Best places to live in Rhode Island
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Rhode Island
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Rhode Island using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Narragansett Pier
- Population: 3,594
- Median home value: $542,200 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,328 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $58,875
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Middlebridge School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 125 Kenyon Farm Rd, Narragansett ($4.4 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $542,200 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,328 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $58,875
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Middlebridge School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 125 Kenyon Farm Rd, Narragansett ($4.4 million, 2 bedrooms)
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#24. Greenville
- Population: 8,695
- Median home value: $285,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,177 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $84,701
- Top public schools: William Winsor School (B+), Anna McCabe Elementary School (B+), Vincent J. Gallagher Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 67 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield ($550,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $285,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,177 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $84,701
- Top public schools: William Winsor School (B+), Anna McCabe Elementary School (B+), Vincent J. Gallagher Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 67 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield ($550,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#23. Warren
- Population: 10,488
- Median home value: $297,300 (54% own)
- Median rent: $953 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $59,926
- Top public schools: Rockwell School (A), Guiteras Elementary School (A), Colt Andrews School (A-)
- Top private schools: East Bay Career Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 21 Brownell St, Warren ($860,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $297,300 (54% own)
- Median rent: $953 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $59,926
- Top public schools: Rockwell School (A), Guiteras Elementary School (A), Colt Andrews School (A-)
- Top private schools: East Bay Career Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 21 Brownell St, Warren ($860,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#22. Westerly
- Population: 22,544
- Median home value: $302,600 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $70,784
- Top public schools: West Broad Street School (A), Stonington High School (A-), Pawcatuck Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Bradley School - Westerly Site (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25 Avondale Rd, Westerly ($6.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $302,600 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $70,784
- Top public schools: West Broad Street School (A), Stonington High School (A-), Pawcatuck Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Bradley School - Westerly Site (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25 Avondale Rd, Westerly ($6.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#21. Valley Falls
- Population: 11,882
- Median home value: $239,000 (68% own)
- Median rent: $876 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $83,090
- Top public schools: North Cumberland Middle School (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy Elementary School No. 2 (A-)
- Pictured: 19 Hines Farm Dr, Cumberland ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $239,000 (68% own)
- Median rent: $876 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $83,090
- Top public schools: North Cumberland Middle School (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy Elementary School No. 2 (A-)
- Pictured: 19 Hines Farm Dr, Cumberland ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. Charlestown
- Population: 7,799
- Median home value: $330,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,232 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $78,209
- Top public schools: Hope Valley Elementary School (A-), Ashaway Elementary School (A-), Charlestown Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 160 C Ross Hill Rd, Charlestown ($6.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $330,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,232 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $78,209
- Top public schools: Hope Valley Elementary School (A-), Ashaway Elementary School (A-), Charlestown Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 160 C Ross Hill Rd, Charlestown ($6.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. Warwick
- Population: 80,993
- Median home value: $225,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,167 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $73,757
- Top public schools: Block Island School (B), Scott School (B), Chester W. Barrows School (B)
- Top private schools: Rocky Hill Country Day School (A+), Bishop Hendricken High School (A), St. Rose of Lima School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 276 Channel View Ave, Warwick ($2.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,167 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $73,757
- Top public schools: Block Island School (B), Scott School (B), Chester W. Barrows School (B)
- Top private schools: Rocky Hill Country Day School (A+), Bishop Hendricken High School (A), St. Rose of Lima School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 276 Channel View Ave, Warwick ($2.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. West Greenwich
- Population: 6,224
- Median home value: $343,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,114 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $119,688
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Metcalf School (B+), Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior (B+)
- Top private schools: Greenwich Village School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6 2nd St, Plainfield ($225,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $343,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,114 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $119,688
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Metcalf School (B+), Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior (B+)
- Top private schools: Greenwich Village School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6 2nd St, Plainfield ($225,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#17. Smithfield
- Population: 21,693
- Median home value: $288,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $916 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,337
