Welcome to Rhode Island, where lighthouses and clam chowder reign supreme! This New England state was established in the 17th century by unorthodox preacher Roger Williams and has maintained its New England charm across the centuries.
Choosing the right place to live can be hard, so we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the seven best places to live in Rhode Island based on Niche.com ratings and research of renter preferences.
The seven best places to live in Rhode Island in 2025 are:
Barrington
Barrington is a suburban town just 10 miles south of Providence. This little corner of Rhode Island is made up of two peninsulas along Narragansett Bay, making it perfect for renters who want the coastal small town living experience while enjoying a 20-minute commute to Providence.
Barrington’s off-the-beaten-path location makes it the perfect escape from the city. Experience Rhode Island’s natural beauty at Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary or Haines Memorial State Park, and end a day of outdoor exploration enjoying fresh seafood at one of the locally owned restaurants along County Road.
Cranston
For a more connected lifestyle, Cranston provides a great suburban experience for renters who work in Providence but want access to more shopping, attractions, and top-rated schools. Cranston’s proximity to both Providence and Narragansett Bay—in addition to its lower rent prices compared to neighboring cities—make it an appealing place to live.
Roger Williams Park sits on the border of Cranston and Providence and is a major attraction. This 435-acre park is more comparable to a miniature town, with numerous attractions like a zoo, a botanical center, and the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium scattered throughout.
East Greenwich
East Greenwich is an upscale city almost exactly in the middle of Rhode Island. This town is known for its stunning waterfront and historic sites. The East Greenwich Historic District is the city’s prized downtown area and is on the National Register of Historic Places, along with East Greenwich Town Hall and the Varnum Memorial Armory.
The East Greenwich Historic District is a charming downtown district filled with locally owned restaurants and shops. The city’s location along Narragansett Bay means the seafood is always fresh, so head to Main Street for a cup of clam chowder or a shrimp po’ boy.
Lincoln
Lincoln is a quiet town that sits just north of Pawtucket. Lincoln is surrounded by lush foliage and numerous state parks, making it a peaceful escape and a hiker’s heaven.
Lincoln, like many other cities in Rhode Island, dates back to colonial times. For a healthy dose of history, visit the four historic sites on the Great Road Heritage Campus: Hearthside House, Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse, and Moffett Mill. Special events and exhibits at Hearthside House allow visitors to see history firsthand, and blacksmithing classes at the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop offer a hands-on experience.
Newport
If you’re looking for the quintessential New England town, Newport’s the place for you! This upscale coastal town is located on the southern end of Aquidneck Island where Narragansett Bay empties into Rhode Island Sound.
Newport is known for its boating scene in Newport Harbor, but it offers plenty of other things to do, too. Soak in the sun at one of the beaches scattered along the coast, the largest and most popular of which is Easton’s Beach. Mark your calendar for Newport’s annual festivals like the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival, both of which have been going on since the 1950s.
Providence
Providence is a great place to live for renters who want to live in a smaller New England capitol city. Providence is the third most populous city in New England, but its artistic atmosphere and historic seaport makes it feel quaint.
Providence offers proximity to beaches in neighboring cities in addition to activities right at home. Roger Williams Park and the WaterFire festivals are two of Providence’s main attractions and provide year-round entertainment. The city’s food scene is exceptional and is most famous for its Italian cuisine and fresh seafood.
Warren
Tucked along the Massachusetts border, Warren is a haven for artists and nature lovers. The town has a certified Arts District that encourages creatives to move to Warren and sell their art. Warren is also home to several wildlife refuges and environmental education centers that encourage residents to learn more about how they can share their home with the local flora and fauna.
This mixture of art and the outdoors has created a quirky environment where you can enjoy a hike at the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, then visit one of the numerous art galleries and shops along Main Street. Warren encourages trying new things and living a balanced life, all within the Providence metro area.
Ready to make the move?
If Rhode Island has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
