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.