Warwick, Rhode Island

Town Identity & Quick Facts

Situated at the center of the state, Warwick is Rhode Island’s second-largest city and one of its most versatile places to live. With roughly 83,000 residents spread across 39 square miles, it stretches along 39 miles of Narragansett Bay shoreline — more than any other municipality in the state.

Founded in 1642, Warwick has grown into a community that balances neighborhood living, coastal recreation, and statewide convenience. It includes a series of distinct villages — Apponaug, Buttonwoods, Conimicut, Cowesett, Gaspee, and Oakland Beach — each with its own rhythm and character.

Warwick’s identity is built on connection: it’s home to T.F. Green International Airport, multiple commuter routes, and a vibrant network of parks, beaches, schools, and shopping districts.

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Housing Market Snapshot

Warwick’s housing market offers some of the most diverse options in Rhode Island — appealing to first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers alike.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): approximately $385,000

  • Median Rent: around $1,950/month

  • Property Tax Rate: $18.73 per $1,000 assessed value (2024 rate)

Housing stock ranges from classic mid-century homes and coastal cottages along the bay to modern subdivisions and condominiums near Route 2 and Bald Hill Road.

Inventory moves quickly in desirable areas like Gaspee Plateau and Cowesett, where proximity to Providence, schools, and the water makes Warwick one of the most livable value markets in southern New England.

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Schools & Education

Warwick’s education system serves one of the largest student populations in Rhode Island and continues to evolve through modernization and consolidation.

  • District: Warwick Public Schools

  • Schools: 15 schools total, including two major high schools — Pilgrim and Toll Gate.

  • Programs: Advanced coursework, CTE career pathways, and new STEM initiatives.

  • Private Options: Rocky Hill Country Day (East Greenwich), Bishop Hendricken High School, St. Rose of Lima School.

  • Higher Education: The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) flagship campus sits in Warwick, and both URI and Brown University are less than 30 minutes away.

Families appreciate Warwick’s wide range of educational opportunities and extracurricular programs supported by an active local network.

Commute & Transport Access

Warwick is Rhode Island’s transportation hub, making it one of the most convenient places to live in the state.

  • Distance to Providence: 12 miles (~15 minutes)

  • Distance to Newport: 25 miles (~30 minutes)

  • Access Routes: I-95, I-295, Route 37, and Post Road (U.S. 1)

  • Public Transit: RIPTA service, Amtrak, and MBTA commuter rail access from T.F. Green Station

  • Air Travel: T.F. Green International Airport offers national and international flights just minutes away.

For professionals and frequent travelers, Warwick delivers unmatched accessibility without sacrificing residential comfort.

Recreation & Amenities

Warwick’s recreation scene is as broad as its shoreline.

  • Oakland Beach: Classic coastal boardwalk with restaurants, seasonal events, and family recreation.

  • Goddard Memorial State Park: 490 acres of trails, equestrian paths, and golf course on Greenwich Bay.

  • Rocky Point State Park: Historic amusement park turned coastal green space, ideal for walking and picnics.

  • Warwick City Park & Beach: 126-acre waterfront park with bike paths and athletic fields.

  • Harbors & Marinas: Warwick Cove, Brewer Yacht Yard, and Greenwich Bay Marina support an active boating community.

  • Shopping & Dining: Route 2 (Bald Hill Road) corridor serves as a regional retail destination, while village centers like Apponaug and Cowesett offer boutique dining and local cafés.

From sunrise along the bay to evenings at the marina, Warwick’s scale gives residents the freedom to live coastal life on their own terms.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

Warwick’s neighborhoods range from historic shoreline enclaves to modern family developments:

  • Cowesett: Upscale suburban homes and proximity to East Greenwich dining.

  • Gaspee Plateau & Pawtuxet Village: Historic charm, waterfront parks, and walkable neighborhoods.

  • Apponaug Village: Downtown revitalization area with municipal hub and access to marinas.

  • Oakland Beach & Conimicut: Affordable waterfront homes and seasonal cottages turned year-round residences.

  • Greenwood & Buttonwoods: Established family neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and mid-century character.

Each neighborhood offers its own version of Rhode Island living — approachable, authentic, and distinctly coastal.

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Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

Warwick experiences a temperate coastal climate, with ocean breezes moderating both summer and winter temperatures.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~48 inches

With its extensive coastline, certain low-lying areas — particularly around Conimicut and Oakland Beach — require flood insurance, though the city has made major investments in storm resilience and shoreline management. Large portions of Warwick sit inland, offering elevated terrain and stable property conditions.

Why This Town Fits You

Warwick is Rhode Island in balance — accessible, welcoming, and full of variety. It’s where you can live near the bay without giving up convenience, and where neighborhoods still feel like communities.

For commuters, it offers connection. For families, stability. For retirees and professionals, flexibility and value.

Whether it’s a waterfront view, a morning flight, or a walk to your favorite park, Warwick delivers the rhythm of everyday life — steady, scenic, and genuinely local.

Here, the coast isn’t just a view — it’s a way of living.