11 Best Places To Live In Rhode Island In 2025

Rhode Island rarely gets mentioned in conversations about United States destinations, perhaps because it is the smallest state in the country. However, the "Ocean State" is a hidden gem on the East Coast, where a relaxed coastal scenery with picturesque shorelines, mild, year-round weather, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere allow residents to live their best lives. Unsurprisingly, many people are moving to this state to enjoy its desirable attributes as a potential new home.

Between its idyllic fishing villages and quaint seaside towns, the state offers something for everyone, regardless of your tastes and preferences. From fresh retirees who live in peace and harmony to young, energetic professionals who want to fight for a spot at the top of their industries, here are some of the best places to live in Rhode Island in 2025.

Burrillville

This historic town in Providence County entices people with its vibrant downtown district and beautiful outdoor spaces. The urban core is always full of life, with people browsing the different local businesses making up the neighborhood. Bella Restaurants serves the best of Italian cuisine, featuring exotic dishes like baked stuffed lobster. Outdoor enthusiasts prefer to spend their time on the sandy shores and in the warm waters of Spring Lake Beach, which presents the perfect family escape. The Burrillville Community Recreation Center is an important social hub where everybody, from the young to the old, can have a good time, fostering a sense of belonging. Burrillville also has a median home price of about $509,900.

Johnston

Johnston is another quiet city in Providence County with picturesque natural scenery and unlimited opportunities for outdoor adventures. It is notably home to Snake Den State Park, whose 1,000-acre wilderness offers secluded walking trails that cut through shaded trees, open farmland, and beautiful flower gardens. Meanwhile, the Johnston Memorial Park has a more family-friendly setting close to the downtown, with playsets, picnic areas, and playgrounds, serving as the ideal alternative for spending time with loved ones.

On the other hand, the indoor inclined take the time to browse local history at the Johnston Historical Society, whose interactive exhibits take them on an interesting journey through time. Finally, the Johnston Medical Center addresses any needs for medical attention, while the average home value is $450,000.

Cumberland

Between its thriving arts and culture scene and inviting outdoor landscapes, Cumberland offers residents much to keep them entertained and engaged. The arts community often congregates inside the Blackstone River Theatre to watch and perform dances, musicals, dramas, and other theatrical presentations at the city’s go-to cultural gem. Furthermore, the Blackstone demonstrates the intricate process of blowing fantastic glass art, inviting shoppers to check potential decor items for their homes.

Valley Falls Heritage Park calls on residents to make the most of their moments outdoors. This adorable oasis with a serene environment features a 2.5-acre territory with a picnic area and secluded trails for walkers and joggers. After a long day of activity, residents catch over a pint of freshly crafted beer in the lively atmosphere of Phantom Farms Brewing. Finally, the median home value here is just below $500,000.

East Providence

This city’s location, about ten minutes from the state capital, opens doors for residents to access career opportunities, supreme health amenities, and quality social facilities Providence offers whenever their town seems lacking. However, it shields them from the urban rigors by providing a more suburban feel, with access to idyllic green spaces like Hull Street Playground. The HeARTspot Art Center and Gallery is a vital cultural hub with an award-winning gallery showcasing the works of local artists and crafters.

Residents can also gather inside Comedy Connection to share a hearty laugh by watching live comedic performances by acclaimed New England acts. Despite its proximity to the capital, East Providence has a fair median home value of $429,500, making it one of the best places to live in Rhode Island in 2025.

Foster

Foster promises its potential residents relaxed, small-town living and the perks that come with it. The townsfolk are very welcoming and allow newcomers to comfortably adapt to their novel environment. Historians will want to learn more about the Foster Town House, whose legacy dates back to 1796 and is the country’s oldest government meeting venue of its design. Foster is also home to Rhode Island’s sole covered bridge, so the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge is an important regional landmark showcasing classic New England bridge engineering.

The Foster Country Club provides a 6,200-yard championship golf course with eighteen challenging holes where seasoned and newbie golfers can test their prowess. Lastly, those planning to buy a home should set aside a budget of around $485,000.

Hopkinton

Hopkinton balances its wide open spaces with a quaint downtown district to ensure residents access indoor and outdoor opportunities seamlessly. It offers multiple incentives to step outside and discover the great outdoors, including hiking the scenic trails meandering through Canonchet Brook Preserve. Picnickers and birdwatchers can also escape to Long Pond to revel in a serene environment with thriving birdlife away from the downtown crowds.