- Top public schools: Raymond C. LaPerche School (A-), Dr. Halliwell School (A-), William Winsor School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3 Mellissa Cir, Smithfield ($1.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $288,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $916 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,337
- Top public schools: Raymond C. LaPerche School (A-), Dr. Halliwell School (A-), William Winsor School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3 Mellissa Cir, Smithfield ($1.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Lincoln
- Population: 21,731
- Median home value: $319,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,040 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $81,045
- Top public schools: Blackstone Valley Prep Mid2 (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Lincoln Central Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Spurwink School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 0 Paddock Dr, Lincoln ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $319,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,040 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $81,045
- Top public schools: Blackstone Valley Prep Mid2 (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Lincoln Central Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Spurwink School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 0 Paddock Dr, Lincoln ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Exeter
- Population: 6,664
- Median home value: $336,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $991 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $84,919
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Curtis Corner Middle School (B+), Metcalf School (B+)
- Pictured: 224 Kenney Hill Rd, Exeter ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $336,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $991 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $84,919
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Curtis Corner Middle School (B+), Metcalf School (B+)
- Pictured: 224 Kenney Hill Rd, Exeter ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#14. Middletown
- Population: 16,018
- Median home value: $379,100 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,372 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $73,609
- Top public schools: Middletown High School (B+), Joseph H. Gaudet School (B+), Aquidneck School (B)
- Top private schools: St. George's School (A+), All Saints STEAM Academy (unavailable), Silveira Kindergarten & Nursery School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14 Little Creek Ln, Middletown ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $379,100 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,372 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $73,609
- Top public schools: Middletown High School (B+), Joseph H. Gaudet School (B+), Aquidneck School (B)
- Top private schools: St. George's School (A+), All Saints STEAM Academy (unavailable), Silveira Kindergarten & Nursery School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14 Little Creek Ln, Middletown ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. Cranston
- Population: 81,254
- Median home value: $243,500 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,070 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,017
- Top public schools: Garden City School (B), Stadium School (B), Cranston High School West (B)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School (unavailable), St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Stream Dr, Cranston ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $243,500 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,070 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,017
- Top public schools: Garden City School (B), Stadium School (B), Cranston High School West (B)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School (unavailable), St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Stream Dr, Cranston ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#12. Newport
- Population: 24,663
- Median home value: $448,800 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $67,102
- Top public schools: Rogers High School (B), Frank E. Thompson Middle School (B-), Claiborne Pell Elementary School (C+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael's Country Day School (A)
- Pictured: 180 Narragansett Ave, Newport ($14.0 million, 14 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $448,800 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $67,102
- Top public schools: Rogers High School (B), Frank E. Thompson Middle School (B-), Claiborne Pell Elementary School (C+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael's Country Day School (A)
- Pictured: 180 Narragansett Ave, Newport ($14.0 million, 14 bedrooms)
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#11. Bristol
- Population: 22,145
- Median home value: $337,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,610
- Top public schools: Rockwell School (A), Guiteras Elementary School (A), Colt Andrews School (A-)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10 Courageous Cir, Bristol ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $337,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,610
- Top public schools: Rockwell School (A), Guiteras Elementary School (A), Colt Andrews School (A-)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10 Courageous Cir, Bristol ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Cumberland Hill
- Population: 8,249
- Median home value: $262,100 (80% own)
- Median rent: $921 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $89,456
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cherry Blossom Journey School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 53 Kennedy Ct, Cumberland ($500,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $262,100 (80% own)
- Median rent: $921 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $89,456
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cherry Blossom Journey School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 53 Kennedy Ct, Cumberland ($500,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Cumberland
- Population: 34,846
- Median home value: $288,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $954 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,726
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Mercymount Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 51 Reservoir Rd, Cumberland ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $288,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $954 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,726
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Mercymount Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 51 Reservoir Rd, Cumberland ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#8. Portsmouth
- Population: 17,363
