6 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in Rhode Island

Rhode Island stands as one of the calmer and more nature-centric destinations to call home in your golden years. The state is close to major metropolitan cities like New York and Boston, enjoying a variety of environmental settings that span from waterfront vistas to lush forestry surroundings. Fondly known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island boasts breathtaking scenery that complements its reputation for safety and community living. Many of its charming towns feature walkable neighborhoods brimming with local businesses and extensive healthcare facilities, making it a prime choice for those looking to enjoy their retirement years in tranquility and convenience.

However, along with its many advantages, Rhode Island is also considered one of the more expensive places to retire, with median sale prices at $440,000, as of March 2024. From suburban communities with rich industrial history like Woonsocket to predominantly senior population towns that allow for a strong sense of engagement like Johnston, read along to find an affordable small town to spend your golden years.

Coventry

Coventry stands as one of the oldest towns in America, and one of the most affordable in Rhode Island balancing historic elements in a welcoming community of creative locals. Established in 1741, the town also enjoys a natural advantage of parks and refuges with some of the most prominent being the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge and the Sandy Acres Recreation Area. Adding to the natural appeal is an array of mills including Anthony Mill, and Harris Mill built in 1850 that once served as a cotton producing hub.

With a population of 34,014, the town’s affordability is mainly attributed to its housing market, with the median sale prices at $291,000 (according to realtor.com), well below the state average. Coventry also offers a variety of excellent healthcare choices. Notable facilities include Haven Healthcenter of Coventry, Village Medical Center, and local establishments like Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Nature's Healing.

Johnston

Johnston appears on almost every online list of the best places to retire in Rhode Island due to its laid-back agricultural community combined with elements of a big city. From its thriving small business scene to its verdant countryside, which features popular attractions like Verde Vineyards and Pezza Farm, the town also offers a balance of active life and daily activities at Johnston Memorial Park. The abundance of assisted living options and care homes also contributes significantly to the town's appeal as one of the best places to retire in the Ocean State. Top-rated facilities include The Bridge at Cherry Hill, Briarcliffe Preserve Assisted Living, and Briarcliffe Manor, one of the largest wellness facilities in town.

With a population of 29,322 and growing demand as a retirement destination, 21.9% of the population is over the age of 65. The median home listing price in Johnston is $410,000, which is slightly lower than the state and national average. Retirees in Johnston can find groups and clubs of like-minded seniors and build their own friendly community, especially at places like the Johnston Senior Center, which caters to elderly wellness with various events and assistance.

West Warwick

West Warwick ranks among the state’s most affordable town, located roughly 12 miles from Providence, making it a convenient small destination for those seeking easy city access. Highlights of retirement in West Warwick include the Matteson Pond Recreation Area, the Arctic neighborhood, and numerous opportunities for outdoor golfing. Relocation to West Warwick also ensures easy access to beaches and watersport activities due to its proximity to Potowomut, just 9.6 miles away, and Rocky Point State Park.

West View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Spring Villa Memory Care, and Esperanza Hill are some of the town’s main retirement communities, while Thundermist Center of West Warwick serves as the town’s primary medical center. The median home listing price in West Warwick is around $354,900, making it an affordable option for those looking to purchase a home.

Hopkinton

Hopkinton offers a quiet, rural retreat for retirees looking to spend their golden years in verdant vibrancy. Unlike any other affordable town to retire in Rhode Island, Hopkinton is a rural community located near Connecticut's border. This retirement haven is the true definition of a small-town experience with its small population of 8,398 and slower-paced relaxed lifestyle. Seniors relocating to Hopkinton are granted the luxury of fresh farm-to-table food, and the ability to handpick their daily produce with walk-in farm visits. Aside from the nature-centric activities and the abundance of recreational potential, the town comes alive with events like the Annual Holiday Stroll, and the New England Season Opener in Hopkinton State Park.

With a population of just over 8,000 people, Hopkinton maintains a small-town feel that is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retirement. The town also stands out as one of the most affordable places to retire in Rhode Island for its remote location in a forestry setting. In 2024 the median home price in Hopkinton sits around $440,000, on par with the state average.

Woonsocket

Woonsocket stands out as one of Rhode Island's larger and more affordable retirement destinations, known for its thriving small business scene in the revitalized downtown area and its charming artistic community. However, what qualifies Woonsocket to be one of the best places to retire in Rhode Island is its Landmark Medical Center, offering all the medical facilities retirees look for in major cities.

Once an industrial community, Woonsocket’s neighborhoods all enjoy unique settings of suburban, vintage, and spacious themes providing an option for all tastes and preferences. The city of Woonsocket historically drew workers from various regions to its numerous mills, predominantly French Canadians who left a lasting cultural imprint on the city, evident in local language, architectural styles, and other elements.

Some of the top-ranked neighborhoods to retire in Woonsocket include Oak Grove, and North End, while the most affordable in town is the Social district. Although home prices differ depending on the neighborhood retirees choose, the median home listing price in Woonsocket in 2024 is approximately $350,000.

Westerly

Westerly is one of the best small towns to retire in Rhode Island for those seeking a lively community that enjoys a touristy element. As one of the most frequented vacation escapes in the state, there is something for all tastes and preferences in Westerly. From breathtaking architecture like the Ocean House to nature-centric attractions like the Napatree Point Conservation Area, and one of the town’s main appeals is its upscale shopping downtown center decorated in a contrast of redbrick and white shopfronts that complement its aquatic setting. Some of the town's locally acclaimed shopping spots include Savoy Bookshop and Cafe, Pompelmo Gelato, and Cinder Restaurant.

The median home price in Westerly is higher than other options in the Ocean State, with the median sale price at $535,000. However, in comparison with listing prices in Newport, which climb over 1M, Westerly is a more affordable option for those wanting to live in a larger city. Seniors in need of medical attention can find quality service at top-rated community homes like Elms Retirement Residence and Royal Westerly Nursing Homes.

While many places in Rhode Island lean to the more expensive side, these most affordable small towns to retire in Rhode Island offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences, ranging from affordability and community to cultural richness and coastal beauty. This ensures that every retiree can find their ideal place to call home while prioritizing community elements long dreamt of to complement the state's safety and natural allure.