Best Cities for Retirees in Rhode Island
Why Rhode Island Works for Retirees
Rhode Island ranks #15 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 76/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 79 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 $487,000, median home prices are above the national average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 86/100. Community amenities like restaurants, cultural venues, and social organizations score well, suggesting an engaged and active retirement lifestyle is within reach.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cumberland Hill | A+ | 67.3 | 65.8 | 67 | 89 | 58 | 8,638 |
| 2 | Kingston | A+ | 65.6 | 64.9 | 68 | 70 | 59 | 6,953 |
| 3 | Wakefield-Peace Dale | A+ | 65.0 | 64.4 | 71 | 76 | 53 | 9,812 |
| 4 | Melville | A+ | 65.0 | 63.8 | 72 | 80 | 49 | 1,840 |
| 5 | Greenville | A | 64.9 | 63.1 | 67 | 74 | 64 | 8,586 |
| 6 | Tiverton | A | 64.0 | 62.2 | 69 | 69 | 55 | 8,151 |
| 7 | Westerly | A | 62.9 | 62.3 | 70 | 65 | 55 | 18,528 |
| 8 | Cranston | A | 62.3 | 61.3 | 60 | 65 | 62 | 82,640 |
| 9 | Warwick | A | 61.3 | 61.6 | 57 | 65 | 63 | 82,997 |
| 10 | Hope Valley | A | 61.3 | 60.7 | 64 | 72 | 53 | 2,147 |
| 11 | Valley Falls | A | 61.2 | 60.9 | 57 | 72 | 57 | 12,370 |
| 12 | East Providence | B+ | 59.7 | 59.7 | 54 | 55 | 63 | 46,970 |
| 13 | Pascoag | B+ | 58.6 | 59.8 | 56 | 62 | 57 | 4,081 |
| 14 | Newport East | B+ | 58.2 | 60.1 | 68 | 52 | 48 | 11,262 |
| 15 | Newport | B+ | 57.4 | 57.2 | 68 | 49 | 50 | 25,029 |
| 16 | Narragansett Pier | B+ | 55.8 | 58.5 | 67 | 48 | 40 | 3,080 |
| 17 | Pawtucket | C+ | 52.8 | 52.7 | 45 | 43 | 65 | 75,312 |
| 18 | Providence | C+ | 51.1 | 52.5 | 49 | 32 | 62 | 190,791 |
| 19 | Woonsocket | C | 48.8 | 49.6 | 42 | 29 | 66 | 43,074 |
| 20 | Central Falls | C | 42.8 | 46.9 | 26 | 19 | 59 | 22,481 |