I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify the fastest-growing towns in Rhode Island from 2016 to 2025. This comprehensive dataset reveals fascinating patterns in how the Ocean State’s real estate landscape has transformed over nearly a decade.
What stands out most is the remarkable consistency of growth, with even the “slowest” growing town on this list seeing nearly 95% appreciation. The most substantial gains are concentrated in formerly affordable urban areas, suggesting a dramatic shift in buyer preferences and neighborhood desirability.
The financial implications are significant – early investors in these markets have seen their equity more than double, with the average property in top-performing areas generating over $200,000 in wealth for owners who bought in 2016.
25. Cumberland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 94.44%
- Home value in 2016: $251,870
- Home value in 2017: $271,683
- Home value in 2018: $295,418
- Home value in 2019: $305,751
- Home value in 2020: $318,410
- Home value in 2021: $360,264
- Home value in 2022: $402,980
- Home value in 2023: $422,523
- Home value in 2024: $455,475
- Home value in 2025: $489,731
Cumberland’s steady 94.4% appreciation represents a $237,861 wealth creation opportunity that savvy investors have capitalized on. For sellers, this consistent upward trajectory signals strong exit opportunities, while buyers should consider the area’s sustained demand. Nestled between Blackstone River and Massachusetts border, Cumberland combines suburban comfort with strategic location advantages.
24. West Greenwich
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 96.39%
- Home value in 2016: $276,695
- Home value in 2017: $290,320
- Home value in 2018: $313,153
- Home value in 2019: $328,587
- Home value in 2020: $347,686
- Home value in 2021: $387,793
- Home value in 2022: $431,689
- Home value in 2023: $473,320
- Home value in 2024: $502,861
- Home value in 2025: $543,393
West Greenwich’s 96.4% value increase translates to $266,698 in equity growth, outpacing many traditional investment vehicles. The market’s resilience through economic fluctuations suggests fundamental strengths rather than speculative growth. Buyers entering now should evaluate current prices against historical appreciation rates carefully. This rural community with abundant protected woodlands offers a balance of privacy and accessibility.
23. South Kingstown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 96.59%
- Home value in 2016: $329,094
- Home value in 2017: $347,361
- Home value in 2018: $365,827
- Home value in 2019: $381,828
- Home value in 2020: $404,607
- Home value in 2021: $450,502
- Home value in 2022: $527,093
- Home value in 2023: $570,187
- Home value in 2024: $609,292
- Home value in 2025: $646,979
South Kingstown’s properties have nearly doubled in value, yielding $317,885 in wealth creation that beats most stock market returns. The acceleration in growth post-2020 suggests increasing market desirability and possibly supply constraints. For investors, this coastal market offers premium appreciation potential with above-average entry costs. This diverse town encompasses coastal villages, inland rural areas, and the university influence of URI.
22. Burrillville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 96.88%
- Home value in 2016: $220,517
- Home value in 2017: $239,480
- Home value in 2018: $258,100
- Home value in 2019: $267,337
- Home value in 2020: $286,457
- Home value in 2021: $322,005
- Home value in 2022: $358,890
- Home value in 2023: $380,025
- Home value in 2024: $408,235
- Home value in 2025: $434,146
Burrillville’s 96.9% appreciation has generated $213,628 in equity, providing exceptional returns on relatively modest initial investments. The consistent year-over-year growth pattern indicates sustainable market fundamentals rather than volatile speculation. Entry-level investors will find this northwestern town offers strong value proposition with moderate barriers to entry. This rural community with its historic mill villages offers expansive woodland properties and rural character.
21. Hopkinton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 97.47%
- Home value in 2016: $230,764
- Home value in 2017: $245,736
- Home value in 2018: $264,645
- Home value in 2019: $276,197
- Home value in 2020: $284,938
- Home value in 2021: $332,700
- Home value in 2022: $377,674
- Home value in 2023: $395,345
- Home value in 2024: $423,825
- Home value in 2025: $455,679
Hopkinton’s 97.5% growth trajectory has delivered $224,915 in wealth creation, substantially outperforming traditional savings vehicles. The pronounced acceleration after 2020 suggests shifting market dynamics and possibly pandemic-driven demand for rural properties. For buyers seeking value with growth potential, timing market entries remains crucial. This quiet community bordering Connecticut offers large land parcels with rural character and natural amenities.
