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Moving to Rhode Island in 2024? Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Rhode Island.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Rhode Island.
Are you thinking of moving to Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful coastline. Moving here means you must know some details about the state like the state experiences all four seasons and is known for its thriving coffee culture. The state was founded by Roger Williams and Rhode Island was the first colony to grant religious freedom to all. Before moving here, you should gather other essential details like the cost of living in the state and more.
- Rhode Island Demographics
- Quick Facts of Rhode Island
- Top reasons to move to Rhode Island
- Pros & Cons of Living in Rhode Island
- Best Places to Live in Rhode Island
- Best Neighborhoods in the Rhode Island
- Cost of living in Rhode Island
- Major industries in Rhode Island
- Top Career Options in Rhode Island
- Best things to do in Rhode Island
- Education System in Rhode Island
- Type of insurance required in Rhode Island
- Taxes in Rhode Island
What are the demographics of Rhode Island?
Being the smallest state in the United States, Rhode Island has a unique demographic profile. The state population is approximately 1.1 million, and thus it is the second-most densely populated state in the United States.The highest concentration of people are living in Providence and Newport. The state is relatively diverse with a significant Hispanic population. The majority of the residents are white. The median age of Rhode Island is slightly higher than the national average.
Male vs Female Population of Rhode Island
Gender | Population | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Male | 533,329 | 48.8% |
Female | 560,405 | 51.2% |
Population distribution by Ethnicity in Rhode Island
Ethnicity | Population | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Hispanic or Latino | 175,085 | 16.0% |
White | 840,913 | 76.9% |
Black or African American | 49,069 | 4.5% |
Asian | 21,004 | 1.9% |
American Indian or Alaska Native | 2,465 | 0.2% |
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 594 | 0.1% |
Two or More Races | 5,600 | 0.5% |
What are some quick facts about Rhode Island?
Before you move to Rhode Island, here are some interesting facts that you must be aware of-- Rhode Island is often called the “Ocean State”
- The state is home to the smallest national park- the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park in the United States
- Famous authors like Edith Wharton and H.P. Lovecraft lived in Rhode Island
- The state is known for its fresh seafood and is also considered the “lobster capital of the world”
- Rhode Island hosts several festivals like the Newport Folk Festival and the Rhode Island Comic Con.
- Rhode Island is also known as the “Quahog State”, a reference to the popular seafood clam
- Providence is the capital of Rhode Island
- Providence features hundreds of bonfires on the rivers that run through the city
- Scituate Reservoir is the largest source of drinking water for Rhode Island
- Misquamicut Beach is known for its surfing and nightlife
What are the top reasons to move to Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and offers a unique blend of coastal charm and vibrant culture. Here we have listed some of the top reasons to move to Rhode Island-- Cost of living- The state offers a relatively affordable cost of living with a wide range of housing options available at various budgets.
- Quality of life- The state has safe and friendly communities with lower crime rates. The residents of the state enjoy a strong sense of community.
- Education- The state is home to some prestigious colleges and universities. The school system of Rhode Island is strong both public and private schools.
- Natural beauty- The state boasts a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches, rolling hills, and rocky hills. There are several sites for biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
- Culture- The state has a thriving art scene with several theatres and music venues. The state is rich in history and culture.
- Job market- Rhode Island has a diverse economy with several thriving industries. The job market is growing and major industries are healthcare, education, tourism, and more.
What are the Pros and Cons of living in Rhode Island?
Before moving to Rhode Island, learn about the pros and cons of living in the state. This section can explore all the relevant information-Pros of living in Rhode Island | Cons of living in Rhode Island |
---|---|
Offers a relatively affordable cost of living | Smallest state in the US with limited job opportunities and cultural offerings |
The state is known for high quality of life | Traffic congestion can be an issue in certain areas during peak hours |
The state has many historic landmarks and museums that make it rich in history | Housing prices are higher in popular coastal areas |
Rhode Island offers stunning coastal views and lush landscapes | The state experience four distinct seasons with cold winters and hot summers |
Residents enjoy close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere | More limited job market in certain industries |
What are the best places to live in Rhode Island?
