Choosing the right location for retirement involves careful consideration of various factors that contribute to quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis of Rhode Island towns focuses on 5 key criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly ratings. These elements collectively paint a detailed picture of what each community offers to retirees seeking comfort, convenience, and fulfillment.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Rhode Island’s best towns for retirees. The Overall Retirement Score has many criteria baked into it, providing a holistic evaluation of each location’s suitability for retirement living.
Here’s the list.
22. Barrington Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 75.33
- Walkability: 69.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 98.07
- Vibrant Score: 42.40
- Transit-Friendly: 52.52
About Barrington
Barrington offers a solid retirement experience with a respectable Overall Retirement Score of 75.33. The town particularly shines in Urban Sophistication with an exceptional 98.07 score, indicating abundant cultural amenities and intellectual opportunities. Its moderate Walkability score of 69.11 means many daily needs can be accessed on foot, while the Transit-Friendly rating of 52.52 suggests reasonable public transportation options. Though its Vibrant Score is lower at 42.40, this might appeal to retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle while still having access to sophisticated amenities. The median home price in Barrington reflects its desirable qualities.
21. Hopkinton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 76.06
- Walkability: 40.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 66.84
- Vibrant Score: 21.99
- Transit-Friendly: 5.21
About Hopkinton
Hopkinton earns its place with a strong Overall Retirement Score of 76.06, appealing to those seeking a more rural retirement setting. The town’s low Transit-Friendly score of 5.21 and modest Walkability rating of 40.58 indicate that personal transportation is important for residents. With a Vibrant Score of just 21.99, Hopkinton offers a peaceful, low-key environment rather than bustling activity. Its moderate Urban Sophistication score of 66.84 suggests some cultural offerings are available. The median home price in Hopkinton makes it an attractive option for retirees seeking value in a quieter setting.
20. East Providence Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 76.11
- Walkability: 78.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 65.85
- Vibrant Score: 63.09
- Transit-Friendly: 47.26
About East Providence
East Providence offers a well-balanced retirement environment with an Overall Retirement Score of 76.11. Its strong point is Walkability at 78.14, making daily errands and activities convenient without necessarily requiring a car. The town boasts a good Vibrant Score of 63.09, indicating active community life and amenities. With a Transit-Friendly score of 47.26, public transportation options are available though not exceptional. The Urban Sophistication rating of 65.85 suggests decent cultural offerings. The median home price in East Providence provides good value considering its proximity to Providence and overall amenities.
19. Warren Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 77.52
- Walkability: 74.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 67.99
- Vibrant Score: 62.31
- Transit-Friendly: 34.71
About Warren
Warren offers retirees a strong overall experience with a Retirement Score of 77.52. The town’s excellent Walkability score of 74.27 means residents can easily access many amenities on foot. With a solid Vibrant Score of 62.31, Warren maintains an active community feel with restaurants, shops, and local events. Its Urban Sophistication score of 67.99 indicates good cultural offerings, while the Transit-Friendly rating of 34.71 suggests some public transportation options, though not comprehensive. The median home price in Warren offers good value for a waterfront community with historical charm.
18. Bristol Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 78.01
- Walkability: 71.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.05
- Vibrant Score: 63.03
- Transit-Friendly: 43.02
About Bristol
Bristol stands out with a strong Overall Retirement Score of 78.01, offering retirees a well-rounded community experience. The town excels in Urban Sophistication with a 75.05 score, reflecting its rich history and cultural offerings, including museums and arts events. With good Walkability at 71.58, residents can enjoy the charm of downtown Bristol on foot. A healthy Vibrant Score of 63.03 points to an active community life with dining options and local businesses. The Transit-Friendly score of 43.02 indicates moderate public transportation access. The median home price in Bristol reflects its coastal appeal and historic character.
17. Lincoln Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 78.11
- Walkability: 62.28
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 79.00
- Vibrant Score: 44.24
- Transit-Friendly: 28.65
About Lincoln
Lincoln offers retirees a quality living environment with a strong Overall Retirement Score of 78.11. The town particularly excels in Urban Sophistication at 79.00, suggesting good access to cultural and intellectual activities. With a moderate Walkability score of 62.28, many areas are pedestrian-friendly, though some destinations may require transportation. Lincoln’s lower Vibrant Score of 44.24 indicates a quieter atmosphere that many retirees prefer, while the Transit-Friendly rating of 28.65 suggests limited public transportation options. The median home price in Lincoln provides a suburban feel with proximity to Providence’s amenities.
