2018 Best Places to Live in Washington CountyAbout this List

Kingston

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 8

Current Resident: I have only been living in Kingston since September 2016, however I really enjoy the small town community. The University is less than 5 minutes from my apartment and downtown and all the shopping are less than ten in the other direction. There are lots of great destinations, especially beaches, all within 30 min or less. If you need the city bustle and nightlife Providence is just over 30 min away and well worth the trip for a good night out. Basically, so far so good, I haven't found anything to complain about.
Read 8 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• 6,891 Population

South Kingstown

• Town in Rhode Island
• 46

Current Resident: I honestly love my town as a whole. South Kingstown is mostly a seaside community in Rhode Island that has a Florida or California feel in the summer. There are a bunch of small villages that offer different things. Peacedale and Wakefield are a the major downtown scene built in the early 1800s. Matununk is the most beauty coastal area where there are a lot of different seafood places including the Matununk Oyster Bar to top rated oyster bar in the nation. It also has great surfing spots and beautiful state and private beaches at inexpensive prices. In Kingston there is the University of Rhode Island and the currently ranked no13 Rhode Island Rams Mens Basketball Team. The town is only 45min from the capital in providence and 20min from historic Newport. Down the coast New York City is only three hours.
Read 46 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 30,651 Population

Narragansett

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 22

Current Resident: Yes, great beach community, it is NOT the municipal “home “ of URI, however it is the off campus epicenter of student rental housing in South County. The muni home of URI is South Kingstown. The hamlet of Kingston is the campus location. The academic year student housing brings many economic benefits however for some pockets in various sections, the student housing brings an element undesirable behaviors that negatively impact full time residents.
Read 22 Reviews

• A

• A

• 15,672 Population

North Kingstown

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 40

Current Resident: Lived here my whole life. It's safe, cleans and easy to get to either the city or beach! There's not much in the way of nightlife, but there's a few good restaurants.
Read 40 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 26,232 Population

Narragansett Pier

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 7

Niche User: Small tourist town. During the winter, many businesses are closed because the population decreases so much from the summer tourist population! I love living here, the town is beautiful. I love living next to the beach. The school system is awesome in Narragansett as well.
Read 7 Reviews

• A-

• A

• 3,708 Population

Charlestown

• Town in Rhode Island
• 21

Current Resident: Beautiful place with decent people. Cheapest taxes and great area all around. Elementary school is amazing!
Read 21 Reviews

• B+

• B

• 7,776 Population

Exeter

• Town in Rhode Island
• 6

Current Resident: The city of Exeter in Rhode Island is a nice place to live. There are lots of historical buildings that you could visit even in the nearby cities such as New Port and Jamestown. The food is great and the experience is awesome. The weather is a bit cold but bearable. I would not want to change anything besides, this is the first state that I have lived in on my own.
Read 6 Reviews

• B

• B+

• 6,717 Population

Westerly

• Town in Rhode Island
• 45

Current Resident: I really enjoy the main street in downtown Westerly. The Westerly Library is an amazing source of easy to use knowledge and Internet. It is surrounded by Wilcox Park, which is great for babies and dog walkers alike. The townspeople are generally friendly and the local store owners are kind. There is also a great selection of restaurants in the area, everything from authentic Japanese to excellent American burgers and fries. There really is something for everyone in Westerly. Raising a family here is nice because the schools seem to work hard and in the interest of the student, and do their best to make sure that safety is a priority.
Read 45 Reviews

• B

• B-

• 22,655 Population

Hopkinton

• Town in Rhode Island
• 17

Current Resident: Hopkinton is a quiet town in southern RI. It's mostly woods and houses with a nice homey feel. We have a few small stores to get essentials, but no big box stores. We love our peace and quiet here.
Read 17 Reviews

• B

• B

• 8,113 Population

Ashaway

• Town in Rhode Island
• 3

Former Resident: Ashaway is a wonderful small town in Rhode island. It's very peaceful , quiet, and quaint. Everyone is very neighborly and pull together and form a strong community. The town has a wonderful elementary school with a great staff. It's a wonderful place to live with a family.
Read 3 Reviews

• B-

• B

• 1,111 Population

New Shoreham

• Town in Rhode Island

• A-

• A-

• 885 Population

Richmond

• Town in Rhode Island
• 9

Current Resident: It is a small town, with necessities close by. Shopping, medical centers and parks are all close by. Our school system is one of the best in the state, which I can say confidently as I am a graduate of the high school and feel that I have been more prepared than many of my college classmates. I have been raised here also, and recently bought my first home here. The crime rates are low, and there is a perfect college community.
Read 9 Reviews

• B+

• B

• 7,618 Population

Weekapaug

• Town in Rhode Island

• B

• B-

• 402 Population

Misquamicut

• Town in Rhode Island
• 1

Visitor: Misaquamicut is a very cute beach town. It's very touristy, but it's also got a few very nice locals. The beaches there are gorgeous and the weather is very nice. It's very close to places where you can go hiking and the greenery of the east coast is everywhere!
Read 1 Review

• B-

• B-

• 416 Population

Carolina

• Town in Rhode Island

• B-

• B

• 754 Population

Quonochontaug

• Town in Rhode Island
• 1

Niche User: Born and raised in Charlestown, RI I love it for everything it has to offer, even it's flaws. No matter where I live in my life that little beach town will always be my home. The people are happy and cheerful and always willing to help each other, even in wintertime this beach town is all happy and having fun. In the summer the population must triple at least and in come the Quonnies and Charlestown beachers for the summer. Most times summer people are awful but these beach house townies are some of the nicest you could possibly meet. (Though steer clear of some of the campers!) All in all Charlestown has some downs, like the fact that it's a trip to get to any stores or restaurants. City people wouldn't be fond of our wooded paradise. Charlestown is a wonderful place that will always be my home away from home.
Read 1 Review

• C+

• B

• 639 Population

Bradford

• Town in Rhode Island
• 2

Niche User: I have yet to have to deal with a crime of any sorts.
Read 2 Reviews

• C+

• B-

• 1,193 Population

Hope Valley

• Town in Rhode Island
• 3

Current Resident: It's country! It quaint! Lots of farms with fresh food. Safe feeling living here... coming from the city it's definitely an adjustment but I must admit hope valley has its good qualities!
Read 3 Reviews

• C+

• B

• 1,788 Population

Watch Hill

• Town in Rhode Island

• C

• B-

• 167 Population

Wyoming

• Town in Rhode Island

• C-

• B

• 196 Population