Living in Rhode Island: Pros, Cons, Lifestyle & Cost Guide

A Local’s Honest Look at What Life Is Really Like in the Ocean State

By Sheena Alescio, Rhode Island Native, Mom of Two Boys & Real Estate Advisor with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty

⭐ Is Rhode Island a Good Place to Live?

Short answer: yes- especially for families, coastal lovers, and anyone craving a calmer lifestyle with great schools and strong communities.

But no place is perfect, and relocation buyers want the full truth.

This guide gives you both: the benefits and the realistic challenges, so you can decide whether Rhode Island fits the season of life you’re in.

🌟 THE PROS OF LIVING IN RHODE ISLAND

✅ 1. The Coastline Is Stunning (And It’s Everywhere)

You’re never more than 30 minutes from the water — even in the suburbs.

This means:

• beach days become normal,
• sunsets feel magical,
• morning walks are scenic,
• and your overall pace feels lighter.

It’s easily the #1 reason people move here.

✅ 2. Top-Tier School Districts

Rhode Island has several towns with consistently strong public schools, especially:

• Barrington
• East Greenwich
• North Kingstown
• Portsmouth
• Narragansett
• Cumberland
• Smithfield

For families coming from Massachusetts or New York, the school quality often feels like a “win” compared to home prices.

✅ 3. Small State = Short Drives

One of the best parts of living here:

Everything is close.

• Grocery store? 5 minutes.
• Beaches? 10–20 minutes.
• Providence? 15–30 minutes from most suburbs.
• Kids’ activities? All within reach.

You don’t spend hours commuting like in larger metro areas.

✅ 4. Safe, Family-Friendly Communities

Towns like Barrington, East Greenwich, and Bristol consistently rank as some of the safest and most family-oriented in New England.

You feel it in:

• kids riding bikes,
• people walking their dogs,
• parents chatting at parks,
• community events everywhere.

✅ 5. Strong Sense of Local Community

This is something buyers notice immediately.

Rhode Island is small, and it feels small in the best way.

You get:

• tight-knit neighborhoods
• youth sports
• local parades
• farmer’s markets
• waterfront parks
• supportive school communities

Rhode Island feels connected.

✅ 6. Real Four-Season Living

Spring, summer, fall, and winter all feel distinct and beautiful.

Families love:

• pumpkin patches in fall
• beach days in summer
• cozy coastal winters
• fresh spring greens

It feels like New England — but gentler than Maine or Vermont.

⚠️ THE CONS OF LIVING IN RHODE ISLAND (HONEST TRUTHS)

❌ 1. High Property Taxes in Some Towns

Town by town, taxes vary a LOT.

For example:

• Barrington & East Greenwich → higher taxes
• Bristol, North Kingstown, Cumberland → more moderate

It’s something buyers should factor into monthly affordability.

❌ 2. Housing Prices Vary Widely

Coastal towns- Narragansett, Newport, Barrington – tend to be more expensive.

You get more value in:

• North Kingstown
• Cumberland
• Warwick
• Smithfield
• parts of Portsmouth

Location truly dictates price in Rhode Island.

❌ 3. Limited Highway Access in Some Coastal Towns

Aquidneck Island (Newport/Middletown/Portsmouth) has bridges that can slow commute times.

Narragansett and South County are peaceful — but not ideal for Providence commuters.

❌ 4. Winters Can Feel Long

It’s not Maine-level cold, but winter is real here.

Families who love all four seasons thrive — families who prefer endless sunshine sometimes don’t.

💵 COST OF LIVING IN RHODE ISLAND

🏠 Home Prices

They vary dramatically by location:

• Coastal towns → higher
• Inland suburban towns → moderate
• Northern RI → more affordable

Most relocating families find they get more lifestyle for the money compared to Boston, NYC, and coastal Connecticut.

💡 Utilities & Daily Costs

Generally moderate.

Electricity can be slightly higher than national average, but groceries and everyday costs are typical for New England.

💸 Property Taxes

Tax rates are local, not statewide, so the town you choose matters.

Many families end up choosing a town based on:

• school district
• taxes
• commute
• lifestyle

I always help buyers compare across multiple communities.

🧩 WHAT LIFESTYLE FITS YOU?

Here’s how to know where you belong:

If you want 

top schools + coastal beauty:

→ Barrington, East Greenwich, North Kingstown

If you want 

coastline + community traditions:

→ Bristol, Narragansett

If you want 

more space + nature:

→ North Kingstown, Portsmouth, South County towns

If you want 

commute-friendly suburbs:

→ Cranston, Warwick, Lincoln, Cumberland

If you want 

quieter island life:

→ Jamestown, Middletown

Your lifestyle drives your best match — not just your price range.

🌿 WHAT MOVING TO RHODE ISLAND FEELS LIKE (From a Local Mom)

This is the part buyers always tell me after they settle in:

• “Life feels slower here, in a good way.”
• “We actually spend our weekends outside now.”
• “The schools feel personal.”
• “The community is better than we expected.”
• “Our kids have so much more freedom.”

It’s not just a move- it’s a lifestyle shift.

Rhode Island gives families more balance, more nature, more community, and more coastal calm than they often had before.

📥 Download My Complete Rhode Island Relocation Guide

Includes:

✔ Median Home Prices

✔ School Ratings

✔ Commute and Proximities

✔ Family-Friendly Community Breakdown

Download here → https://stan.store/sheenaalescio/p/download-my-free-relocation-guide–fkdy9lha

The Best Providence Commuter Towns

The Complete Guide to Relocating to Rhode Island

💬 If You’re Considering a Move, I’d Love to Help.

As a lifelong Rhode Islander and mom, I help families understand the communities behind the listings so they can choose a town that truly fits their lives.

Whether you’re exploring Barrington, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Bristol, Cumberland, or a coastal town — I’ll guide you every step.

Let’s talk about what lifestyle feels right for your family.

You can reach out to me directly anytime!

Sheena Alescio (401) 474-0851 sheena.alescio@mottandchace.com