16. West Greenwich Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 78.51
- Walkability: 23.23
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.60
- Vibrant Score: 25.05
- Transit-Friendly: 7.48
About West Greenwich
West Greenwich earns its high Overall Retirement Score of 78.51 by appealing to those seeking a more rural, tranquil retirement setting. With very low scores in Walkability (23.23) and Transit-Friendly categories (7.48), this town is ideal for retirees who prefer driving and value space and privacy. The modest Vibrant Score of 25.05 reflects its quiet nature with fewer commercial establishments. Surprisingly, West Greenwich maintains a strong Urban Sophistication score of 75.60, suggesting access to quality cultural amenities despite its rural character. The median home price in West Greenwich typically offers more space and land than more urban settings.
15. Foster Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 80.17
- Walkability: 30.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 79.55
- Vibrant Score: 13.39
- Transit-Friendly: 1.91
About Foster
Foster stands out with an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 80.17, catering to retirees seeking a truly rural and peaceful setting. The extremely low Transit-Friendly score of 1.91 and minimal Vibrant Score of 13.39 confirm its quiet, undeveloped nature. Despite its rural character, Foster surprisingly maintains a high Urban Sophistication rating of 79.55, suggesting cultural opportunities and educated residents. The low Walkability score of 30.55 reflects its spread-out nature, making a vehicle essential for daily living. The median home price in Foster typically offers significant value for those seeking space and tranquility.
14. East Greenwich Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 80.31
- Walkability: 49.29
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 94.71
- Vibrant Score: 52.74
- Transit-Friendly: 45.14
About East Greenwich
East Greenwich earns its high Overall Retirement Score of 80.31 through a balanced offering of amenities and lifestyle factors. The town excels in Urban Sophistication with an impressive 94.71 score, reflecting its educated population and cultural offerings. With a moderate Walkability rating of 49.29, some areas of town are pedestrian-friendly, particularly the historic Main Street district. The respectable Vibrant Score of 52.74 indicates a lively community with restaurants and shopping options, while the Transit-Friendly score of 45.14 suggests some public transportation availability. The median home price in East Greenwich reflects its desirability as an upscale community.
13. Smithfield Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 81.18
- Walkability: 51.81
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 73.26
- Vibrant Score: 45.79
- Transit-Friendly: 21.54
About Smithfield
Smithfield offers retirees an excellent overall experience with a Retirement Score of 81.18. The town provides a good balance with moderate Walkability at 51.81, making some areas accessible on foot while others require transportation. Its Urban Sophistication score of 73.26 indicates good cultural and intellectual opportunities, partly due to the presence of Bryant University. With a modest Vibrant Score of 45.79, Smithfield offers enough activity without being overwhelming, and its lower Transit-Friendly rating of 21.54 suggests personal transportation is beneficial. The median home price in Smithfield typically offers good value in a town with both rural charm and modern amenities.
12. Tiverton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 82.08
- Walkability: 54.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 76.93
- Vibrant Score: 36.97
- Transit-Friendly: 5.65
About Tiverton
Tiverton earns its high Overall Retirement Score of 82.08 by offering a coastal New England lifestyle with a more relaxed pace. The town’s moderate Walkability rating of 54.36 means some areas, particularly the Four Corners district, are pedestrian-friendly. Tiverton boasts a strong Urban Sophistication score of 76.93, reflecting its artistic community and cultural offerings. The lower Vibrant Score of 36.97 indicates a quieter lifestyle that many retirees prefer, while the very low Transit-Friendly score of 5.65 means personal transportation is essential. The median home price in Tiverton offers coastal living at a more accessible price point than some neighboring communities.