20. Foster
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 98.37%
- Home value in 2016: $265,983
- Home value in 2017: $282,964
- Home value in 2018: $303,013
- Home value in 2019: $320,676
- Home value in 2020: $329,100
- Home value in 2021: $374,327
- Home value in 2022: $410,714
- Home value in 2023: $445,317
- Home value in 2024: $478,563
- Home value in 2025: $527,620
Foster’s nearly 100% appreciation represents a $261,637 wealth creation engine for early investors. The dramatic increase between 2024-2025 suggests continued momentum that could present strategic selling opportunities. Future buyers should note the consistent demand for this market despite its rural character. This sparsely populated town features historic farms, stone walls, and some of the largest residential properties in the region.
19. Glocester
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 98.75%
- Home value in 2016: $241,525
- Home value in 2017: $255,874
- Home value in 2018: $279,403
- Home value in 2019: $288,690
- Home value in 2020: $304,164
- Home value in 2021: $348,241
- Home value in 2022: $387,946
- Home value in 2023: $408,586
- Home value in 2024: $447,404
- Home value in 2025: $480,021
Glocester’s 98.7% growth has transformed $241,525 investments into $480,021 assets, demonstrating remarkable wealth-building potential. The acceleration post-2020 suggests shifting market preferences toward rural communities with larger land parcels. For investors, this pattern indicates potential for continued appreciation despite already substantial gains. This northwestern rural town features historic villages, several lakes, and abundant conservation land.
18. Coventry
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 99.52%
- Home value in 2016: $209,066
- Home value in 2017: $222,512
- Home value in 2018: $241,744
- Home value in 2019: $252,645
- Home value in 2020: $265,309
- Home value in 2021: $299,535
- Home value in 2022: $337,783
- Home value in 2023: $362,023
- Home value in 2024: $393,187
- Home value in 2025: $417,136
Coventry’s 99.5% appreciation has effectively doubled property values, creating $208,071 in equity from relatively modest initial investments. The consistent growth pattern indicates fundamental market strength rather than speculative bubbles. Current buyers should consider the cost-value proposition as prices approach psychological thresholds. This sprawling town encompasses both densely populated eastern villages and rural western regions with waterfront properties.
17. Tiverton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 100.31%
- Home value in 2016: $254,032
- Home value in 2017: $270,413
- Home value in 2018: $287,655
- Home value in 2019: $309,563
- Home value in 2020: $322,000
- Home value in 2021: $364,828
- Home value in 2022: $408,658
- Home value in 2023: $447,158
- Home value in 2024: $472,331
- Home value in 2025: $508,848
Tiverton crossing the 100% appreciation threshold means property values have more than doubled, creating $254,816 in wealth for 2016 buyers. This coastal market shows particularly strong growth after 2020, suggesting pandemic-driven demand for waterfront properties. Investors should note the premium commanded by waterfront and water-view properties in this market. This coastal community offers Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay views with proximity to both Newport and Fall River.
16. Warren
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 100.55%
- Home value in 2016: $248,690
- Home value in 2017: $265,846
- Home value in 2018: $284,919
- Home value in 2019: $294,397
- Home value in 2020: $304,693
- Home value in 2021: $353,089
- Home value in 2022: $397,005
- Home value in 2023: $420,508
- Home value in 2024: $468,471
- Home value in 2025: $498,748
Warren’s property values have doubled since 2016, generating $250,058 in equity and outperforming most traditional investment vehicles. The substantial jump between 2023-2024 suggests accelerating demand that could signal a market approaching maturity. For investors, this coastal community offers strong rental prospects with vacation and permanent resident appeal. This waterfront town along the eastern shore combines historic architecture with working waterfront and growing restaurant scene.
