Best places to raise a family in Rhode Island
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Rhode Island
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Rhode Island using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
#25. Scituate
- Population: 10,634
- Median home value: $323,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,274 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $96,179
- Top public schools: Clayville School (B+), Hope School (B), Scituate High School (B)
- Pictured: 6 Brett Dr, Scituate ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $323,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,274 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $96,179
- Top public schools: Clayville School (B+), Hope School (B), Scituate High School (B)
- Pictured: 6 Brett Dr, Scituate ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Narragansett Pier
- Population: 3,594
- Median home value: $542,200 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,328 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $58,875
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Middlebridge School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 114 Boon St, Narragansett ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $542,200 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,328 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $58,875
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Middlebridge School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 114 Boon St, Narragansett ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Newport
- Population: 24,663
- Median home value: $448,800 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $67,102
- Top public schools: Rogers High School (B), Frank E. Thompson Middle School (B-), Claiborne Pell Elementary School (C+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael's Country Day School (A)
- Pictured: 225 Ruggles Ave, Newport ($10.9 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $448,800 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $67,102
- Top public schools: Rogers High School (B), Frank E. Thompson Middle School (B-), Claiborne Pell Elementary School (C+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael's Country Day School (A)
- Pictured: 225 Ruggles Ave, Newport ($10.9 million, 10 bedrooms)
#22. Charlestown
- Population: 7,799
- Median home value: $330,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,232 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $78,209
- Top public schools: Hope Valley Elementary School (A-), Ashaway Elementary School (A-), Charlestown Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 56 A Sandpiper Ln, Charlestown ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $330,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,232 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $78,209
- Top public schools: Hope Valley Elementary School (A-), Ashaway Elementary School (A-), Charlestown Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 56 A Sandpiper Ln, Charlestown ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
#21. Greenville
- Population: 8,695
- Median home value: $285,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,177 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $84,701
- Top public schools: William Winsor School (B+), Anna McCabe Elementary School (B+), Vincent J. Gallagher Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 0 W Cottage Ave, Smithfield ($459,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $285,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,177 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $84,701
- Top public schools: William Winsor School (B+), Anna McCabe Elementary School (B+), Vincent J. Gallagher Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 0 W Cottage Ave, Smithfield ($459,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Valley Falls
- Population: 11,882
- Median home value: $239,000 (68% own)
- Median rent: $876 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $83,090
- Top public schools: North Cumberland Middle School (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy Elementary School No. 2 (A-)
- Pictured: 201 Bear Hill Rd, Cumberland ($475,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $239,000 (68% own)
- Median rent: $876 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $83,090
- Top public schools: North Cumberland Middle School (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy Elementary School No. 2 (A-)
- Pictured: 201 Bear Hill Rd, Cumberland ($475,000, 3 bedrooms)
#19. Glocester
- Population: 10,141
- Median home value: $292,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,087 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $89,391
- Top public schools: Fogarty Memorial (A-), Clayville School (B+), William Winsor School (B+)
- Top private schools: Harmony Hill School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 411 Durfee Hill Rd, Glocester ($535,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $292,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,087 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $89,391
- Top public schools: Fogarty Memorial (A-), Clayville School (B+), William Winsor School (B+)
- Top private schools: Harmony Hill School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 411 Durfee Hill Rd, Glocester ($535,000, 3 bedrooms)
#18. Cranston
- Population: 81,254
- Median home value: $243,500 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,070 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,017
- Top public schools: Garden City School (B), Stadium School (B), Cranston High School West (B)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School (unavailable), St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Stream Dr, Cranston ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $243,500 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,070 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,017
- Top public schools: Garden City School (B), Stadium School (B), Cranston High School West (B)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School (unavailable), St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Stream Dr, Cranston ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Smithfield
- Population: 21,693
- Median home value: $288,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $916 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,337
- Top public schools: Raymond C. LaPerche School (A-), Dr. Halliwell School (A-), William Winsor School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 165 Mann School Rd, Smithfield ($815,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $288,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $916 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,337
