5 Small Towns in Rhode Island So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

With Rhode Island’s high population density despite its small size, it’s hard to imagine that there’s enough space in the state to even allow for towns to be tiny. It’s true that there aren’t exactly many of them, but there are a few and many of them border the ocean and exude a classic New England coastal charm that’s hard for anyone to resist. 

1. Tiverton

Location: Southeastern Rhode Island on the Massachusetts border

Why It’s So Dreamy: Widely considered an underrated gem, this small coastal town is close enough to bigger cities to offer the widely appreciated amenities that come with that, as well as maintaining a rustic, historic feel. The downtown area is mainly comprised of the Tiverton Four Corners, which is a village of buildings preserved from the 18th century to house shops, galleries, inns, and more. A close knit community, locals would rather use goods from the nearby farms and seafood from the fisherman than any commercial goods. 

2. New Shoreham

Location: On Block Island

Why It’s So Dreamy: A quaint town on an island already feels dreamy in and of itself, but when you add the classic coastal New England appeal that seems to pour out from every surface, it’s easy to see how special New Shoreham is. With an unusually clear stretch of ocean, as well as ponds, cliffs, and trails that seamlessly connect the island’s natural landscapes to a charming small town with Victorian and New England shingle style buildings, this area feels unblemished by over-modernization. 

3. Narragansett

Location: On the coast of Southern Rhode Island

Why It’s So Dreamy: This town (immortalized in the Jim Carrey movie "Me, Myself, & Irene") is all about the ocean, with a mile-long stretch of beach that leads to the town, an old ship graveyard called the Green Jacket Shoal, and some of the best surfing for all of the New England area (not that that’s saying too much, if we’re being honest here). As a former stretch of farmland that became a town made up of villages, the area feels somewhat unpredictable at times due to the fact that it grows to almost twice its population size in the summer. It has a vibe that feels both old and new, casual with surf culture and yet also grand at times with buildings like the Towers. 

4. Little Compton

Location: The farthest southeastern tip of Rhode Island

Why It’s So Dreamy: With very little modernization, this charming town retains a strong influence from the 17th century and has many buildings on the register of historic places. It is perhaps one of the most prevalent farm to table and sea to table areas in Rhode Island, with the famous Rhode Island Red Chicken hailing from this town, and many restaurants and residences following this pattern of reliance on local farms, craftsmen, and fishermen. 

5. Jamestown

Location: On Conanicut Island

Why It’s So Dreamy: Another island favorite, this stretch of land is practically part of the mainland due to location and major roads snaking across the area. And yet, the town is able to retain a peaceful lifestyle for its residents with very little traffic and drama. A popular place for retirees, this area was founded back in 1678 and much of the surrounding land contains preserved buildings from the 1700s that range from residential homes to historic forts and windmills. In addition to history, the town also boasts a large art community and has become a popular scuba diving spot. 

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