However, if you enjoy human interactions, the urban core is ideal for meeting and interacting with fellow residents. Hopkinton is less than forty minutes from Providence, meaning all the urban conveniences of the capital are within striking distance whenever necessary. Lastly, buying a home in Hopkinton will cost you $487,500.

Lincoln

Lincoln is an excellent destination to raise a family if you appreciate rich natural sceneries, but the town argues its case with numerous historical attractions and family-centric entertainment centers. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound at the Lincoln Woods State Park, which sprawls over 600 acres and accommodates anglers, swimmers, picnickers, and kayakers. There is more to see and do at the Blackstone River State Park, where a scenic bike path spoils riders with majestic river views.

The Hearthside House Museum presents a unique perspective of the 1810s using original artifacts and furnishings in a Federal-style structure. Elsewhere, families can have unadulterated fun with loved ones shooting paintballs at BattlegroundZ or driving go-karts at R1 Indoor Karting. If you aspire to own a home in Lincoln, it will cost you approximately $500,000.

Warren

This charming waterfront town in Bristol County, half an hour north of Newport, has spectacular natural spaces and an eclectic downtown district hosting a vibrant mix of businesses. Warren encourages the locals to embrace an active outdoor lifestyle by exploring isolated walkways through the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge. This lush sanctuary provides a habitat for thriving wildlife in a gorgeous coastal setting. Beyond wilderness, Warren's downtown excites citizens with attractions like the Galactic Theatre, where multitudes congregate to attend electric musical performances.

Alternatively, catching up with friends over a pint of beer at the Guild Brewing Company is another suitable way of enjoying the district. Warren residents receive their health care services from the Warren Medical Center, and for those who want to purchase a house, the average cost is $429,000.

Smithfield

This historic college town, incorporated in 1731, harbors a rich historical heritage that complements its stunning natural atmosphere and vibrant downtown district. Smithfield showcases its enduring history at several sites and markers, highlighted by the Smith-Appleby House from 1702. It also provides multiple rugged trails where outdoor enthusiasts can isolate themselves to be one with nature, especially those within the Mowry Conservation Area and Wolf Hill Forest Preserve.

Back in the town center, residents enjoy remarkable shopping opportunities at Smithfield Commons, a 35,000-square-foot mall housing an array of retailers and brands. Finally, the state capital is just twenty-two minutes away, guaranteeing newcomers ready access to all its urban comforts. Smithfield’s median cost of housing is $468,900.

North Providence

North Providence delivers the best of both worlds! Quiet green spaces represent its more rural side, while proximity to Providence allows guests to enjoy all the creature comforts of urban living. Captain Stephen Olney Memorial Park is one of the many outdoor escapes in North Providence that residents use for recreation. It has play structures, swings, climbing features, ball fields, and walking areas. Meanwhile, the North Providence Marketplace offers a delightful shopping and dining experience, and patrons can explore a wide selection of retailers and eateries.

Furthermore, the Dryden Gallery showcases impressive pieces by regional, national, and international artists representing diverse disciplines. Elsewhere, patients in the community find treatment at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. Finally, the median home price in North Providence is $389,900.

Woonsocket

Woonsocket has many things going for it, from a thriving arts and culture scene and a highly-rated public school system to spectacular natural scenery. St Ann Arts & Cultural Center is a recognized regional hub, boasting North America’s most extensive collection of fresco paintings housed inside an elaborate French Renaissance-style building. Those who fancy natural areas head to River Island Art Park, a serene oasis on the banks of the Blackstone River and a popular gathering spot for events.

The Roy Rob Academy is part of the region’s education system, which is considered high-quality from the elementary level. Also, Woonsocket is served by Landmark Medical Center, which provides round-the-clock health care services in a respected institution. Lastly, the area’s median home price of $379,500 is lower than the Rhode Island average.

Final Thought

Relocating to any of the best places to live in Rhode Island in 2025 might just be the fresh start you've been waiting for. From sandy beachside communities with sunny weather to laid-back New England towns hidden from the city, each destination has a distinct charm. Residents enjoy an elevated sense of belonging from amiable social interactions, exciting outdoor recreation, and an easygoing pace of life, culminating in a high quality of life for the residents.