15. Newport
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.12%
- Home value in 2016: $426,532
- Home value in 2017: $445,230
- Home value in 2018: $479,360
- Home value in 2019: $526,719
- Home value in 2020: $539,252
- Home value in 2021: $607,604
- Home value in 2022: $730,575
- Home value in 2023: $777,568
- Home value in 2024: $828,874
- Home value in 2025: $862,109
Newport’s 102.1% appreciation translates to $435,577 in wealth creation, with its luxury market showing exceptional resilience through economic cycles. The remarkable acceleration between 2021-2022 indicates pandemic-driven luxury market dynamics and possibly international investment. High entry costs are balanced by strong rental yields and vacation property potential. This world-famous coastal resort city offers Gilded Age mansions, sailing heritage, and a robust tourism economy.
14. Middletown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.60%
- Home value in 2016: $354,084
- Home value in 2017: $371,357
- Home value in 2018: $393,654
- Home value in 2019: $416,605
- Home value in 2020: $433,290
- Home value in 2021: $489,500
- Home value in 2022: $573,928
- Home value in 2023: $633,279
- Home value in 2024: $668,384
- Home value in 2025: $717,370
Middletown’s 102.6% growth has generated $363,286 in equity gains, with particularly strong performance in the 2021-2023 period. The proximity to Newport creates spillover luxury market dynamics while offering slightly more accessible entry points. Investors benefit from strong rental demand driven by Naval Station Newport and tourism overflow. This community adjacent to Newport offers beaches, vineyards, and agricultural lands with ocean views.
13. Charlestown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 103.16%
- Home value in 2016: $321,521
- Home value in 2017: $337,300
- Home value in 2018: $361,438
- Home value in 2019: $376,533
- Home value in 2020: $385,498
- Home value in 2021: $447,755
- Home value in 2022: $536,016
- Home value in 2023: $566,353
- Home value in 2024: $620,460
- Home value in 2025: $653,216
Charlestown’s 103.2% appreciation has created $331,696 in wealth, with dramatic acceleration after 2020 indicating pandemic-driven demand for coastal properties. The premium coastal location commands luxury pricing with significant second-home and vacation rental potential. Seasonal demand patterns create opportunities for strategic buying during off-season periods. This coastal community offers pristine beaches, coastal ponds, and conservation areas with limited commercial development.
12. Cranston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 105.73%
- Home value in 2016: $208,840
- Home value in 2017: $221,931
- Home value in 2018: $241,604
- Home value in 2019: $259,997
- Home value in 2020: $269,372
- Home value in 2021: $304,348
- Home value in 2022: $343,271
- Home value in 2023: $368,852
- Home value in 2024: $397,441
- Home value in 2025: $429,647
Cranston’s impressive 105.7% growth has transformed modest $208,840 investments into $429,647 assets, demonstrating suburban market strength. The consistent appreciation pattern suggests fundamental demand drivers rather than speculative activity. For investors, the combination of reasonable entry costs and strong growth creates compelling value opportunities. This diverse city offers varying neighborhoods from urban density to suburban quiet with strong community identity.
11. Warwick
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 109.35%
- Home value in 2016: $185,084
- Home value in 2017: $201,428
- Home value in 2018: $218,274
- Home value in 2019: $229,224
- Home value in 2020: $244,786
- Home value in 2021: $273,042
- Home value in 2022: $309,485
- Home value in 2023: $332,002
- Home value in 2024: $362,678
- Home value in 2025: $387,476
Warwick’s 109.4% appreciation has delivered $202,392 in equity from relatively modest initial investments, demonstrating exceptional ROI. The consistent growth trajectory indicates sustainable market fundamentals and continued buyer interest. Low entry costs combined with airport proximity and waterfront areas create unique investment opportunities with diverse exit strategies. This city offers extensive coastline, many marinas, and convenient infrastructure including T.F. Green Airport.
