9 Safest Towns In Rhode Island For Senior Living
Hello Romeo - I've added sources here and used Zillow for the numbers on housing as per your request.Rhode Island is known for being one of the most quietly beautiful areas in the United States. It sometimes goes overlooked because of its small size and the fact that it is surrounded by several high-profile states, such as New York and New Jersey. However, it offers seniors a combination of factors that make it an ideal place to consider living and retiring. It is worth noting at the outset that, due to its location, homes within Rhode Island are often significantly more expensive than the national average. This is true across the state and not tied to any specific area.
Bristol
Bristol, Rhode Island, is known for being one of the more affordable and approachable areas in the state, making it attractive to seniors and those looking to retire. It is in the top 20% of U.S. cities in terms of safety, with an average of 12 violent crimes per year. The median home price is slightly less than $558,712, making it one of the most affluent entries on this list. Saint Anne’s Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital are both within 14 miles of the city limits. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, & Arboretum and Colt State Park have both become local favorites.
East Greenwich
East Greenwich, Rhode Island, is known for its affluent ambiance and elegant style, offering a truly refined New England experience for its residents. In terms of crime, less than ten violent crimes occur on average per year. Its average home price is around $743,614, making it one of the more expensive entries on this list. Kent County Memorial Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital are both relatively close for the area’s residents. The New England Wireless & Steam Museum and The Greenwich Odeum, a popular performance venue, are well-liked local attractions.
Jamestown
Jamestown, Rhode Island, combines a small-town atmosphere with welcoming neighbors and a picturesque locale to become one of the most popular choices among retirees in the greater New England area. In terms of safety, the town has an astonishingly low crime rate, with only four violent crimes taking place across a two-year period. In terms of housing, the average home price within the area is around $1,043,480, as this is one of the more affluent areas within the state. Newport Hospital and South County Hospital are near the town and are leading medical facilities within the area. Locals often enjoy visiting the Beavertail Lighthouse and Park and the Jamestown Windmill.
Middletown
Middletown, Rhode Island, earned its name by being in between two larger neighborhoods on beautiful Aquidneck Island. It has an average home value of $715,426. On a per year basis, the town averages around 20 violent crimes per year, making it a safe and quiet place. Newport Hospital and South County Hospital are the two primary medical centers in the area. Locals to the area often enjoy visiting the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge and the Newport Vineyards. The town offers residents a fun combination of island life and amenable neighbors, offering ocean views and a relaxed ambiance.
Narragansett
Narragansett, Rhode Island, is likely to be familiar to many readers as it is one of the more well-known areas within the state. It is popular among retirees because of its charming atmosphere and the amount of exciting activities to do, along with having access to excellent medical care. The area has a low crime rate, with less than five violent crimes occurring per year on average. The median home price for the area is slightly over $785,455. Newport Hospital and South County Hospital are the two primary medical facilities for residents of the area. Traveling to Block Island via ferry and visiting the Point Judith Lighthouse are two highly popular activities.
Portsmouth
Cherry blossom trees in full bloom lining a quiet street in a small neighborhood of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is a quiet suburb of the city’s capital, Providence. It is known for being charming and calm and yet relatively close to the state’s central hub. The town’s crime rate is exceptionally low, with a small number of three violent crimes per year. The area’s average housing cost is $635,288, which is in the upper median in terms of the state. Newport Hospital and Saint Anne’s Hospital are the primary medical facilities for those in need of medical attention. The Newport Car Museum and the Green Animals Topiary Garden offer fun and exciting activities at a reasonable cost.
South Kingston
South Kingston, Rhode Island, combines safety and security into a quaint, welcoming town that will likely evoke nostalgic memories for seniors. Within a span of two years, the town only had six violent crimes take place, making it one of the safest towns in the state. The average price of a home within the area is $639,100. South County Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in both the city and state and won a Pulmonary Care Excellent Award in 2025. Beloved local attractions in the city include the popular Theatre By The Sea and The Glass Station Studio and Gallery.
Tiverton
Tiverton, Rhode Island, is one of the most popular towns to move to within this list, largely because of its combination of affordability and safety. With home values at $504,535, it’s one of the most affordable of all of the towns on this list to live in. Additionally, it averages around eleven violent crimes per year, making it a safe place to live as well. Saint Anne’s and Charlton Memorial are within ten miles of Tiverton. Fogland Beach and historic Fort Barton remain among the town’s most popular attractions.
Westerly
Westerly, Rhode Island is known for being one of the safest areas in the state, as it only averages around five violent crimes per year. The median home value for the area is around $556,472, and many residents own their own homes within the town. Westerly Hospital is the town’s primary healthcare center, and it won Outstanding Patient Experience Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024. There are also a number of exciting activities available to participate in as well. Visiting the Watch Hill Lighthouse, taking one of several ghost tours, or going to the Mystic Seaport Museum are all popular attractions among the local residents.
Why Rhode Island is the Ideal Place to Retire
Rhode Island offers a potent combination of aquatic views, friendly neighbors, great food and attractions, and world-class medical care within short distances. While many seniors may not have initially thought of the area as someplace they might like to live in, it is a place they should consider if it is within their price range. Thankfully, some areas are on the more affordable end of the spectrum within the state. Rhode Island combines beauty, grace, and a quiet ambiance that is welcoming to all.
