Best Cities for Retirees in Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks #14 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 68.6. Westerly is its best city for retirees at 72.2.
- Rhode Island, all states
- #14 of 50
- Population
- 18,411
Why Rhode Island Works for Retirees
Rhode Island ranks #14 nationally for retirees, making it a strong destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's below-average fiscal health (43/100) and heavier overall tax burden of 10.08% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Rhode Island's health score of 77/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 79.2 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 10.08% of income. The 5.99% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.39% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
At $511,233, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 91/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Westerly | A+ | 72.2 | 70.6 | 70 | 71 | 62 | 18,411 |
| 2Tiverton | A | 71.6 | 64.0 | 69 | 75 | 63 | 8,091 |
| 3Warwick | A | 69.1 | 66.5 | 57 | 65 | 65 | 83,175 |
| 4Cumberland Hill | A+ | 69.0 | 67.3 | 67 | 88 | 64 | 8,648 |
| 5Greenville | B+ | 67.8 | 59.3 | 67 | 74 | 63 | 8,296 |
| 6Wakefield-Peace Dale | B+ | 67.0 | 62.5 | 71 | 69 | 61 | 9,302 |
| 7Newport East | B | 66.5 | 58.7 | 68 | 57 | 54 | 11,069 |
| 8Cranston | A | 66.3 | 64.2 | 60 | 61 | 64 | 83,250 |
| 9East Providence | A | 66.2 | 63.0 | 54 | 55 | 66 | 47,281 |
| 10Newport | B+ | 65.4 | 62.7 | 68 | 47 | 44 | 24,874 |
| 11Valley Falls | B | 63.7 | 57.9 | 57 | 73 | 64 | 12,657 |
| 12Kingston | A | 63.1 | 64.1 | 68 | 82 | 53 | 7,332 |
| 13Hope Valley | B | 62.7 | 57.5 | 64 | 68 | 59 | 2,297 |
| 14Narragansett Pier | C+ | 62.3 | 53.6 | 67 | 51 | 41 | 3,167 |
| 15Pascoag | B+ | 61.6 | 59.7 | 56 | 72 | 65 | 4,410 |
| 16Melville | B | 61.3 | 58.2 | 72 | 79 | 39 | 1,631 |
| 17Pawtucket | B | 59.3 | 57.3 | 45 | 45 | 68 | 75,893 |
| 18Providence | B | 55.2 | 56.4 | 49 | 32 | 64 | 191,767 |
| 19Woonsocket | C | 53.1 | 51.2 | 42 | 32 | 70 | 43,521 |
| 20Central Falls | C | 47.0 | 51.2 | 26 | 16 | 67 | 22,701 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Rhode Island for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhode Island a good state for retirees?
Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 68.6/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (91/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (37/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Rhode Island?
Westerly ranks #1 in Rhode Island for retirees with a score of 72.2/100, followed by Tiverton and Warwick.
What factors are most important for retirees in Rhode Island?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.