Rhode Island

8 Budget-Friendly Towns in Rhode Island for Retirees

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2024

8 Budget-Friendly Towns in Rhode Island for Retirees

The smallest state in America is also one of the most expensive states, ranking among the top 15 least affordable states. However, beyond Rhode Island’s major metropolises and high-demand cities are small communities that make for a more affordable lifestyle. From waterfront communities that allow easy access to metropolitan cities at a fraction of the cost of living there, like Central Falls, to remote locales suitable for seniors prioritizing peace of mind like Charlestown, read along to learn about the advantages of each budget-friendly town in Rhode Island, and plan your relocation to the Ocean State.

Central Falls

Central Falls City Hall is part of the South Central Falls Historic District, Rhode Island. Image credit Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nicknamed the smallest city in America, Central Falls spans just 1.3 square miles. Despite its size, it has a rich history as a major industrial community. Central Falls offers a unique blend of urban convenience and small-town charm.

The town is known for its diverse population and vibrant cultural scene, with numerous local events and festivals celebrating its heritage. Popular community events to meet and engage with Central Falls residents include National Night Out, Food Truck Fest, and the annual classic car show that takes place every September.

Located on Massachusetts’ borders, Central Falls also allows easy access to the capital city of Providence and its many healthcare amenities like Rhode Island Hospital and the Miriam Hospital. Despite Central Falls’ proximity to major cities, it remains one of the most affordable retirement options compared to other small towns in Rhode Island, with median home prices valued as low as $377,000 (according to redfin.com).

Westerly

Ranked as the best town to retire, Westerly is a coastal community renowned for its balance of historic charm, aquatic beauty, and verdant landscapes.

Downtown Westerly is dotted with quirky local businesses and parks, contributing to the town’s welcoming atmosphere. Natural attractions like Napatree Point Conservation Area and Atlantic Beach Park make perfect daily exercise destinations.

In addition to its many appeals, the strong community element in Westerly plays a crucial part in its ranking as the best town to retire in Rhode Island, with over 40% of its population being over the age of 50. Care homes like Westerly Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center cater to this demographic. At the same time, Westerly Hospital serves as the town’s main healthcare facility, providing retirees with easy access to top-notch medical care. Additionally, the median home sale price in Westerly is valued at $600,175, and rent is estimated to cost $1,283 (according to census.gov).

Yet, senior community support, like the meal program that allows healthy dining for a donation of as little as $3.00, along with free transportation and other senior care programs, compensates for the higher housing expenses, enhancing the town’s appeal as one of the most affordable towns in Rhode Island with big-city amenities.

Woonsocket

Woonsocket ranks among the most affordable small towns in Rhode Island, offering essential amenities and proximity to the state’s capital city of Providence, located just 21 miles away. More of a small city than a town, Woonsocket enjoys a founding history dating back to 1867, giving the city an old-time allure with its many historic attractions.

Over 14% of the population are seniors, and some of the town’s top-rated retirement homes are The Friendly Home Inc., Wyndemere Woods, and the Oakland Grove Health Care Center, which caters to seniors in need of attentive medical care.

Entertainment venues like the Stadium Theatre and the local musical performances at Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining feature live jazz and blues.

Woonsocket’s affordability can be mainly attributed to its below-average home prices. In 2024, the housing market was valued at $455,000, with the median gross rent estimated at $1,066.

Cumberland

Cumberland is distinguished as a prime choice for those seeking an affordable yet vibrant living experience in Rhode Island. This small town boasts a lively community atmosphere and a rich cultural scene that caters to a diverse range of interests and lifestyles.

Notable for its strategic location, Cumberland offers easy access to both Providence and Boston, making it an ideal spot for commuters and those who appreciate proximity to urban centers without the hustle of city life.

With a demographic mix that supports both young families and retirees, Cumberland maintains a balanced community. Housing is reasonably priced, slightly more expensive than the state average, valued at $580,000.

Despite the significantly higher home prices, seniors relocating to Cumberland can find competitively affordable living when opting for all-inclusive senior homes. The average price for quality senior living is estimated to be $1,794. With an extensive array of options, some of the top-rated senior homes in Cumberland include Autumn Villa and Chapel Hill.

Bristol

One of the most affordable towns in Rhode Island for its below-state-average home price, Bristol is a historic town renowned for its old-time Victorian charm. Located 15 miles from Newport, Bristol offers a well-rounded selection of amenities, including healthcare and dining options.