- Median home value: $386,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $100,453
- Top public schools: Melville School (A), Portsmouth High School (A-), Portsmouth Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Portsmouth Abbey School (A+), The Pennfield School (A), St. Philomena School (A-)
- Pictured: 272 Carnegie Harbor Dr, Portsmouth ($8.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $386,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $100,453
- Top public schools: Melville School (A), Portsmouth High School (A-), Portsmouth Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Portsmouth Abbey School (A+), The Pennfield School (A), St. Philomena School (A-)
- Pictured: 272 Carnegie Harbor Dr, Portsmouth ($8.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#7. Narragansett
- Population: 15,500
- Median home value: $444,300 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,389 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $86,920
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Quest Montessori School (A+), Middlebridge School (unavailable), Ocean Tides School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 518 Ocean Rd, Narragansett ($14.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $444,300 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,389 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $86,920
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Quest Montessori School (A+), Middlebridge School (unavailable), Ocean Tides School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 518 Ocean Rd, Narragansett ($14.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Jamestown
- Population: 5,494
- Median home value: $656,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,660 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $111,110
- Top public schools: Lawn School (A-)
- Pictured: 256 E Shore Rd, Jamestown ($7.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $656,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,660 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $111,110
- Top public schools: Lawn School (A-)
- Pictured: 256 E Shore Rd, Jamestown ($7.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#5. South Kingstown
- Population: 30,652
- Median home value: $371,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,287 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,917
- Top public schools: Kingston Hill Academy (A+), Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Prout School (A-), Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A), Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School (A)
- Pictured: 527 Ministerial Rd, South Kingstown ($7.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $371,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,287 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,917
- Top public schools: Kingston Hill Academy (A+), Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Prout School (A-), Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A), Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School (A)
- Pictured: 527 Ministerial Rd, South Kingstown ($7.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#4. North Kingstown
- Population: 26,235
- Median home value: $350,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,027 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,796
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Wickford Middle School (A), Hamilton School (A)
- Top private schools: West Bay Christian Academy (A), South County Montessori School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - North Kingstown (unavailable)
- Pictured: 46 Pojac Point Rd, North Kingstown ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $350,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,027 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,796
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Wickford Middle School (A), Hamilton School (A)
- Top private schools: West Bay Christian Academy (A), South County Montessori School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - North Kingstown (unavailable)
- Pictured: 46 Pojac Point Rd, North Kingstown ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#3. Kingston
- Population: 6,513
- Median home value: $355,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $96,775
- Top public schools: South Kingstown High School (A-), Peace Dale School (A-), Broad Rock Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A)
- Pictured: 2545 Kingstown Rd, South Kingstown ($615,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $355,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $96,775
- Top public schools: South Kingstown High School (A-), Peace Dale School (A-), Broad Rock Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A)
- Pictured: 2545 Kingstown Rd, South Kingstown ($615,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. East Greenwich
- Population: 13,081
- Median home value: $437,500 (77% own)
- Median rent: $916 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $114,147
- Top public schools: East Greenwich High School (A+), Frenchtown School (A+), Meadowbrook Farms School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mercy Regional School (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - East Greenwich (unavailable), The Village Lower School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1000 Old Greenwich Dr, East Greenwich ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $437,500 (77% own)
- Median rent: $916 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $114,147
- Top public schools: East Greenwich High School (A+), Frenchtown School (A+), Meadowbrook Farms School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mercy Regional School (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - East Greenwich (unavailable), The Village Lower School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1000 Old Greenwich Dr, East Greenwich ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#1. Barrington
- Population: 16,131
- Median home value: $433,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,318 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $125,431
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Nayatt School (A+), Barrington Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Andrews School (A+), Barrington Christian Academy (A), St. Luke Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 85 Nayatt Rd, Barrington ($5.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $433,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,318 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $125,431
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Nayatt School (A+), Barrington Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Andrews School (A+), Barrington Christian Academy (A), St. Luke Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 85 Nayatt Rd, Barrington ($5.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