When you move to a new state, your motive is to find a good job and a good career. Here is a list of the best places to live in Rhode Island, including their population, median home value, and unemployment rate.City/Town | Population (2020) | Median Home Value (2020) | Unemployment Rate (2020) |
---|---|---|---|
Providence | 178,764 | $320,000 | 5.3% |
Warwick | 82,585 | $330,000 | 5.4% |
Cranston | 81,600 | $360,000 | 5.1% |
East Providence | 63,987 | $300,000 | 5.2% |
Pawtucket | 60,650 | $300,000 | 5.4% |
North Providence | 32,575 | $340,000 | 5.3% |
West Warwick | 28,844 | $280,000 | 5.6% |
South Kingstown | 26,537 | $500,000 | 3.8% |
Newport | 24,675 | $600,000 | 4.2% |
Barrington | 20,810 | $800,000 | 3.5% |
What are the best neighborhoods in Rhode Island?
Find a new home in a new state without even visiting the state. In this section of our guide we have listed some of the best neighbohoods in the state, so you can explore them online before picking up the house.- College Hill, Providence- This is a historic neighborhood with beautiful architecture and a vibrant art scene. Brown University is located in this area.
- Newport Harbor- It is a neighborhood with a waterfront offering boat activities and charming shops.
- East Greenwich- This neighborhood is a historic downtown, with a strong sense of community and beautiful parks.
- Federal Hill, Providence- This is an Italian-American neigborhood offering shops, restaurants, and more.
- South Kingstown- This is a rural town with beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and state parks.
- Bellevue Avenue- This is a famous street-lined neighborhood with opulent mansions and elegant boutiques.
What is the cost of living in Rhode Island?
The cost of living in Rhode Island is considered to be lower than many other states in the US. The cost of living significantly depends on the specific location. Explore the tables with statistics about cost of living in Rhode Island-Cost of Living by Categories in Rhode Island vs USA
Category | Rhode Island |
---|---|
Housing | 109.0 |
Food | 107.5 |
Transportation | 105.2 |
Utilities | 104.5 |
Medical Care | 107.2 |
Goods and Services | 105.9 |
Median House Price in Rhode Island vs USA
Location | Median House Price |
---|---|
Rhode Island | $345,000 |
USA | $428,000 |
Median Rent Price in Rhode Island vs USA
Location | Median Rent Price (approx.) |
---|---|
Rhode Island | $1,500 |
USA | $1,780 |
Housing Market in Rhode Island
The housing market in Rhode Island has seen a mix of trends in recent years. It is generally affordable and the housing prices vary significantly within the state. The supply and demand for housing in Rhode Island can affect the prices and the interest rates play a significant role.
Average Rental Cost in Rhode Island
The average rental cost in Rhode Island can vary significantly depending on the location. The rental cost depends on location, type of property, neighborhood, and time of the year,
Median Home Value in Rhode Island
The median home value in Rhode Island is around $345,000. It is generally lower than the national average depending on location, size, and amenities.
How is the job market in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island job market has seen a mix of trends in recent years where some industries experienced growth. The job market is stable with a low unemployment rate and a diverse economy. This section of the guide will help you explore the job market in Rhode Island-
Median Income in Rhode Island vs USA
Location | Median Household Income |
---|---|
Rhode Island | $71,607 |
United States | $67,521 |
Unemployment Rate in Rhode Island vs USA
Location | Unemployment Rate (2023) |
---|---|
Rhode Island | 3.8% |
United States | 3.5% |
Major Industries in Rhode Island
The economy of Rhode Island is diverse, and several industries are flourishing. Here is the list of major industries in Rhode Island-- Education
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Financial services
- Tourism
- Technology
- Biotechnology
Top Career Options in Rhode Island
With a growing economy and thriving job market, Rhode Island has many opportunities for skilled professionals. Here are the statistics for different career options in Rhode Island with their average salary, entry-level salary, and number of employees-Career | Average Salary (Annual) | Entry-Level Salary (Annual) | Number of Employees (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Healthcare (e.g., nurses, doctors, therapists) | $75,000 - $150,000 | $45,000 - $65,000 | 40,000+ |
Education (e.g., teachers, professors, administrators) | $55,000 - $85,000 | $35,000 - $50,000 | 30,000+ |
Technology (e.g., software engineers, IT professionals) | $70,000 - $120,000 | $50,000 - $70,000 | 15,000+ |
Finance (e.g., accountants, financial analysts) | $60,000 - $100,000 | $40,000 - $60,000 | 10,000+ |
Manufacturing (e.g., engineers, technicians) | $55,000 - $80,000 | $35,000 - $50,000 | 15,000+ |
Hospitality (e.g., hotel managers, chefs, servers) | $35,000 - $60,000 | $25,000 - $35,000 | 20,000+ |
Biggest Companies in Rhode Island by city and number of employees
When you move to Rhode Island, you can explore some big companies to find your dream job. Let us check out the details of these companies-
Company | City | Number of Employees (Estimated) |
---|---|---|
Citizens Financial Group | Providence | 17,000+ |
Textron | Providence | 10,000+ |
Fidelity Investments | Smithfield | 8,000+ |
Amica Mutual Insurance Company | Lincoln | 6,000+ |
Hasbro | Pawtucket | 5,000+ |
FM Global | Johnston | 4,000+ |
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island | Providence | 3,000+ |
UnitedHealthcare | Warwick | 2,500+ |
Bank of America | Providence | 2,000+ |
What are the best things to do in Rhode Island?