The small town has a population of 22,131 and enjoys a youthful ambiance due to its student population from Roger Williams University. The cost of owning a home in Bristol is comparable to other destinations in the Ocean State, with a median sale price of $535,000, and the majority of residents being homeowners. However, rentals are more affordable, with median gross rental prices of around $1,276 monthly.

West Warwick

West Warwick ranks as one of the most affordable retirement towns,, allowing easy city access. It is just 12 miles away from Providence. Like many of the best small towns in Rhode Island, West Warwick is home to an eclectic dining scene and enjoys breathtaking aquatic views. The town’s affordability is complemented by an array of services designed to support its senior residents.

The local Senior Center offers numerous services, including a Senior Nutrition Meal Site, Meals on Wheels distribution, and monthly evening meals, ensuring that seniors have access to nutritious food at minimal cost. Additionally, the center provides Information and Referral, Options Counseling, and Pharmaceutical Assistance, helping retirees navigate their healthcare and medication needs.

In 2024, home prices in West Warwick were valued at $380,000, and the community is upward trending as a desirable bedroom community.

Johnston

Johnston is an agricultural community renowned for its parks and verdant lands. The town’s main appeal is its cultural scene, suburban setting, and variety of healthcare options.

Retirement homes like Anchor Bay at Pocasset, The Bridge at Cherry Hill, and Briarcliffe Gardens Memory Care Assisted Living are some of the top-rated retirement options in town, while Johnston Medical Center and Lifespan Urgent Care serve as the town’s main healthcare facilities.

The average home in Johnston is valued at $442,000. Compared to other affordable retirement communities, it typically enjoys a more spacious setting of private land or a spacious backyard, providing homeowners with better living conditions for a fraction of the price.

With over 21% of the town’s population being over the age of 65, Johnston offers a welcoming community for retirees looking to socialize and meet other newcomers to town.

Charlestown

Charlestown is the ideal retirement spot for nature lovers, with many of its attractions being parks and beaches. Pawaget Park, with its cove and coastal lagoon, Charlestown Town Beach, and Ninigret Park, are a few of the many natural attractions that draw nature enthusiasts from all over to retire in Charlestown.

A whopping 24% of the town’s population is over the age of 65, which adds to its social appeal and complements its relatively affordable housing market. The average home price in Charlestown is valued at $709,000, while renting a typical home in the area costs $1,616 per month on average.

Despite its small size and population of 7,997, seniors relocating to Charlestown are granted easy access to major healthcare amenities. Top-rated hospitals are located just a short drive away, offering peace of mind to those concerned about healthcare accessibility.

This blend of serene nature, affordable living, and essential services makes Charlestown an appealing choice for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in comfort and convenience.

Rhode Island, the smallest state in America, boasts a surprisingly diverse and affordable range of retirement options beyond its expensive metropolises. From the coastal charm of Westerly to the serene agricultural community in Johnston, these eight budget-friendly towns in Rhode Island provide a balance of all appeals. Collectively, these towns highlight the Ocean State’s attractiveness as a retirement destination, offering affordability, community, and a high quality of life for seniors.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island women’s basketball wins A-10 regular-season championship

Published

7 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island women’s basketball wins A-10 regular-season championship

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – What was a peerless achievement in University of Rhode Island women’s basketball history now has some company just four short years later.

The Rams are Atlantic 10 regular-season champions again after a special Saturday afternoon in Kingston, a coronation more than a contest against visiting George Washington.

The Revolutionaries never had a chance after the hosts got off to a sharp start at the Ryan Center. URI left no doubt in front of its best crowd of the season, and a significant portion of that gathering stuck around long after the final whistle to see the nets cut down again.

It was all Rams in this 72-48 cruise, a result that matched what was a first in 2022-23 and handed URI a No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament. George Mason dropped to the No. 2 spot despite posting the same 16-2 league record as the Rams, and that came thanks to a comprehensive 79-63 defeat in a Valentine’s Day matchup.

“There’s nothing more satisfying as a coach than to have the confetti fall and to cut down nets with this group of young women,” URI coach Tammi Reiss said. “I’ve never been prouder.”

URI scored on each of its first five offensive possessions and authored a masterpiece through the opening three quarters. It was only in the fourth when Reiss emptied her bench that George Washington showed any semblance of being able to keep pace. Palmire Mbu led three in double figures with 23 points, and Sophia Vital played yet another complete all-around game to help the Rams run roughshod.

