Rhode Island is undoubtedly one of the greatest states in the nation – and it’s also one of the best places to raise a family. With great schools, lots of access to culture, and plenty of natural beauty, it’s no wonder so many people want to live in the tiniest and mightiest state. Certain towns are the best places to live in Rhode Island, while others are the best places to raise a family in Rhode Island. Taking into consideration numerous factors like public schools, crime rates, cost of living, family-friendly amenities, and more, here are the best towns in Rhode Island to raise a family.

Note that this ranking only looked at towns, not cities of over 100,000.

1. Barrington
Barrington, RI, USA
Flickr/nsub1
Barrington is only seven miles from all the cultural and economic opportunities of Providence. But with a population of around 16,000, it has a small-town feel. It has some of the best schools and highest test scores in the country, yet remains fairly affordable. All in all, it's hard to imagine a better town!
2. Jamestown
Jamestown, RI, USA
Flickr/renagrisa
Almost all of Jamestown is located on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. With a population of 5,405, the town has a great elementary school and middle school, but no high school - students move on to high school on the mainland. It isn't cheap to live on the island though. Forbes lists Jamestown as the 44th wealthiest town in America.
3. East Greenwich
East Greenwich, RI 02818, USA
Wikicommons/Marcbela
With a beautiful waterfront and amazing schools, it's no wonder that East Greenwich is one of the hottest places to live in Rhode Island. It's also the wealthiest municipality in the state, so start saving your pennies.
4. North Kingstown
North Kingstown, RI, USA
Flickr/cmh2315fl
This suburb of Providence has a population of about 35,000, so it's perfect if you're looking for a somewhat bigger town but still want to be outside the city itself. It's on the train line to Providence and Boston, so it's great for commuters - and it's full of history.
5. South Kingstown
South Kingstown, RI, USA
Flickr/cmh2315fl
This Providence suburb of around 30,000 has more than 10 miles of beaches, perfect for those long summer days, and it also has great educational and arts opportunities.

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6. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, RI, USA
Ronald Roundtree/Google
Portsmouth is a great town for sports fans as its high school teams regularly rank among the top in the state. With a population of around 17,000, it's just the right size.
7. Lincoln
Lincoln, RI, USA
Flickr/Susan Spencer
North of Providence, Lincoln has easy access to both the Ocean State's capital and to Boston. It has a population of around 21,000 and a fantastic school system.
8. Narragansett
Narragansett, RI, USA
Flickr/Andrew Aliferis
Narragansett's population is around 16,000 year-round, but it doubles during the summer. Year-round residents, though, can enjoy the beaches even after the tourists have gone, and also have fantastic schools.
9. West Greenwich
West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
Wikicommons/John Phelan
This small town has about 6,000 people and a cozy feel - perfect for families who want to get to know their neighbors.
10. Middletown
Middletown, RI, USA
Wikicommons/Lara
In between Providence and Newport, Middletown has access to the best of both cities. Both the public and private schools are excellent.

If you’re looking for a slightly more offbeat place to raise your family, why not check out the most eccentric town in Rhode Island?

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More to Explore

The Best Places In Rhode Island

William Suphan | December 23, 2022

What are some hidden-gem destinations in Rhode Island?

These are some of the hidden-gem destinations in Rhode Island:

  • Napatree Point. Located in Westerly, this is a gorgeous beach with lovely scenery and flowers among the grass. 
  • The Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge. This 50-acre expanse is teeming with wildlife like snowy egrets and ospreys.
  • Prudence Island. This is a tiny town with a one-room schoolhouse and a beautiful lighthouse. It’s one of the most remote areas of Rhode Island.
  • Neutconkanut Park. This park has many scenic hiking trails that include some amazing views of the city skyline.

Discover more about these and other hidden-gem destinations in Rhode Island.

What are the best bucket list destinations in Rhode Island?

The best bucket list destinations in Rhode Island include:

  • Slater Mill Historic Site. This is an old textile mill complex that has historical re-enactments and ghost tours.
  • Newport Cliffwalk. This is not only a picturesque coastal location but also a place with many historical buildings.
  • The Elms. Located in Newport, this old mansion has beautifully manicured gardens that are open to the public.
  • Ponaganset Falls. These falls at the Scituate Reservoir are a serene place to listen to the water and watch the birds.

Learn more about the best bucket list destinations in Rhode Island. 

What are the most historical towns in Rhode Island?

The most historical towns in Rhode Island include:

  • Bristol. This town is full of historic buildings and its 4th of July celebration is the longest continuing one in America.
  • Wickford Village. This coastal town was founded in 1709 and is full of old architecture and charming shops.
  • Providence. The capital city of Rhode Island has a ton of old Victorian-era buildings and downtown is filled with historic streets.
  • Pawtucket. This town was once the center of the Industrial Revolution and has old mills and dams left over from that time.

Find out more about the most historical towns in Rhode Island. 

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