6 Charming Rhode Island Communities To Retire Around Providence
Between captivating coastal towns, exquisite New England architecture, and mouthwatering seafood cuisine, Rhode Island is a hotspot that perfectly blends beauty, history, and culture. However, did you know "The Ocean State" is also an incredible place to retire? Ranked as the second-best state for healthcare in America by WalletHub (with many medical professionals in Rhode Island and residents having the lowest out-of-pocket-medical spending in the nation)—plus being one of the top 10 safest states in the US, this is a pretty great destination to call home. Whether you prefer the expansive waterfront of Bristol or the legendary landmarks of Jamestown, discover the most charming Rhode Island communities to retire from around Providence.
Newport
Newport was ranked second on the “25 Best Places to Retire Affordably” list by Fortune Magazine in 2024. The city was recognized for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, historic downtown area, fresh seafood restaurants, and eloquent mansions—not to mention the expansive list of options for recreational activities and quality health care.
Visit The Breakers, a gorgeous Gilded Age mansion built from 1893 to 1895, which served as the eloquent summer home of the prominent Vanderbilt family. Explore the shops, boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and marina of Bowen's Wharf, the lively waterfront harbor. Enjoy a scenic stroll down Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail with magnificent ocean views and old mansions.
The Edward King House Senior Center offers specialty programs for recreational activities and support groups. Newport Public Library hosts intellectually stimulating workshops and engaging events and offers discounted seniors’ passes to local museums. Newport Hospital is right in the city, while The Miriam Hospital (ranked the Best Hospital in Rhode Island by U.S. News & World Report) is just 36 miles away.
Central Falls
If you would like to live in a quiet suburb only six miles away from the state capital, enjoying the slower pace of life while being close to major amenities, Central Falls is a wonderful retirement destination. Plus, with a median listing home price of $329,900 USD, Central Falls is one of the most affordable places to live in Rhode Island.
Savor some quiet time in Adams Public Library, a Greek Revival site. The library’s lower level was used as a meeting place for WWI Veterans. Admire the jaw-dropping landscape vistas from Cogswell Tower, an iconic symbol of the city standing in the 1890-built Jenks Park. Treat yourself to some scrumptious pastries at 3 Flags Bakery, known for its traditional Portuguese and American treats.
While Blackstone Valley Community Health Care and Blackstone Valley Neighborhood Health Station are both here, you can easily access Providence’s medical facilities. Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is also about an hour away. Both Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, ranked two of America’s Best Hospitals according to the U.S. News 2024-2025 Honor Roll list, can easily be accessed by car.
Bristol
The safest city in Rhode Island according to SafeWise (based on violent and property crime rates), Bristol has topped the list for years. You will feel secure living in this stunning seaside town, where major community events are held—including the oldest continuously running 4th of July Celebration in America, which started in 1785.
Uncover rare species of plants, an expansive 45-room mansion, and lovely views of Narragansett Bay in the well-maintained Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum. Explore the 464-acre Colt State Park, with its historic stone walls, scenic hiking trails, and panoramas. You can go saltwater fishing, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, cycling, picnicking, or jogging here.
The downtown district is extremely walkable and features landmarks such as Linden Place, a Federal-style mansion built in 1810. Bristol also has several medical clinics and is near Saint Anne's Hospital.
Jamestown
Building close connections with those around you is one of the best ways to boost happiness and overall life satisfaction—especially as you grow older. Jamestown has a tight-knit community of residents, where 37.2% of the population is 65 and older (Census Bureau), so you can meet friends to try new activities with.
Soak up the natural beauty of Jamestown from famous sites like Beavertail State Park. Expect to see beautiful waterfront, rocky coastlines, and the third-oldest lighthouse in America (originally built in 1749, with the current structure developed in 1856). Mackerel Cove Beach is the perfect sandy spot to relax in the summers, swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset or rising by the shore.
See innovative art exhibits, performances, film screenings, and talks by artists at the Jamestown Arts Center, a cultural hub that inspires creativity and innovation. Regarding healthcare, South County Hospital can be reached within driving distance. The organization received a 5-star rating for overall quality from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2024, and is known for its NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) program.
Narragansett
In Rhode Island's South County, you will find Narragansett, a quaint beach town to bring your Atlantic dreams to life. Surround yourself with picture-perfect beaches and historic focal points as you taste fresh local delicacies and experience the slower pace of life.
Get sun-kissed on the sandy shores or go swimming in the calm waters of Roger Wheeler State Beach. Admire The Towers, an extraordinary remnant of the 1880s-built Narragansett Pier Casino. Unwind by the lovely New England saltwater coastal beachfront of Narragansett Town Beach, known for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and central location.
23.7% of residents here are aged 65 and older (Census Bureau), so you can find a close community of friends to enjoy the Narragansett Senior Association's recreational activities with. Brown Health Medical Group offers senior medical services in town. Sick visit appointments are available both in person and through telehealth.
South Kingstown
Dubbed the second-safest city in the state, following Bristol (by SafeWise), South Kingstown is an ideal destination for both nature and culture lovers. See seasonal Broadway-style performances at the Theatre By The Sea. The 300-seat barn theater was originally opened in 1933 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Discover vibrant species of azaleas, rhododendrons, and wildflowers at the Kinney Azalea Gardens as you venture through the 16 acres of land. East Matunuck State Beach is a picturesque spot for swimming, picnicking, or saltwater fishing, while South Kingstown Town Beach is also known for its incredible boardwalk.
South County Hospital, a leading healthcare provider ranked in the top 10% of hospitals in America (and in the top 5% for Patient Experience), is here. Not to mention, their high-performance standards have earned South County The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation, as well as the Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification.
The Best Retirement Communities Around Providence
Beautiful beach towns, fascinating cultural hotspots, and top-quality healthcare facilities are only a few reasons that make The Ocean State a great place to retire. Between the gorgeous Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the exquisite landscape views from Central Falls, and the extraordinary performance theaters of South Kingstown, there will be plenty to keep you occupied, no matter which of these towns you choose. Get your future started now by exploring the most charming Rhode Island communities to retire around Providence—so you can find peace in a smaller-town environment in proximity to the state capital.