- Top public schools: Raymond C. LaPerche School (A-), Dr. Halliwell School (A-), William Winsor School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Philip School (unavailable), Overbrook Academy (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - Smithfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: 165 Mann School Rd, Smithfield ($815,000, 3 bedrooms)
#16. Middletown
- Population: 16,018
- Median home value: $379,100 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,372 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $73,609
- Top public schools: Middletown High School (B+), Joseph H. Gaudet School (B+), Aquidneck School (B)
- Top private schools: St. George's School (A+), All Saints STEAM Academy (unavailable), Silveira Kindergarten & Nursery School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 240 Third Beach Rd, Middletown ($1.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $379,100 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,372 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $73,609
- Top public schools: Middletown High School (B+), Joseph H. Gaudet School (B+), Aquidneck School (B)
- Top private schools: St. George's School (A+), All Saints STEAM Academy (unavailable), Silveira Kindergarten & Nursery School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 240 Third Beach Rd, Middletown ($1.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. West Greenwich
- Population: 6,224
- Median home value: $343,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,114 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $119,688
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Metcalf School (B+), Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior (B+)
- Top private schools: Greenwich Village School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 0 Stubble Brook Rd Lot 4, West Greenwich ($679,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $343,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,114 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $119,688
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Metcalf School (B+), Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior (B+)
- Top private schools: Greenwich Village School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 0 Stubble Brook Rd Lot 4, West Greenwich ($679,000, 3 bedrooms)
#14. Bristol
- Population: 22,145
- Median home value: $337,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,610
- Top public schools: Rockwell School (A), Guiteras Elementary School (A), Colt Andrews School (A-)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 399 Poppasquash Rd, Bristol ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $337,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $72,610
- Top public schools: Rockwell School (A), Guiteras Elementary School (A), Colt Andrews School (A-)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 399 Poppasquash Rd, Bristol ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
#13. Lincoln
- Population: 21,731
- Median home value: $319,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,040 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $81,045
- Top public schools: Blackstone Valley Prep Mid2 (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Lincoln Central Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Spurwink School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Dario Dr, Lincoln ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $319,800 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,040 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $81,045
- Top public schools: Blackstone Valley Prep Mid2 (A), Joseph L. McCourt Middle School (A-), Lincoln Central Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Spurwink School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Dario Dr, Lincoln ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#12. North Smithfield
- Population: 12,413
- Median home value: $295,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,064 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $78,617
- Top public schools: North Smithfield Middle School (A-), North Smithfield Elementary School (A-), North Smithfield High School (A-)
- Pictured: 12 Stoney Dr, North Smithfield ($664,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $295,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,064 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $78,617
- Top public schools: North Smithfield Middle School (A-), North Smithfield Elementary School (A-), North Smithfield High School (A-)
- Pictured: 12 Stoney Dr, North Smithfield ($664,900, 5 bedrooms)
#11. Exeter
- Population: 6,664
- Median home value: $336,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $991 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $84,919
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Curtis Corner Middle School (B+), Metcalf School (B+)
- Pictured: 154 Kingston Rd, Exeter ($949,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $336,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $991 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $84,919
- Top public schools: Exeter-West Greenwich Regional (A-), Curtis Corner Middle School (B+), Metcalf School (B+)
- Pictured: 154 Kingston Rd, Exeter ($949,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Cumberland
- Population: 34,846
- Median home value: $288,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $954 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,726
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Mercymount Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 102 Eden Ct, Cumberland ($769,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $288,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $954 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,726
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Mercymount Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 102 Eden Ct, Cumberland ($769,900, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Cumberland Hill
- Population: 8,249
- Median home value: $262,100 (80% own)
- Median rent: $921 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $89,456
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cherry Blossom Journey School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 79 Willis Dr, Cumberland ($389,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $262,100 (80% own)
- Median rent: $921 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $89,456
- Top public schools: Community School (A), North Cumberland Middle School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cherry Blossom Journey School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 79 Willis Dr, Cumberland ($389,900, 3 bedrooms)
#8. Narragansett
- Population: 15,500
- Median home value: $444,300 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,389 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $86,920
