One Of The Best Retirement Destinations In New England Is A Vibrant Rhode Island Town With Art And Charm

While many retirees like to head for warmer weather, those who enjoy basking in all four seasons will want to settle in New England. While the Northeast is one of the higher cost of living areas in the United States, there are still pockets of affordability for anyone looking to retire. One of those places is Central Falls, a small city in Rhode Island just 1.5 miles from Pawtucket, 6 miles from Providence, and about 40 miles north of Newport and its white sandy beaches.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the charming, historic city is home to just over 22,000 residents. Of those living in the compact city, which covers just 1.2 square miles, 9.1% are age 65 or older. Its small size gives Central Falls a tight-knit, community vibe, while its proximity to larger cities means that residents don't lack for anything. In fact, there are three major hospitals within a five-mile radius, and Rhode Island ranks fourth in the nation for the quality of its healthcare (via U.S. News & World Report). With a median home value of $378,211, Central Falls is a bargain compared to the rest of Rhode Island ($495,631) or neighboring Massachusetts ($662,254).

Thanks to its location next to the Blackstone River, Central Falls was an important manufacturing town in the early 19th century. Today, the city is home to a burgeoning arts scene, led by the Rhode Island Latino Arts, which runs a gallery, cultural hub, and theater that caters to the large Latino population that calls Central Falls home. With so many things to do in town and incredible places to explore in Rhode Island, Central Falls is the perfect choice for active, budget-conscious seniors. Central Falls makes a fantastic retirement option not just because it's affordable, but because it's also filled with historical charm. Remnants of its thriving textiles and chocolate-making industries can be seen scattered throughout the city. 

This includes the delicious-sounding Chocolate Mill Overlook, a small park with views of the foundations of an 18th-century water-powered chocolate mill that helped give Central Falls the nickname "Chocolateville." And in the Central Falls Mills District, a walk along Roosevelt Avenue will take you past the six 19th-century textile mills that fueled the city's industry.

But in Central Falls, it's not just about the past. This artsy community is home to the bilingual Teatro del Pueblo and La Galería del Pueblo. This cultural space hosts exhibitions, artist talks, poetry readings, dance workshops, and much more, ensuring that there's always a creative event to attend.

The city also participates in Art in the Park, an initiative for families where children enjoy story time followed by a creative project based on what they read. For retirees, opportunities like this are wonderful bonding time when the grandkids come to town.

The city's Parks and Recreation Office also caters to seniors in several ways. A special collaboration with nearby Pawtucket allows seniors to use that city's YMCA free of charge and even provides a shuttle bus several days a week to take advantage of swim and yoga classes, as well as access to the fitness center. In town, the city organizes everything from jazz concerts and summer outings to more practical assistance like help with snow shoveling (something essential for New England winters).

So if you're looking for a place to retire where you can enjoy movie nights in the park and strolls through a charming historic center, all while living close to a larger city, Central Falls might be the perfect New England hideaway. Whether you want to hop over to Pawtucket for some antiques shopping or stay in town and enjoy the views from Jenks Park, this tiny city is a great choice in one of the United States' safest states (which is, shockingly, one of America's least visited).