“We were just extra motivated today,” Mbu said. “We wanted to do great for our crowd.

“Just trying my best. Trying to be aggressive and to give solutions on offense and defense. It felt good.”

URI owned a 21-point lead entering the final 10 minutes, thanks to 18 assists, just two turnovers and 63.4% shooting from the field. The Rams buried the offensive struggles they experienced in road losses to La Salle and Richmond with what had been a typical display of crisp execution. URI closed 26-for-35 from 2-point range, collected 48 points in the paint and racked up another 17 off Revolutionaries turnovers.

“I do believe the last four years we had talented teams – we had talented players,” URI guard Ines Debroise said. “But I think it’s also how we can put all the pieces of the puzzle together. This year that’s what we were going to do from day one.”

Mbu’s bucket off a Vanessa Harris steal gave the Rams a 25-10 lead and forced a George Washington timeout with 6:38 left in the second quarter. It seemed just a matter of time before this one was out of reach, and Brooklyn Gray followed a Debroise 3-pointer with a pair of layups to make it a 32-12 cushion. URI’s lead never dipped under 12 points again, and Mbu’s hook in the lane capped an 8-0 run that took it back to 58-38 with 1:00 left in the third.

Video of URI coach Tammi Reiss speaking postgame on Feb. 28

URI women’s basketball beats George Washington to win the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship

“They were sharing the ball in a championship game,” Reiss said. “It wasn’t 1-on-1. That’s what makes this team special.”

The Rams (25-4, 16-2 Atlantic 10) set a new program best for conference wins in a season and are now one shy from a new overall mark – they collected 26 while making a run to the WNIT Round of 16 in 2022-23. URI shared the league crown with rival Massachusetts that year before suffering a semifinal upset against Saint Louis and missing out on a third meeting with the Minutewomen.

“Their job is to show up and be us,” Reiss said. “Execute our game plan with discipline and ferocity for 40 minutes. Our job is to manage them – their health, their minutes.”

The Revolutionaries (15-16, 7-11 Atlantic 10) dropped to the No. 10 seed in the upcoming conference tournament and will play No. 7 Saint Louis in the second round on Thursday, March 5. The Rams will open Friday’s quarterfinals in an 11 a.m. tip on the USA Network against either No. 8 Loyola Chicago or No. 9 St. Bonaventure. No. 4 Davidson and No. 5 Saint Joseph’s are in URI’s half of the bracket, while the second-seeded Patriots and third-seeded Spiders could be on a semifinal collision course in the other half at Henrico Sports & Events Center.

“It’s going to be tough for everybody – probably three games in three days,” Mbu said. “We’ve got to push to the end and play like we’ve been doing.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON (48): Sara Lewis 2-10 2-2 6, Gabby Reynolds 7-13 2-2 17, Tanah Becker 1-2 1-1 3, Mia James 2-6 0-0 4, Kamari Sims 2-4 0-0 4, Emma Theodorsson 0-6 2-2 2, Jaeda Wilson 1-2 0-0 2, Filipa Calisto 2-2 0-0 4, Colleen Phiri 0-0 0-0 0, Caia Loving 2-2 0-0 4, Payton Dulin 1-1 0-2 2. Totals 20-48 7-9 48.

RHODE ISLAND (72): Palmire Mbu 9-14 3-4 23, Albina Syla 5-6 0-0 10, Brooklyn Gray 5-6 0-0 11, Sophia Vital 3-6 1-2 7, Ines Debroise 4-7 0-0 9, Vanessa Harris 3-7 0-0 7, Aimee Michel 2-2 0-0 4, Valentina Ojeda 0-2 0-0 0, Ta’Viyanna Habib 0-0 0-0 0, Eva Agba 0-1 1-2 1. Totals 31-51 5-8 72.

Halftime – RI, 40-25. 3-point FG – GW 1-8 (Reynolds 1-2, Becker 0-1, James 0-2, Sims 0-1, Theodorsson 0-2), RI 5-16 (Mbu 2-4, Gray 1-1, Vital 0-2, Debroise 1-4, Harris 1-2, Ojeda 0-2, Agba 0-1). Rebounds – GW 23 (Sims 5), RI 26 (Vital 6). Assists – GW 7 (Sims 2, Loving 2), RI 21 (Vital 7). Turnovers – GW 13 (Sims 4), RI 7 (Gray 2, Harris 2). Blocked shots – GW 2 (James 1, Loving 1), RI 3 (Mbu 2). Steals – GW 3 (Lewis 1, James 1, Sims 1), RI 6 (Vital 3). Attendance – 6,580.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25

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Rhode Island

Frostbitten lizard found in Rhode Island is healing

Published

19 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Frostbitten lizard found in Rhode Island is healing

While shoveling his driveway during yet another winter storm, a man in Providence, Rhode Island found something rather unexpected—a very cold giant lizard. Fortunately, the animal rehabilitation experts at the New England Wildlife Center found that besides being very dehydrated and having frostbite on its tongue and toes, the female tegu named Frankie was doing okay.

