South Kingstown, RI 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

South Kingstown, RI is a charming coastal town that boasts a perfect mix of New England tradition and modern amenities. Located just a short drive from Providence and Newport, South Kingstown offers a peaceful environment while providing easy access to the city's cultural and entertainment scenes. With its picturesque beaches, scenic nature trails, and numerous parks, South Kingstown is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, including local farmers markets and seafood restaurants. Whether you are looking to take a relaxing stroll along the shoreline, play a round of golf, or attend a summer concert, South Kingstown has something for everyone.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

South Kingstown, RI, is a suburban town with a population of approximately 30,000 people. The cost of living in South Kingstown is 24.2 percent higher than the national average, mainly due to the high cost of housing. The median home price in South Kingstown is $537,600, which is significantly higher than the national average of $284,600. However, the cost of groceries, transportation, and utilities is 2 to 15 percent higher than the national average. Healthcare is almost 14 percent lower than the rest of the country though. The cost of recreation and entertainment is higher than the national average due to the town's proximity to popular tourist destinations.

Rhode Island's income tax ranges from 3.75 to 5.99 percent and depending on federal adjusted gross income Social Security may be taxed. Rhode Island is known for its high property taxes. In South Kingstown, the property tax rate is 1.1 percent, which is lower than the state average. There are some tax credits and exemptions for lower income seniors that are offered by the state and local governments. The 7 percent sales tax rate in Rhode Island is average compared to the rest of the country. Rhode Island does not have an inheritance tax, but it does have an estate tax, it is one of only three states that tax estates worth less than 2 million. 

Climate and Geography 

Summers in South Kingstown are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s. The area receives about 47 inches of rain per year, most of it falling during the summer months. South Kingstown is cold in the winter, with high temperatures averaging in the mid 30s to low 40s. South Kingstown is located in the path of Nor'easters which bring heavy snow and strong winds to the area.

Located in the southern part of Rhode Island the areas around South Kingstown include forests, beaches, and wetlands. South Kingstown residents enjoy easy access to hiking and biking trails, fishing, and kayaking. The Great Swamp Management area has hiking trails through wetlands and the East Matunuck State beach offers an ideal place for swimming, boating, and other watersports.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

South Kingstown offers a variety of recreational activities, entertainment, and events for visitors and residents alike. 

Golf

• Laurel Lane Country Club
• Meadowbrook Golf Course
• North Kingstown Golf Course

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• South County Bike Path
• Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge
• Worden Pond Family Campground and Marina
• East Matunuck State Beach

Museums and Historical Sites

• South County History Center
• The Pettaquamscutt Historical Society Museum
• Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum
• South County Art Association

Performing Arts

• Theater By The Sea
• Contemporary Theater Company
• The Arctic Playhouse
• The Ocean State Theatre Company

Shopping

• Wakefield Mall
• South County Commons
• Salt Pond Shopping Center

Parks and Gardens

• Wilcox Park
• URI Botanical Gardens
• Casey Farm

Festivals and Fairs

• Washington County Fair
• South County Balloon Festival
• Charlestown Seafood Festival
• Newport Folk Festival

South Kingstown, RI, is also home to the University of Rhode Island, which hosts a variety of sporting events throughout the year.

Health and Wellness 

South Kingstown is an ideal location for 55+ active adults who are looking to prioritize their health and wellness. The town is located just a short drive from several major medical centers, including South County Health, which is a top-rated hospital that offers a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.

In addition to medical centers, South Kingstown has a variety of options for self-care and keeping fit. The South Kingstown Recreation Department offers a range of fitness programs for adults, including yoga, Pilates, and strength training. For those looking for a more holistic approach to wellness, there are several wellness centers in the area that offer a variety of services, including massage therapy, acupuncture, and mindfulness training. South Kingstown Farmers Market supplies residents with locally grown produce and other healthy foods from May through October.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you are considering moving to a 55+ community in South Kingstown and want to get a feel for the community, there's no better way than to spend a couple of days exploring the town and its surroundings. Here's a two-day itinerary that will help you get acquainted with the area and see if it's the right fit for you.

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the Breakfast Nook, a cozy eatery known for its pancakes, waffles, and eggs Benedict.
• After breakfast, head to South County Museum, a fascinating museum showcasing the history and culture of South County. You can explore the museum's exhibits, watch a blacksmith at work, and take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds.
• Next, head to Moonstone Beach, a scenic beach popular with locals for its soft white sand and gentle waves. Take a walk along the shoreline, dip your toes in the water, or simply soak up the sun.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Matunuck Oyster Bar, a waterfront seafood restaurant known for its fresh oysters and locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Stuffies.
• After lunch, head to the Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful nature reserve with miles of trails that wind through woodlands, fields, and salt marshes. Take a leisurely hike and keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, foxes, and herons.
• Afterward, visit Whalers Brewing Company for a refreshing pint of craft beer. Their taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere and a rotating selection of beers brewed on-site.

Evening:

• For dinner, head to the Coast Guard House, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views of the ocean. Their menu features classic New England seafood dishes, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fish and chips.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at Surfside Coffee, a local favorite known for its artisanal coffee and baked goods.
• After breakfast, head to the Narragansett Town Beach, a beautiful sandy beach with a wide boardwalk and plenty of amenities. Take a walk along the shoreline, swim in the ocean, or simply relax on the beach.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at Meldgie's Rivers Edge Cafe, an old fashioned diner serving comfort food. 
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss your retirement plans and explore potential 55+ communities in the area.

Evening:

• For dinner, head to Spain of Narragansett, a cozy Spanish restaurant known for its paella, tapas, and sangria.

Getting to South Kingstown

South Kingstown is located in the southern part of Rhode Island and easily accessible no matter where you are coming from. Here are the various ways visitors can get to the location:

Drive:

The major highways leading to South Kingstown, RI are I-95, US-1, and RI-4. Visitors can take I-95 and exit at Exit 92 for RI-2 S/RI-2A S towards South Kingstown and then follow the signs.

Fly:

The closest major airport to South Kingstown, RI is T.F. Green Airport (PVD), which is located in Warwick, RI, approximately 25 miles from South Kingstown. Airlines that fly into T.F. Green Airport include Delta, Southwest, United, and American Airlines, with primary hubs located in major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. Visitors can visit the airport website to check flight schedules and plan their trip.

Train:

The Amtrak train service offers service to Providence, RI, which is about 22 miles from South Kingstown. From there, visitors can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to get to their destination.

Boat or Ferry:

Visitors can also take a boat or ferry to South Kingstown, RI, as the town is located near the coast. The Block Island Ferry offers services to Block Island, which is a popular tourist destination located near South Kingstown. Additionally, visitors can also take the Newport Ferry, which offers services between Newport, RI, and Providence, RI, and can provide a scenic route to South Kingstown.

Bus:

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) operates bus services to South Kingstown, RI from various locations across the state. Visitors can visit the RIPTA website to check schedules and plan their trip.