10. Narragansett
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 111.64%
- Home value in 2016: $374,301
- Home value in 2017: $390,044
- Home value in 2018: $413,595
- Home value in 2019: $445,826
- Home value in 2020: $458,144
- Home value in 2021: $531,845
- Home value in 2022: $632,301
- Home value in 2023: $682,369
- Home value in 2024: $733,816
- Home value in 2025: $792,170
Narragansett’s 111.6% growth has generated $417,870 in equity, with luxury coastal properties showing remarkable resilience and momentum. The substantial acceleration after 2020 reflects pandemic-driven demand for premium waterfront locations with recreational amenities. High-end buyers find this market offers strong appreciation potential with significant vacation rental income opportunities. This premier beach community features multiple beaches, historic towers, and a vibrant seasonal economy.
9. East Providence
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 112.59%
- Home value in 2016: $194,388
- Home value in 2017: $208,351
- Home value in 2018: $226,893
- Home value in 2019: $238,936
- Home value in 2020: $256,732
- Home value in 2021: $289,229
- Home value in 2022: $324,558
- Home value in 2023: $347,926
- Home value in 2024: $386,743
- Home value in 2025: $413,254
East Providence’s 112.6% appreciation has created $218,866 in wealth from moderate initial investments, outperforming many conventional financial instruments. The city’s revitalization efforts and proximity to Providence drive consistent demand with both owner-occupant and investor appeal. Lower entry costs combined with strong growth make this market particularly attractive for first-time investors seeking substantial upside. This waterfront city along the Seekonk River offers a mix of urban amenities with suburban neighborhoods.
8. Manville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 112.94%
- Home value in 2016: $193,531
- Home value in 2017: $208,745
- Home value in 2018: $228,660
- Home value in 2019: $242,488
- Home value in 2020: $254,293
- Home value in 2021: $295,588
- Home value in 2022: $330,115
- Home value in 2023: $347,932
- Home value in 2024: $382,676
- Home value in 2025: $412,108
Manville’s 112.9% growth has delivered $218,576 in equity gains, demonstrating how historically undervalued markets can produce exceptional returns. The acceleration after 2020 suggests changing buyer preferences and possibly pandemic-driven migration patterns. For investors, this village offers accessible entry points with multi-family conversion potential and strong rental yields. This historic mill village within Lincoln offers character properties with affordable access to Providence metro amenities.
7. North Providence
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 115.79%
- Home value in 2016: $183,035
- Home value in 2017: $195,918
- Home value in 2018: $217,240
- Home value in 2019: $228,550
- Home value in 2020: $240,468
- Home value in 2021: $276,334
- Home value in 2022: $317,942
- Home value in 2023: $335,897
- Home value in 2024: $364,861
- Home value in 2025: $394,972
North Providence’s 115.8% appreciation has transformed modest investments into significant assets, creating $211,937 in wealth. The consistent growth trajectory suggests sustainable market fundamentals rather than speculative buying. Low initial entry costs make this market particularly attractive for first-time investors seeking maximum leverage and appreciation potential. This densely populated suburban community offers proximity to Providence with more affordable housing options.
6. Johnston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 115.80%
- Home value in 2016: $196,762
- Home value in 2017: $214,461
- Home value in 2018: $232,988
- Home value in 2019: $247,653
- Home value in 2020: $259,803
- Home value in 2021: $298,401
- Home value in 2022: $339,250
- Home value in 2023: $361,181
- Home value in 2024: $390,488
- Home value in 2025: $424,606
Johnston’s remarkable 115.8% growth represents $227,844 in wealth creation, with particularly strong performance in the post-2020 market. The substantial acceleration in recent years suggests emerging market recognition and possibly development-driven appreciation. For investors, the combination of reasonable entry costs and strong growth trajectory creates compelling value opportunities. This western suburb offers diverse neighborhoods from dense eastern sections to rural western areas.