11. South Kingstown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 86.05
- Walkability: 52.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 84.46
- Vibrant Score: 37.72
- Transit-Friendly: 17.04
About South Kingstown
South Kingstown stands out with an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 86.05, offering a diverse community environment. The town excels in Urban Sophistication with an impressive 84.46 score, partly due to the influence of the University of Rhode Island campus. With a moderate Walkability rating of 52.66, some village centers like Peace Dale and Wakefield are pedestrian-friendly. The modest Vibrant Score of 37.72 suggests a balanced pace of life without excessive activity, while the low Transit-Friendly score of 17.04 indicates personal transportation is important. The median home price in South Kingstown varies widely between its coastal and inland areas.
10. Westerly Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 86.62
- Walkability: 56.62
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 76.47
- Vibrant Score: 52.65
- Transit-Friendly: 24.98
About Westerly
Westerly earns its place in the top 10 with an impressive Overall Retirement Score of 86.62. The town offers a good balance with its moderate Walkability score of 56.62, particularly in its charming downtown area. With a strong Urban Sophistication rating of 76.47, residents enjoy quality cultural offerings including the historic Granite Theatre and Westerly Library. The healthy Vibrant Score of 52.65 reflects an active community with dining options and seasonal events, while the Transit-Friendly score of 24.98 suggests some limited public transportation options, including Amtrak service. The median home price in Westerly varies significantly between its beachfront areas and inland neighborhoods.
9. North Kingstown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 88.60
- Walkability: 46.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.02
- Vibrant Score: 38.67
- Transit-Friendly: 23.37
About North Kingstown
North Kingstown secures a top-10 position with its excellent Overall Retirement Score of 88.60. The town offers a strong Urban Sophistication rating of 82.02, reflecting its historical significance and cultural offerings. With a moderate Walkability score of 46.45, some village areas like Wickford offer pedestrian-friendly experiences. The modest Vibrant Score of 38.67 suggests a pleasant, unhurried pace of life, while the Transit-Friendly score of 23.37 indicates limited public transportation options. The median home price in North Kingstown varies widely between its waterfront properties and more inland locations.
8. Exeter Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.25
- Walkability: 26.47
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.17
- Vibrant Score: 31.54
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Exeter
Exeter stands out with a remarkable Overall Retirement Score of 92.25, appealing strongly to retirees seeking rural tranquility. The town’s very low Walkability score of 26.47 and complete lack of public transportation (Transit-Friendly: 0.00) confirm its rural character, requiring personal transportation. Despite its countryside setting, Exeter maintains a strong Urban Sophistication score of 75.17, suggesting an educated population with appreciation for cultural amenities. The low Vibrant Score of 31.54 indicates a peaceful environment with minimal commercial activity. The median home price in Exeter typically offers good value for those seeking privacy and substantial property sizes.
7. Charlestown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.33
- Walkability: 34.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.56
- Vibrant Score: 23.44
- Transit-Friendly: 30.83
About Charlestown
Charlestown earns its high ranking with an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 92.33. The town offers a coastal retreat environment with a low Walkability score of 34.25, reflecting its spread-out nature. Despite its rural character, Charlestown maintains a strong Urban Sophistication rating of 75.56, suggesting quality cultural offerings and an educated population. The very low Vibrant Score of 23.44 confirms its peaceful, low-key atmosphere that many retirees seek. Surprisingly, it offers a moderate Transit-Friendly score of 30.83, better than some other rural towns. The median home price in Charlestown reflects its desirable coastal location and natural beauty.
6. Scituate Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.40
- Walkability: 43.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.95
- Vibrant Score: 20.26
- Transit-Friendly: 13.22
About Scituate
Scituate breaks into the top 6 with its outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 92.40. The town offers a rural retreat with reservoir views while maintaining an impressively high Urban Sophistication score of 82.95, suggesting a community that values cultural and intellectual pursuits. With a modest Walkability rating of 43.07, some village centers are navigable on foot. The very low Vibrant Score of 20.26 indicates a peaceful environment with minimal commercial development, while the low Transit-Friendly score of 13.22 means personal transportation is essential. The median home price in Scituate offers good value for a town within commuting distance of Providence.
