Rhode Island's 7 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

Dreaming of a cozy retirement in New England? These small, tight-knit communities in Rhode Island will make your golden years that much brighter. Whether you want to relax along the beach or long for a walkable city with beautiful architecture, it won’t take you long to feel right at home in these quaint Rhode Island towns. Get all the beauty and solitude of a small-town retreat without being too far from amenities that seniors need, like hospitals, retirement communities, and a strong community spirit. When you’re ready to find your new forever home, check out these best ranked towns!

Narragansett

Living in the small coastal town of Narragansett is like a year-round beach vacation. While the beaches are uncrowded and the traffic is light, it still lands you close to the essentials retirees need close at hand. Located just outside of Providence, you’ll have access to their top-notch hospitals, as well as South County Hospital in Wakefield, which is a short seven-minute drive. You’ll also find newer senior living facilities, like Southwinds Apartment within walking distance to the beach.

You can spend your days walking the wind-swept beaches of Narragansett Town Beach, offering 19 acres of shoreline and facilities. Hikers will love the Black Point Trail—one of the best in the area. It takes you along the coastlines and through the iconic mansion ruins known as Windswept. Narragansett also hosts inviting community events like the Independence Day Beach party which comes alive with sandcastle building, live music, and fireworks at dusk.

Westerly

On the border of Rhode Island and Connecticut along the calm banks of the Pawcatuck River is Westerly, a town known for its beaches and walkable downtown community. It has the Westerly Hospital centrally located downtown, and amazing assisted living facilities in the area. The Elms, for example, is a beautiful estate built in the late 1800s that was restored and provides excellent care within walking distance to churches, and local markets.

Natural beauty abounds in Westerly. Relax along the shores at Atlantic Beach Park, or cozy up with a good book near the arboretum at Wilcox Park, which also hosts Shakespeare in the Park during the warmer months. Spend the day wine tasting on the beautiful grounds at Langworthy Vineyards. In the evening, catch a live performance at the beautiful Granite Theatre.

Portsmouth

Nestled on Aquidneck Island is the small community of Portsmouth, with scenic views, great dining, and a laid-back atmosphere. While there are no hospitals in Portsmouth, residents can take a short 15-minute drive to Newport Hospital, which is regarded as one of the top hospitals in the state. For assisted living facilities, the Atria Aquidneck Place feels more like staying in a high-end resort. With a beautiful coastal location, community events, and outdoor gardens, it is one of the top facilities in the area.

No matter where you look in Portsmouth, there is beauty around every corner. Whether you want to walk the sandy shores of Sandy Point Beach or stroll downtown shopping for fresh produce at Clements' Marketplace, there’s always something in Portsmouth to keep you busy. The area is also known for its fresh seafood restaurants—15 Point Road is a favorite among the locals. Enjoy fresh seafood with water views on their modern outdoor patio.

Barrington

On the eastern shores of Narragansett Bay is where you’ll find the close community of Barrington. The neighborhoods are quiet and slow-paced, the views are amazing, and you’re never too far from all the important amenities. The East Bay Health Center is centrally located downtown and the Providence hosipitals are a 15-minute drive. The Atria Bay Spring Village is a highly regarded assisted living facility in the city that is within walking distance of Haines Memorial State Park and the Bay Spring Community Center.

For a peaceful afternoon, head to the Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge to walk the accessible trails or birdwatch. However, the most appealing aspect of Barrington isn’t its breathtaking scenery, but its exciting downtown district. This small community is peppered with delicious local bakeries, like the Vienna Bakery, small markets, and friendly coffee shops (like Blue Kangaroo Café) to start your day.

Johnston

Living in Johnston delivers all the convenience of Providence, but none of the traffic! Located less than 10 miles from the state capital, this small suburban community is ideal for retirees. While the Johnston Medical Center is centrally located in town, you will also have access to the highly-rated hospitals in Providence. The Bridge at Cherry Hill is a wonderful assisted living facility in town, equipped with recreational facilities on a manicured estate.

Johnston is home to Snake Den State Park, a public green space sprawling over 1,000 acres north of downtown. It offers scenic hiking trails with rows of fragrant wildflowers that bloom in the spring. In the fall, the park ignites in fiery shades of yellow and red as the leaves start to change. In the summer, you can shop fresh produce at Dame Farm and Orchards, or sip on Chardonnay in the lush greenery of Verde Vineyards. In Johnston, you are never more than 10 minutes from whatever you need, but still far enough away to enjoy a little peace and quiet.

Tiverton

On the east shores of Narragansett Bay is the coastal gem of Tiverton, known for its small-town beauty and close-knit community. There aren’t any major hospitals in this cozy community, but you need not travel far for top-notch care. St. Anne's Hospital, located across the Massachusetts border, is a short 10-minute drive away. Plus, Tiverton is just 25 minutes outside of Providence, which has highly-rated Rhode Island Hospitals. For assisted living facilities, look no further than Brookdale Sakonnet Bay. This highly-rated facility provides assisted and independent living with recreational facilities in a convenient location.

If you want to take in the natural beauty of Tiverton, Grinnell's Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the community. It has ample parking, restroom facilities, and a paved promenade that runs along the Sakonnet River. If you love shopping, Tiverton Four Corners is a charming walkable village with quaint shops like Groundswell Garden + Home and antique stores like Peter's Attic. Plus, Tiverton has some of the best (and most affordable) seafood in charming diners like Bridgeport Seafood.

Warwick

In the town of Warwick, you are somehow in the center of it all while enjoying the quietness of this small community. Located south of Providence on the shores of Greenwich Bay, Warwick is home to the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Kent Hospital, and top notch assisted living facilities. The Halcyon at West Bay has an amazing staff and upscale accommodations, and the Brentwood by the Bay Assisted Living provides recreational facilities near the banks of Greenwich Bay.

Goddard Memorial State Park is a popular spot among locals who want to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of Warwick. It offers accessible hiking trails on 490 acres along Greenwich Cove. It’s especially lovely in the fall when the lush greenery of the forest turns a stunning shade of yellow and orange. Spend the day at Rocky Point State Park, home of the historical Arch, a memento from the 1964 World’s Fair.

Find Your Perfect Retirement Retreat in Rhode Island

Living in these small towns feels almost too good to be true. There’s no doubt that Rhode Island is stunning, from salty windswept beaches to lush forests that explode with color in the autumn. These small towns are everything New England is all about—close communities, stunning views, and everything you need right at your fingertips. But you know what these suburban neighborhoods don’t have? New England traffic! These towns deliver the best of Rhode Island in cozy communities that will welcome you with open arms. They’ll make your retirement years feel like a full-time vacation.