Warren, Rhode Island

Town Identity & Quick Facts

Situated along the eastern shoreline of Narragansett Bay, Warren, Rhode Island is a small but vibrant town known for its waterfront views, creative culture, and historic streetscapes. Home to roughly 11,000 residents, Warren is one of the East Bay’s most walkable communities — mixing art studios, cafés, and restaurants with a classic New England harbor.

Founded in 1747, Warren has grown from a shipbuilding and whaling port into a lively, community-driven town that balances affordability, charm, and a coastal lifestyle. Its central location offers quick access to Barrington, Bristol, and Providence.

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Housing Market Snapshot

Warren offers excellent value within the East Bay, attracting buyers looking for character homes and waterfront charm at accessible price points.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): ~ $485,000

  • Median Rent: ~ $2,000/month

  • Property Tax Rate: $15.13 per $1,000 assessed value (2024 rate)

Housing includes historic colonials, renovated mill-area lofts, cozy cottages, and waterfront properties along the Warren River. Warren’s growing arts and food scene has contributed to strong demand and steady appreciation.

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Schools & Education

Warren shares its school district with neighboring Bristol under the Bristol Warren Regional School District, serving students across both communities.

  • Elementary: Hugh Cole Elementary (Warren)

  • Middle: Kickemuit Middle School (Warren)

  • High School: Mt. Hope High School (Bristol)

  • Nearby Private Schools: St. Philomena School (Portsmouth), Barrington Christian Academy (Barrington)

  • Higher Education: Roger Williams University sits just minutes away.

Families appreciate Warren’s small-town feel, accessible arts programs, and community-focused school culture.

Commute & Transport Access

Warren offers easy commuting throughout the East Bay and into Providence.

  • Distance to Providence: ~12 miles (20 minutes)

  • Distance to Bristol: 5 minutes

  • Distance to Barrington: 5 minutes

  • Distance to Newport: ~30 minutes

  • Transit: RIPTA connects Warren to Providence and Bristol

  • Bike Access: East Bay Bike Path runs directly through town

Its location is ideal for those who want a walkable, coastal lifestyle with quick city access.

Recreation & Amenities

Warren’s recreation blends the arts with the outdoors:

  • Warren Waterfront & Town Wharf: Kayaking, fishing, and harbor views.

  • Hope & Main: Rhode Island’s first culinary incubator — a foodie landmark.

  • Downtown Arts District: Galleries, murals, and creative shops.

  • East Bay Bike Path: Scenic multi-mile trail to Providence.

  • Cafés & Dining: The Aviary, Chomp Kitchen, Bywater, and The Coffee Depot are local favorites.

  • Parks: Burr’s Hill Park hosts concerts, fairs, and waterfront events.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

Warren’s neighborhoods each bring their own personality:

  • Water Street & Downtown: Waterfront condos, historic homes, and walkability.

  • Baker Street & Belcher Cove: Classic coastal cottages with bay access.

  • Child Street / Market Street Corridor: Family homes and renovated mill buildings.

  • Touisset: Rural charm with larger lots, farmland, and river views — highly desirable.

  • Cole River Area: Quiet streets, wooded landscapes, and newer homes.

Aerial drone view of American suburban neighborhood. Establishing shot of America's suburb. Residential single family houses pattern. Autumn Fall season

Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

Warren’s climate reflects its coastal setting — mild summers, cool winters, and breezy afternoons off the bay.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~48 inches

Select areas near Water Street and Belcher Cove fall within FEMA flood zones, while central and inland neighborhoods remain elevated. Warren participates in East Bay coastal resilience programs aimed at protecting its shoreline and historic waterfront.

Why This Town Fits You

Warren offers a lifestyle that’s creative, coastal, and connected.

If you love small-town charm, artistic energy, and walkability — with the water always close — Warren delivers a rare blend of affordability and atmosphere. From waterfront mornings to downtown evenings, it’s a town that feels both grounded and inspiring.