After moving to Rhode Island, you can do the following things-- Visit the Gilded Age mansions built by wealthy industrialists in the late 19th century. Must-see mansions are Marble House., Rosecliff, and The Breakers.
- Go surfing, swimming, and enjoying the food at Misquamicut Beach.
- Plan a hike to Roger Williams Park and explore hiking trails, a zoo, a museum, and a botanical garden.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Watch Hill. You can explore the historic lighthouse and boutique shops there.
- Attend the Newport Folk Festival which happens annually.
- Dig into the story of Rhode Island through exhibits and artifacts at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
What are the best schools in Rhode Island?
When you decide to relocate to Rhode Island, one of the most important tasks is to find a good school, college, or university for your children.So, we have simplified the search as we have listed some of the best schools, colleges, and universities in Rhode Island-
Elementary Schools in Rhode Island |
---|
Blackstone Valley Prep Elementary School 3, Pawtucket |
Rise Prep Mayoral Academy, Providence |
Kingston Hill Academy, East Greenwich |
Frenchtown School, East Greenwich |
Meadowbrook Farms School, East Greenwich |
Middle Schools in Rhode Island |
---|
Blackstone Valley Prep Middle School, Pawtucket |
Classical High School, Providence |
East Greenwich Middle School, East Greenwich |
Metcalf Middle School, Cumberland |
Rise Prep Mayoral Academy, Providence |
High Schools in Rhode Island |
---|
Classical High School, Providence |
East Greenwich High School, East Greenwich |
La Salle Academy, Providence |
Prout School, Wakefield |
Wheeler School, Providence |
Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island |
---|
Brown University, Providence |
Rhode Island School of Design (RSID) |
Providence College, Providence |
University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Roger Williams University, Bristol |
Which insurance is required in Rhode Island?
Insurance provides financial security to the insurance holder in some of the worst-case scenarios. Each state across the US has mandated some insurance to ensure the safety of the residents-Auto Insurance- In Rhode Island, it is mandated by law that all the drivers in the state are required to carry liability insurance. Here is the breakdown of minimum liability coverage-
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
General Liability Insurance- All businesses in Rhode Island are required to carry general insurance liability to protect their businesses from lawsuits arising from property damage or bodily injury.
Homeowners or Renters’ Insurance- This type of insurance protects your home and household belongings various events are covered in the policy including natural disasters, theft, fire, and more.
Health Insurance- This is not mandated by law in Rhode Island, but buying this insurance will cover the medical expenses.
Life Insurance- This insurance policy provides financial support to your family in the event of your death.
Worker’s Compensation- All the employers in Rhode Island are generally required to carry worker’s compensation. This will cover the medical expenses and lost wages of the employees injured on the job.
What different taxes are applicable in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has various taxes on the residents and businesses. Here is the breakdown of taxes applied to the residents and businesses in Rhode Island-State Income Tax- Rhode Island has a progressive state income tax which means the tax rates increase with the increase in income.
Sales tax- The state has a 7% sales tax and local authorities apply some local sales taxes.
Property Taxes- Property owners in Rhode Island are required to pay property taxes.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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