5. West Warwick
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.28%
- Home value in 2016: $168,362
- Home value in 2017: $183,941
- Home value in 2018: $200,354
- Home value in 2019: $213,647
- Home value in 2020: $230,350
- Home value in 2021: $258,754
- Home value in 2022: $296,957
- Home value in 2023: $318,610
- Home value in 2024: $347,192
- Home value in 2025: $370,873
West Warwick’s exceptional 120.3% appreciation has delivered $202,511 in equity from modest initial investments, offering among the best ROI in the state. The market’s consistently strong performance indicates fundamental demand rather than cyclical factors. Low entry costs combined with substantial growth make this an attractive market for investors seeking maximum leverage and appreciation potential. This former mill town along the Pawtuxet River offers historic districts with revitalization potential.
4. Providence
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 126.85%
- Home value in 2016: $178,069
- Home value in 2017: $193,516
- Home value in 2018: $214,777
- Home value in 2019: $234,653
- Home value in 2020: $252,021
- Home value in 2021: $284,775
- Home value in 2022: $327,522
- Home value in 2023: $345,109
- Home value in 2024: $380,067
- Home value in 2025: $403,947
Providence’s remarkable 126.8% growth has generated $225,878 in wealth, demonstrating the power of urban revitalization and economic development. The city’s consistent upward trajectory reflects fundamental improvements in neighborhood desirability and infrastructure. For investors, the capital city offers diverse opportunities from luxury historic properties to multi-family conversions with strong rental potential. This vibrant capital city features historic architecture, renowned universities, and a thriving arts and culinary scene.
3. Pawtucket
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 127.24%
- Home value in 2016: $166,599
- Home value in 2017: $181,915
- Home value in 2018: $200,180
- Home value in 2019: $217,415
- Home value in 2020: $229,439
- Home value in 2021: $261,955
- Home value in 2022: $299,059
- Home value in 2023: $317,976
- Home value in 2024: $348,506
- Home value in 2025: $378,586
Pawtucket’s extraordinary 127.2% appreciation has created $211,987 in equity from modest investments, demonstrating remarkable wealth-building potential. The city’s revitalization efforts, including the incoming commuter rail station, continue driving property values upward. Forward-looking investors recognize opportunity in this transitioning market with reasonable entry costs and continued upside potential. This historic mill city offers architectural character with ongoing revitalization efforts and arts district development.
2. Central Falls
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.22%
- Home value in 2016: $151,651
- Home value in 2017: $162,483
- Home value in 2018: $177,741
- Home value in 2019: $195,266
- Home value in 2020: $212,461
- Home value in 2021: $244,728
- Home value in 2022: $282,030
- Home value in 2023: $294,987
- Home value in 2024: $327,383
- Home value in 2025: $353,687
Central Falls’ extraordinary 133.2% growth has transformed the state’s most affordable market into a wealth-creation powerhouse, yielding $202,036 in equity. The city’s dramatic turnaround from bankruptcy to vibrant community demonstrates the potential of urban revitalization investments. Early investors have been rewarded with returns that substantially outpace traditional financial instruments and most other real estate markets. This small, densely populated city offers urban character with historic architecture and growing community revitalization.
1. Woonsocket
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 142.74%
- Home value in 2016: $152,268
- Home value in 2017: $163,757
- Home value in 2018: $184,567
- Home value in 2019: $207,223
- Home value in 2020: $222,166
- Home value in 2021: $257,636
- Home value in 2022: $291,639
- Home value in 2023: $310,443
- Home value in 2024: $344,678
- Home value in 2025: $369,613
Woonsocket leads Rhode Island with an astonishing 142.7% appreciation, creating $217,344 in wealth from the state’s most accessible entry point. This remarkable transformation reflects successful urban revitalization and changing market perceptions of formerly industrial communities. Investors who recognized this potential early have achieved returns that dramatically outperform virtually all alternative investments. This historic mill city offers architectural character, falls views, and Museum of Work & Culture in its developing downtown.
