The Complete Guide to Relocating to Rhode Island

By Sheena Alescio — Rhode Island Native, Mom of Two Boys & Rhode Island Realtor: Relocation Specialist with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty

⭐ Why Rhode Island? The Smallest State With the Biggest Quality of Life

Rhode Island might only take 60 minutes to drive from top to bottom, but it’s packed with coastal charm, tight-knit communities, award-winning schools, and family-friendly towns that feel worlds away from city living – yet close enough for an easy commute.

As someone who grew up here and is now raising my boys here- I can confidently say: your life gets easier, slower, and more aligned when you find the right community in Rhode Island.

Whether you’re moving from Boston, New York, Connecticut, or across the country, this guide will help you understand which towns fit your lifestyle, your budget, and your season of life.

🏡 What People Ask Before Moving to Rhode Island

Relocation buyers almost always ask:

• What are the best towns for families?

• How are the schools?

• Which towns are close to Providence?

• What are the best RI coastal towns?

• What’s the commute like?

• How expensive is it to live here?

This guide answers everything — with real data, real mom insight, and the honest truth.

⭐ Best Towns to Live in Rhode Island (By Lifestyle)

🏡 For Families

• Barrington — top schools, coastal neighborhoods, walkable community
• East Greenwich — excellent schools, village life, dining, marinas
• North Kingstown — more land, great schools, beaches
• Cumberland — affordable, family-oriented, great for MA commuters
• Bristol — coastal New England charm and amazing parks

🌊 For Coastal Living

• Narragansett — beaches, oceanfront living, surf community
• Middletown/Newport — year-round coastal lifestyle
• Portsmouth/Jamestown — quiet, scenic, breathtaking bay views
• Bristol — right on the water with amazing sunsets

🚗 For Commute to Providence

• Barrington (15–20 mins)
• Cranston (10–15 mins)
• East Greenwich (20 mins)
• Lincoln (10–15 mins)
• North Kingstown (25 mins)

📍 Town-by-Town Breakdown (Quick Guide)

(Bigger, detailed versions of these pages will be created next.)

Barrington

A true coastal community with top-rated schools, charming neighborhoods, and a tight-knit feel. One of the most sought-after family towns in the state.

East Greenwich

Historic Main Street, great schools, marinas, restaurants, and beautiful neighborhoods.

Bristol

Waterfront parks, coastal charm, Colt State Park, strong community traditions like the Fourth of July parade.

North Kingstown

More land, peaceful neighborhoods, excellent schools, coastal access, and easy commute options.

Cumberland

Affordable, convenient for MA commuters, strong school system, and suburban neighborhoods.

💵 Cost of Living in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is more affordable than Boston and most of coastal Massachusetts, but more expensive than parts of Connecticut.

Highlights

• Median home prices vary widely by town
• Property taxes depend heavily on the community
• Utilities & daily expenses are moderate
• Quality of life is extremely high for what you pay

Buyers from NY & Boston often tell me they’re shocked by how much more lifestyle they get here compared to what they’re used to.

🏫 Schools & Education

If you’re moving here for schools, here’s where families typically start their search:

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

And for private options:

• Wheeler School
• Moses Brown
• St.Andrew’s School
• Rocky Hill
• St. George’s

School quality varies by town, so picking the right community matters.

🚗 Commuting in Rhode Island

Everything is close.

Typical drive times:

• Providence → Barrington: 15–20 minutes
• Providence → East Greenwich: 20 minutes
• Providence → North Kingstown: 25 minutes
• Providence → Bristol: 25 minutes

For Boston commuters:

• Cumberland and Lincoln are top choices
• Warwick/Providence trains help reduce drive times

🌳 Lifestyle, Nature & Community

Rhode Island gives you:

• Beaches
• Parks
• Top-rated schools
• Marinas
• Great local food
• Safe neighborhoods
• A strong sense of community

It’s a state where kids ride bikes, people know their neighbors, and your weekends feel slower and sweeter.

📥 Download My Free Rhode Island Relocation Guide

This guide includes:

✔ Town-by-town living breakdowns

✔ School info

✔ Commute

✔ Buyer questions

✔ Median home prices

✔ Maps

✔ Neighborhood cheat sheets

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

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

The Best Family-Friendly Towns in Rhode Island (A Guide to the Communities That Feel Like Home)

The Ultimate Guide to Rhode Island Coastal Towns

The Best Providence Commuter Towns

📞 Thinking About Moving Here? Let’s Talk.

As a Rhode Island native, mom, and Real Estate Advisor, I help families find the town that truly fits their lives, not just the house.

Let’s explore what community feels right for you.

Sheena Alescio, Rhode Island Realtor:Relocation Specialist

Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty