rhode Island and create a vibrant atmosphere in the state.
“This is a big deal for our state. We get to showcase all the things that make us special — our food, our amazing Rhode Island summer and our people — to Ghana,” he said. “So it’s going to be great soccer … and it’s going to be a great setting for the World Cup.”
State officials say that the team’s training sessions will be closed to the public, but the country’s football association was planning some events with young players in the state.
“We’re working hard to ensure that the FIFA World Cup leaves behind a legacy of passion for the sport and a commitment to growing the game of soccer in Rhode Island. Partnering with the Black Stars will fuel these young players’ passion,” said Jonathan Walker, executive director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission.
For Larbi, he said Rhode Island’s Ghanaian community is ready to prepare some jollof rice for the team. He has lived in Rhode Island for more than 40 years and he never thought that he would see his country’s national team be based in the state for such a huge tournament.
“It has never occurred to us that one day the Ghana Black Stars will be based in Rhode Island…competing for the World Cup,” he said. “It’s not only Ghanaians, but it’s for the whole of Africa.”
Omar Mohammed can be reached at omar.mohammed@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter (X) @shurufu.
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