Top Cities in Rhode Island

Rhode Island at a Glance

Even though Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, its atmosphere and local vibe are larger than life. The state is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles from the northern tip to the Connecticut border, but it boasts more than 40 miles of spectacular coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a bevy of harbors and bays. This is the place where John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier tied the knot and where cliff-side mansions keep watch over Narragansett Bay. It's home to the oldest continuously operating tavern as well as the country's first carousel, which still proudly spins in Watch Hill. No matter where you are living in Rhode Island, you're never more than a few hours away from some of New England's finest destinations, including New York City, Boston, Cape Cod, Brattleboro and Hartford. When you choose Rhode Island as your home, you'll be able to enjoy New England living at its best.

Though it has its fair share of urban and suburban areas, Rhode Island is known for its beautiful shoreline, which draws locals and tourists during the warm summer months. In fact, everyone who lives in Rhode Island is only a 30-minute drive or less to the nearest coastal location. 

Top Cities in Rhode Island

• Barrington  
• Bristol  
• Charlestown  
• Coventry  
• Cranston  
• Cumberland  
• East Greenwich  
• Fiskeville  
• Forestdale  
• Harmony  
• Johnston  
• Lincoln  
• Narragansett  
• Newport  

Why You’ll Love Living in Rhode Island

The state's capital city of Providence has undergone a cultural resurgence of late, making it one of the most popular cities for young urbanites. Situated where the Providence River meets Narragansett Bay, Providence is now known for its hip urban housing and booming arts community. A lot of what makes Providence so popular has spilled over into the neighboring communities of Pawtucket, Scituate, Johnston and Cranston, which offer a slice of suburban life within a short drive to the city. 

Though the economy in the shoreline areas rely heavily on tourism, there are plenty of opportunities for employment throughout Providence and the other Rhode Island cities. Toy manufacturer Hasbro, pharmacy giant CVS and Citizen's Bank all call Rhode Island home, and they provide plenty of jobs to the locals. The state is also home to more than 1,000 jewelry manufacturers, and it has burgeoning industries in boats, silverware and electronics. Because of its small size and central location, many Rhode Island residents take advantage of the economies in Connecticut and Massachusetts and commute to jobs there before heading home to the Ocean State. 

Academia also keeps tourism and the economy going in Rhode Island. The state is home to 12 universities and colleges, including the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design and the Ivy League's Brown University, as well as the University of Rhode Island and Newport's Salve Regina College. With the many higher education options in the state, it should come as no surprise that state residents are a fairly educated bunch. More than 30 percent of the state's residents hold a bachelor's degree and more than 11 percent hold graduate degrees.