5. Narragansett Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.94
- Walkability: 48.77
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 67.26
- Vibrant Score: 54.75
- Transit-Friendly: 11.09
About Narragansett
Narragansett secures a top-5 position with its exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 93.94. This coastal community offers a good balance with its moderate Walkability score of 48.77, with some areas like the Pier neighborhood being quite pedestrian-friendly. The town boasts a healthy Vibrant Score of 54.75, reflecting its active community life, especially during summer months. Its Urban Sophistication rating of 67.26 is solid though not as high as some other top towns. The low Transit-Friendly score of 11.09 suggests personal transportation is important for residents. The median home price in Narragansett reflects its premium coastal location and vacation destination status.
4. Portsmouth Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.21
- Walkability: 52.76
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 85.60
- Vibrant Score: 33.55
- Transit-Friendly: 3.79
About Portsmouth
Portsmouth earns its impressive #4 ranking with an outstanding Overall Retirement Score of 96.21. The town excels in Urban Sophistication with a score of 85.60, reflecting its educated population and cultural offerings. With a moderate Walkability rating of 52.76, some areas offer pedestrian-friendly experiences. The modest Vibrant Score of 33.55 indicates a peaceful atmosphere without sacrificing access to amenities. The very low Transit-Friendly score of 3.79 means personal transportation is essential for residents. The median home price in Portsmouth reflects its desirable Aquidneck Island location with a mix of waterfront and inland properties.
3. Jamestown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.31
- Walkability: 50.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 96.61
- Vibrant Score: 24.49
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Jamestown
Jamestown claims the bronze medal with a near-perfect Overall Retirement Score of 99.31. This island community offers an exceptional combination of peaceful living and sophistication. Its outstanding Urban Sophistication score of 96.61 is among the highest in Rhode Island, reflecting its educated population and quality cultural offerings. With a moderate Walkability rating of 50.48, the village center is pedestrian-friendly. The low Vibrant Score of 24.49 indicates a tranquil environment, while the absence of public transportation (Transit-Friendly: 0.00) means personal vehicles are essential. The median home price in Jamestown is premium, reflecting its island location and scenic beauty.
2. Little Compton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.32
- Walkability: 40.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 94.50
- Vibrant Score: 16.25
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Little Compton
Little Compton earns its silver medal position with a near-perfect Overall Retirement Score of 99.32. This coastal community offers an exceptional combination of rural tranquility and sophistication. Its remarkable Urban Sophistication score of 94.50 reflects its preserved historic character and educated population. With a modest Walkability rating of 40.90, the village Commons area offers some pedestrian experiences. The very low Vibrant Score of 16.25 confirms its peaceful, unhurried atmosphere, while the complete absence of public transportation (Transit-Friendly: 0.00) means personal vehicles are essential. The median home price in Little Compton is among Rhode Island’s highest, reflecting its exclusive coastal location and limited development.
1. New Shoreham Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.74
- Walkability: 38.79
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 70.25
- Vibrant Score: 24.15
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About New Shoreham
New Shoreham (Block Island) claims the top position with a nearly perfect Overall Retirement Score of 99.74. This island community offers a unique retirement experience with unmatched natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Despite its isolated nature, it maintains a good Urban Sophistication score of 70.25, reflecting its educated population and seasonal cultural offerings. With a modest Walkability rating of 38.79, some areas near town center are navigable on foot. The low Vibrant Score of 24.15 indicates its peaceful character, though this changes seasonally with tourism. The absence of public transportation (Transit-Friendly: 0.00) is balanced by the island’s small size and rental options. The median home price in New Shoreham is premium, reflecting its limited supply and unique island location.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for retirees, incorporating factors such as safety, healthcare access, tax-friendliness, community services for seniors, recreational opportunities, climate considerations, and overall quality of life.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can accomplish daily tasks without requiring a vehicle. High scores indicate pedestrian-friendly streets, proximity of amenities, and well-designed infrastructure that supports walking as a primary mode of transportation.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Reflects the availability and quality of cultural and intellectual offerings including museums, theaters, educational opportunities, fine dining, and an environment that fosters lifelong learning and engagement.
- Vibrant Score: Evaluates the level of community activity, including the presence of shopping, dining, entertainment options, events, and overall energy. This metric helps balance preferences between lively communities and more tranquil settings.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses the availability, reliability, and convenience of public transportation options, which can be particularly important for seniors who may eventually reduce or eliminate driving.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
