Fast Growing Rhode Island Cities In 2022

Rhode Island is one of the smallest states in America, but it is one of the most sought-after locations not only in the New England region but in the entire country. This state covers a unique mix of terrain, it has great weather, access to fresh water, and boasts one of the highest per-annum incomes.

The recent census has shown that cities across the US are facing a declining growth rate. Small, medium, and large size cities are all seeing fewer people coming in, and some are even seeing a decrease in total population. In terms of growth, the previous decade has been the slowest since the early 1900s. However, in the larger cities, it certainly doesn’t feel like it is getting any smaller. Since they are already managing such a huge population of millions of people, even a decreasing trend spanning a decade merely scratches the surface.

In other parts of the country such as Rhode Island, the trend is more prominent. Ever since the pandemic, there has been a shift in the home-buying market and people are actually interested in getting out of big cities and into smaller towns. In the past, it was quite the opposite. Moreover, the travel restrictions and changes in the global economy have also slowed down immigration rates.

North Kingstown

This is the best place for people that are moving in from a big city that want a cozier environment, but not one that is so small that it becomes suffocating. Similarly, for people that want to move to a bigger city, this is the perfect place to start your new home. It is very conveniently located only a few minutes from the city center so daily commute will not be a problem at all. It also has access to fresh water so there are plenty of water-related activities going on. If you love seafood, then this is the place to be.

For families, this is a great choice as it has some of the best schools in the state. The educational standards here consistently exceed national averages. The suburban area is home to roughly 30,000 people. Unlike other quieter parts of Rhode Island, North Kingstown also has a very lively nightlife. No matter what your interests are, you will easily find something to suit your taste in this neighborhood.

Jamestown

If you want to live on an island without being too far out at sea, this is the place for you. Jamestown is connected to the mainland through the main highway that connects both sides of this island. The island itself is big but not densely populated having less than 5000 local residents. The main highlight of this part of Rhode Island is the security: it has the lowest crime rate in the entire state.

Homes are spacious and beautiful in this scenic location but they are expensive. Even if you want to rent a small place, it can cost quite a bit. The average prices of a home in Jamestown are north of $500K. However, it is not a small place by any means; it is the second-largest island in the area. Commutes are easy since there is little traffic and the weather is excellent all year long.

Narragansett

If you enjoy the coastline, a quiet ambiance, and excellent weather then Narragansett is the place for you. This historic town has direct access to fresh water and has been a popular tourist destination for decades. Living in this beautiful town does, however, come at a price. According to recent market trends, not only are property prices in Narragansett higher than the national average but properties are quite difficult to come by.

With a local population of just over 5000, it is a very small community and real estate is not commonly up for sale. Even if you plan on renting a space, be prepared to pay a premium price. Another point for consideration is the seasonal influx of tourists. This can be a little difficult for some people to handle, but considering the close to non-existent crime rate and the quality of the other facilities, this can be overlooked.

College Hill

College Hill is a very popular location in Rhode Island largely because of the RISD Museum and Brown University. While most people living here aren’t here for these two things alone, these institutions bring a lot of activity to the town throughout the year. Millennials, in particular, enjoy this city a lot and many who graduate from Brown University tend to settle down in the surrounding neighborhoods. 

The quality of primary and secondary schools in the area is also very good and employment is not a problem either. Since this town has a lot of people coming in for vacations and for different events throughout the year there is an influx of a diverse population which makes this place that much more appealing. This diversity is also seen in the many different local attractions and the unique festivities throughout the year.

Cranston

Cranston is one of the larger cities in Rhode Island, but it is nowhere as close as some of the biggest cities in the country. The city is home to close to 100,000 people and is seeing steady growth in every sector. One of the main reasons people like Cranston is that it offers all the big city benefits in a smaller package. If you want to buy or rent any kind of space, the Cranston real estate market is very welcoming and has varying options for every price point. This is the ideal place for families as it has a very good educational infrastructure, the city is small, and there are many employment opportunities as well. The city is slightly more expensive than the national average in terms of the cost of living, but the amenities and facilities that you get are all well worth the cost.

Kingston

Kingston, Rhode Island, is a very popular place within the state and even among people coming from other parts of the country. The main attraction to this area is that it is a suburb of Providence, yet it has a very small and tight-knit local community. The Kingston area is home to close to ten thousand people and hasn’t seen a very drastic growth in the recent few years. There are plenty of fun activities to do here, especially with the famous University of Rhode Island campus being a central attraction. 

There are frequent concerts happening throughout the city all year long, there are a number of farmers’ markets, and many other community events that help to bring people closer. In such a small community, you really start to feel at home because everyone knows one another and they have a lot in common. The population is small but diverse covering a wide range of ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. 

Hope

Despite being one of the smaller regions in the Providence area, this is still a great place to start the next chapter of your life. One of the best things about this region is the affordable local real estate prices. You can easily get a home for less than $200K, and if you want something bigger there are plenty of options for that as well. If you want to rent, you can find very affordable options as well as some premium options. The other main attraction to this area is the quality of both primary and secondary schools.

Moreover, it is close to the main city center so you don’t have to worry about spending hours on a daily commute. The local community is quite small, with slightly over 4000 residents. The city itself is also quite small so it feels very homely and village-like. It’s a rather quiet town, so if you want someplace that has plenty of nightlife and plenty of things to do, this might not be the place. The best local attractions are scenic trails for walking, cycling, and running. If that is something that interests you then this is the perfect place to be.

Blackstone

For people that want a place that resembles a big city but is actually a much smaller town, Blackstone is the best option. The most attractive feature about this part of the state is that it gives you quick and easy access to major cities close by including New York and Boston. It is located along the Seekonk river making it a scenic place to live with excellent weather all year round.

The only real drawback to Blackstone is the lack of local transport. All the other infrastructure is excellent but without your own car, it can be a bit tricky to live here, especially if you need to travel to a neighboring city for work. For families, this is another excellent city as it has some of the best schools in the country and the overall cost of living is quite manageable. Even if you plan to rent a space, you can get a great home for a very affordable price.

Rhode Island offers some of the best small towns in the US and for this reason, people are getting seriously interested in this small state. Moreover, it has excellent infrastructure, great security, and the location is ideal. Not only is the state beautiful thanks to the freshwater access, but it is centrally located between some of the biggest cities in the US making it an excellent base for people working in nearby areas.