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While not among the most tax-friendly states in the United States (Rhode Island is known to tax retirement income), the Ocean State is dotted with numerous charming towns and friendly communities, which make it worth considering for retirement. Besides, a good portion of the state is made up of gorgeous beaches, an irresistible attraction to those who enjoy living right next to the water. From Jamestown to Greenville, discover seven top-ranked towns in Rhode Island for retirement.

Jamestown

Most retirees would love to settle in a place with a median age of 58.3 and where seniors aged 55 and above comprise an overwhelming 60% of the town's population. Those are Jamestown's statistics as gleaned from the U.S. Census Bureau — as well as niche.com, respectively. While homes here fetch a median price of 1.5 million, there is much to love about this peaceful coastal gem, located west of Newport on Conanicut Island. Jamestown is conveniently close to Newport, just about 5 miles away — while Providence, Rhode Island's largest city — is a mere half an hour's drive down the road. This means amenities, including various excellent hospitals, are within easy reach. Newport Hospital, for instance, recognized for the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, is at the residents' doorstep. And that is without delving into Jamestown's awesome scenery, clean air, and safe neighborhoods.

Westerly

Often regarded among the best places to live on Rhode Island, Westerly offers residents a sparse, suburban feel in environs where up to 73% of the town's population are homeowners. Rhode Island's southernmost town easily charms its way into the heart of residents partly because of its thriving downtown scene, its setting right on the water, and its friendly, sunny-faced residents. Westerly is also close to Interstate 95, the main north–south Interstate Highway on the East Coast. The Westerly Village, the fourth Village of the non-profit Village Common of R.I., offers a range of support to seniors in the area, including periodic check-in calls or visits (by a volunteer) and connecting members who live near each other. Besides, retiring here means being steps away from Westerly Hospital, ranked among the top in the nation for overall patient experience. According to Safewise, Westerly was among Rhode Island's 10 Safest Cities of 2023. 

Bristol

Rhode Island's safest city, according to Safewise, would tickle the fancy of any potential retiree. Besides having not to worry about insecurity, retiring in this Rhode Island charmer, nationally known for its annual Fourth of July celebration, comes with living right next to the water, being close to Newport, which is just about 14 miles away — and the Roger Williams University — a private university named for the state's co-founder. There are numerous excellent hospitals in the area, including Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River, the recipient of several prestigious medical awards — such as America's 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery Award. The town's median age stands at 40.6, implying a delightful blend of old age and youth. Homes in Bristol fetch a median price of 627,000.

Narragansett

For starters, the beach here is known to spot smooth and curling waves and is believed to provide some of the best surfing in New England. So, if you want to be surfing through your sunset days, Narragansett deserves some serious consideration. Though sometimes swarmed by tourists, this gorgeous seaside town, with a population of about 14,600 residents, is often slow-paced, quaint, and charming. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Rhode Island provides seniors with awesome learning and socialization opportunities and adds a feather to Narragansett's retirement appeal. This town's median age, according to the United States Census Bureau, stands at a sweet and mellowed 45.2 years. Plus, many excellent hospitals abound in the area, including the South County Hospital in Wakefield, of which 86% of patients would "definitely recommend."

Glocester

While Glocester can be cold, especially in winter, it offers quite a peaceful, secluded retirement experience, and hence, suitable for empty nesters desiring serene, laid-back settings. Also, retirees are seldom prized out here, especially since homes in Glocester fetch a median price of $291,000 — as of December 2023 — which is way lower than the state's average of $452,000. Besides, this town's median age stands at about 45, which implies seniors comprise a sizeable proportion of the town's population. And while you can get numerous essentials in town, Providence is just a mere 19 miles away. Smithfield and Lincoln are even closer. Glocester offers residents a rural feel in environs where 88% of residents, according to niche.com, are homeowners.

South Kingstown

Safewise ranked South Kingston, a Rhode Island charmer known for its pretty beaches and tranquil farmlands — as the safest city in Rhode Island for 2023 after Bristol. Wakefield, home to Theatre By the Sea, is just next door. Of course, Wakefield also hosts one of the finest hospitals in the area: the award-winning South County Hospital. South Kingston's community is known to be friendly and welcoming, and residents can easily feel like they are part of a big family. While the town's median age stands at 39, which may appear low, this could be one of South Kingston's most desirable features. Studies show seniors can cultivate a sense of purpose by interacting with young people. Plus, one rarely feels isolated or confined to a specific demographic. Homes in South Kingston fetch a median price of about $578,000 — as of December 2023.

Greenville

Traditionally recognized among the best places to live and retire in Rhode Island, Greenville offers a dense suburban feel in environs where up to 86% of residents are homeowners. According to niche.com, seniors aged 55 and above comprise about 47% of Greenville's population. This means every second person down the street is possibly a fellow empty nester with whom one can share experiences or plot adventures. Besides, Greenville is safe, boasts awesome accessibility, and is just about a 15-minute drive to Providence — and all its amenities (including reputable hospitals) and cultural attractions. Homes here are also slightly more affordable. According to Redfin, homes in Greenville fetch a median price of about $367,000.

The Takeaway

Known for its nautical charm, Rhode Island is ideal for those who dream of retiring right on the water. While not as tax-friendly as any retiree would wish, Rhode Island scores big on amenities. The Ocean State, according to Forbes Advisor, ranks among the best states in the nation for healthcare access and boasts the highest number of primary care physicians in the country. But every town is different — and comes with its own unique appeal. For specific recommendations, the top-ranked towns in Rhode Island for retirement include Jamestown, Westerly, Bristol, and Narragansett.