Tegus are large South American reptiles, so how did Frankie end up in the middle of a snowstorm in New England? Tess Gannaway, a veterinarian at the wildlife center who treated Frankie, tells Popular Science that she was probably someone’s pet.

“Given their size they often roam folk’s homes like dogs or cats and there is a chance that in warmer months Frankie escaped and was surviving on her own outside until the weather got too cold for her to manage,” Gannaway explains. There’s also the more unfortunate possibility that the lizard was recently abandoned.

The black on the tip of Frankie’s tongue are the dead tissue as a result of the frostbite. Image: New England Wildlife Center Staff.

Either way, Frankie was likely unable to pull her tongue back into her mouth at the start of the storm, which caused the frostbite on both her tongue and her toes. The tongue frostbite is particularly notable because known cases of animals with mucus membrane related frostbite are exceedingly unusual. Because of the frostbite, Frankie no longer has the iconic reptilian V-shape in her tongue.

In fact, veterinary medicine as a whole didn’t have any published accounts of such an affliction. As such, Gannaway and her veterinary student turned to human medical literature to decide on Frankie’s best treatment option, and ultimately identified what they were looking for.

This “is really cool and an example of something in veterinary medicine and other fields we call one health, so the intersection between human and animal health,” Gannaway explained in a New England Wildlife Center video.

In the human report, a portion of a patient’s tongue had unintentionally frozen because of a medical intervention in the mouth. Doctors then removed the dead external tissue a number of times, healing the injury within three weeks.

Similarly, the team at the New England Wildlife Center aims to remove part of Frankie’s dead tongue tissue every two or three weeks. Hopefully, the tongue will heal on its own, but the good news is that tongues are rapid healers.

Gannaway says that the team is “cautiously optimistic” about Frankie’s future.

“She did great during her first debridement [the tissue removal] and has moved on from liquid to solid food. New England Wildlife Centers’ Veterinarians will keep checking her tongue every 2 weeks to see if she needs further sedation to remove more superficial tissue,” she adds.“Until then she is on pain medications and an antibiotic. Tegus can live normal lives with only part of their tongue so as long as we can get her tongue to stabilize she should be ready to live a warmer although slightly less adventurous life.”

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Rhode Island

Bodycam footage shows moments police respond to Pawtucket shooting

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Bodycam footage shows moments police respond to Pawtucket shooting

Police bodycam footage shows the moments officers arrived to the scene of a deadly mass shooting in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The shooting on Feb. 16 at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena killed Rhonda Dorgan and Aidan Dorgan, the ex-wife and son of the shooter, who died by suicide.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

Gerald Dorgan, Rhonda’s father, died from his injuries this week. His wife, Linda Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso remain hospitalized.

Around five minutes after the first officer arrives, he beings helping paramedics with a man who identifies himself as Aidan. Twelve minutes in, Aidan Dorgan is transported to the hospital, where he would later die from his injuries.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.

For the last 10 minutes of the footage, the officer then begins helping paramedics transport the other three gunshot victims.

The video ends with police prepping witness interviews.

The shooting rocked the Pawtucket community. Chris Librizzi, head coach of the Blackstone Valley Schools hockey team impacted by the shooting, said the players and coaching staff “are devastated over the events that took place at Lynch Arena on Monday and intimately affected one of our teammates.”

As authorities continue investigating the shooting in Pawtucket, three patients remain in critical condition.

“We will lean on each other and support one another, as we have always done as a team,” he added.

Pawtucket police said two handguns were found at the scene after the shooting, a Sig Sauer P226 and Glock. Other weapons have been seized at the suspect’s storage unit in Maine.

Investigators continue reviewing all video evidence from before, during and after the shooting, including surveillance footage from the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, police body-worn camera footage and other records — a high school sports livestream captured the shooting from a distance — police said.

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