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Quest Montessori School (A+), Middlebridge School (unavailable), Ocean Tides School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 220 Willett Rd, Narragansett ($5.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $444,300 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,389 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $86,920
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A), Narragansett Pier School (A-)
- Top private schools: Quest Montessori School (A+), Middlebridge School (unavailable), Ocean Tides School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 220 Willett Rd, Narragansett ($5.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#7. South Kingstown
- Population: 30,652
- Median home value: $371,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,287 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,917
- Top public schools: Kingston Hill Academy (A+), Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Prout School (A-), Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A), Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School (A)
- Pictured: 234 C Post Rd, South Kingstown ($2.8 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $371,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,287 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,917
- Top public schools: Kingston Hill Academy (A+), Narragansett High School (A), Narragansett Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Prout School (A-), Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A), Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School (A)
- Pictured: 234 C Post Rd, South Kingstown ($2.8 million, 9 bedrooms)
#6. Portsmouth
- Population: 17,363
- Median home value: $386,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $100,453
- Top public schools: Melville School (A), Portsmouth High School (A-), Portsmouth Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Portsmouth Abbey School (A+), The Pennfield School (A), St. Philomena School (A-)
- Pictured: 391 Indian Ave, Portsmouth ($3.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $386,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $100,453
- Top public schools: Melville School (A), Portsmouth High School (A-), Portsmouth Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Portsmouth Abbey School (A+), The Pennfield School (A), St. Philomena School (A-)
- Pictured: 391 Indian Ave, Portsmouth ($3.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#5. North Kingstown
- Population: 26,235
- Median home value: $350,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,027 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,796
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Wickford Middle School (A), Hamilton School (A)
- Top private schools: West Bay Christian Academy (A), South County Montessori School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - North Kingstown (unavailable)
- Pictured: 50 Skating Pond Ln, North Kingstown ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $350,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,027 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,796
- Top public schools: Narragansett High School (A), Wickford Middle School (A), Hamilton School (A)
- Top private schools: West Bay Christian Academy (A), South County Montessori School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - North Kingstown (unavailable)
- Pictured: 50 Skating Pond Ln, North Kingstown ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#4. Jamestown
- Population: 5,494
- Median home value: $656,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,660 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $111,110
- Top public schools: Lawn School (A-)
- Pictured: 556 E Shore Rd, Jamestown ($6.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $656,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,660 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $111,110
- Top public schools: Lawn School (A-)
- Pictured: 556 E Shore Rd, Jamestown ($6.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
#3. Kingston
- Population: 6,513
- Median home value: $355,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $96,775
- Top public schools: South Kingstown High School (A-), Peace Dale School (A-), Broad Rock Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A)
- Pictured: 146 Little Rest Rd, South Kingstown ($499,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $355,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $96,775
- Top public schools: South Kingstown High School (A-), Peace Dale School (A-), Broad Rock Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A)
- Pictured: 146 Little Rest Rd, South Kingstown ($499,000, 3 bedrooms)
#2. East Greenwich
- Population: 13,081
- Median home value: $437,500 (77% own)
- Median rent: $916 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $114,147
- Top public schools: East Greenwich High School (A+), Frenchtown School (A+), Meadowbrook Farms School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mercy Regional School (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - East Greenwich (unavailable), The Village Lower School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 45 Pheasant Dr, East Greenwich ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $437,500 (77% own)
- Median rent: $916 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $114,147
- Top public schools: East Greenwich High School (A+), Frenchtown School (A+), Meadowbrook Farms School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mercy Regional School (unavailable), The Stork's Nest Child Academy - East Greenwich (unavailable), The Village Lower School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 45 Pheasant Dr, East Greenwich ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Barrington
- Population: 16,131
- Median home value: $433,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,318 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $125,431
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Nayatt School (A+), Barrington Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Andrews School (A+), Barrington Christian Academy (A), St. Luke Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 136 Adams Point Rd, Barrington ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $433,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,318 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $125,431
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Nayatt School (A+), Barrington Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Andrews School (A+), Barrington Christian Academy (A), St. Luke Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 136 Adams Point Rd, Barrington ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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