Living in RI
Everything about living in the Ocean State — neighborhoods, costs, and local life.
67 articles
Barrington RI real estate and living guide
Barrington, Rhode Island is an affluent coastal town of approximately 17,000 residents in Bristol County, known for its excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and waterfront properties. The median home price in Barrington ranges from $600,000 to $750,000 as of 2024, significantly higher than the Rhode Island state average, with waterfront homes on Narragansett Bay commanding well over $1 million. The town offers a suburban family-oriented lifestyle with easy access to Providence (15 minutes north) and features highly-rated Barrington Public Schools, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community.
Rhode Island internet providers comparison 2026
Rhode Island residents in 2026 have access to several major internet providers including Cox Communications (the dominant cable provider covering most of the state), Verizon Fios (available in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and select other communities), T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet (wireless options with expanding coverage), and smaller providers like Breezeline in some areas. Cox offers speeds up to 2 Gbps with plans starting around $49.99/month, while Verizon Fios provides fiber internet up to 2.3 Gbps starting at approximately $49.99/month where available.
Cost of Living: Rhode Island vs. Connecticut (2026) — Taxes, Rent & Real Numbers
Rhode Island and Connecticut cost about the same overall, but the money lands differently: Rhode Island wins on income tax (5.99% top rate vs. 6.99%), groceries (roughly 20% cheaper), no car tax, and generally lower property tax rates. Connecticut wins on sales tax (6.35% vs. 7%) and cheaper housing outside its wealthy southwest corner. For most middle-income households, Rhode Island comes out slightly ahead.
Middletown RI guide: living, beaches, and things to do
Middletown sits between Newport and Portsmouth on Aquidneck Island and offers more space and lower costs than Newport while keeping the same beaches. Second Beach (Sachuest) is the best beach on the island, the schools are well regarded, and the commute to Newport is under 15 minutes. Expect $1,900-$2,600 for a two-bedroom rental.
How to build an ADU in Rhode Island: zoning, permits, and costs
Building an ADU in Rhode Island requires checking local zoning ordinances (varies by municipality), obtaining building permits from your city/town building department, and budgeting $100,000-$300,000+ depending on size and type. Since the 2021 ADU law, most RI municipalities allow ADUs on owner-occupied single-family lots, but specific requirements for setbacks, size limits, and parking differ by community. Start with your local planning department.
Johnston RI living and real estate guide
Johnston is a suburban town of approximately 30,000 residents located in northern Rhode Island, about 10 miles west of Providence, offering affordable housing options with a median home price around $350,000-$380,000 as of 2024. The town is primarily residential with a strong Italian-American heritage, featuring convenient access to major highways (Routes 6, 295, and 44), local shopping centers including Johnston Commons, and a mix of older single-family homes and newer developments.
Best moving companies in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island's best moving companies in 2026 include Gentle Giant Moving Company (Providence), known for professional local and interstate moves; Discount Movers (Warwick), offering budget-friendly options starting around $95/hour for two movers; and Coutu Brothers Movers (Woonsocket), a family-owned business serving the state since 1935. For local moves within Providence, East Side, or nearby communities, expect to pay $100-150 per hour for two movers and a truck, while long-distance moves average $2,500-$5,000 depending on distance and volume.