List of Cities in Rhode Island Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 20, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

Rhode Island has around 39 incorporated cities and towns, making it the smallest state in terms of both population and size. The state capital and largest city is Providence, known for its universities and historical significance. Other large cities include Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence, and West Warwick. Rhode Island’s cities are densely populated, and much of the state is part of the greater Boston metropolitan area. The state’s economy is driven by education, healthcare, and manufacturing.

1. Providence

City Facts

Population: Approximately 190,934 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 401
Zip Codes: 02901–02940
County: Providence County

Geography and History

Providence, the capital and largest city of Rhode Island, is located at the head of Narragansett Bay in the northeastern part of the state. It has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Puritan minister who was exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Providence was one of the first cities in the U.S. to offer religious freedom. Its economy thrived on trade, manufacturing, and later, jewelry and silverware production during the Industrial Revolution. Over the years, Providence has transformed into a center for education, healthcare, and the arts, while preserving its historic architecture and cultural diversity.

Colleges and Universities

Brown University: An Ivy League research university known for its strong programs in liberal arts, medicine, and engineering.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): A top-ranked art and design college offering degrees in fine arts, architecture, and design.
Providence College: A private Catholic university known for its liberal arts curriculum and strong business and humanities programs.
Johnson & Wales University: A private university specializing in business, hospitality, and culinary arts programs.
Rhode Island College (RIC): A public institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, particularly strong in education, nursing, and social work.

Major Landmarks

Providence is home to historic sites like the Rhode Island State House, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture with the fourth-largest self-supported marble dome in the world. WaterFire, an award-winning art installation along the rivers in downtown Providence, draws visitors year-round. Federal Hill is the city’s vibrant Italian neighborhood, known for its restaurants and cultural events. The Roger Williams Park and Zoo is a sprawling green space that includes a zoo, botanical gardens, and a museum. Benefit Street is lined with preserved Colonial-era homes, while Brown University and RISD contribute to the city’s cultural landscape with galleries and performing arts venues. The Providence Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway shows and concerts, making it a cultural hub.

2. Cranston

City Facts

Population: Approximately 82,934 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 401
Zip Codes: 02905–02921
County: Providence County

Geography and History

Cranston, located just south of Providence, is part of the greater Providence metropolitan area. The city has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Originally settled as part of Providence Plantations, Cranston became an independent city in 1910. It developed as an agricultural area and later as an industrial hub, particularly during the 19th century with the establishment of textile mills along its rivers. Over the 20th century, Cranston grew into a suburban community, with a focus on residential development and local commerce. Today, Cranston is known for its strong school system, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant economy.

Colleges and Universities

Rhode Island College (RIC): Located nearby in Providence, RIC serves many Cranston residents and offers a variety of programs in education, nursing, and the liberal arts.
New England Institute of Technology: A private technical university in nearby Warwick, offering programs in engineering, information technology, and health sciences.
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI): The largest community college in the state, offering associate degrees and certificates in fields such as healthcare, business, and technology.
Johnson & Wales University (Providence): A private university known for its business, hospitality, and culinary programs, serving students from the Cranston area.
Bryant University (Nearby in Smithfield): A private university offering business and liberal arts degrees, particularly strong in accounting, finance, and management.

Major Landmarks

Cranston is home to Garden City Center, an outdoor shopping plaza that serves as a central hub for the community with restaurants, shops, and events. The Budlong Pool is one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in the country and a popular summer destination. Roger Williams Park, located nearby in Providence, is easily accessible for Cranston residents and offers a zoo, museum, and scenic walking trails. The Cranston Historical Society’s Joy Homestead is a preserved Colonial-era farmhouse that offers tours and events focused on the city’s history. Meshanticut Lake is a local favorite for fishing and picnicking. The Pawtuxet Village area, which straddles the Cranston-Providence border, is one of the oldest communities in the state, known for its historic homes and waterfront views.

3. Warwick

City Facts

Population: Approximately 82,823 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 401
Zip Codes: 02886–02889
County: Kent County

Geography and History

Warwick is located along Narragansett Bay in central Rhode Island and is part of the greater Providence metropolitan area. The city experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Founded in 1642, Warwick was the site of early conflicts between settlers and Native Americans during King Philip’s War. During the American Revolution, Warwick played a role in several significant battles, and the city later developed into a shipbuilding and manufacturing hub. In the 20th century, Warwick grew into a suburban center, particularly after the construction of T.F. Green Airport, which boosted its economy. Today, the city is known for its mix of residential areas, historic sites, and coastal access.

Colleges and Universities

Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI): The Warwick campus is the largest of CCRI’s locations, offering associate degrees and certificates in a wide range of fields, including nursing, business, and engineering.
New England Institute of Technology: A private technical university in Warwick offering programs in technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Johnson & Wales University (Providence): While located in nearby Providence, JWU’s programs in business, hospitality, and the culinary arts attract students from Warwick.
University of Rhode Island (URI, Providence Campus): The state’s flagship public university offers programs in business, engineering, and nursing, serving many Warwick residents.
Salve Regina University (Newport): Located nearby, this private Catholic university offers programs in the arts, sciences, and professional studies.

Major Landmarks

Warwick is home to the historic Goddard Memorial State Park, which offers trails, beaches, and an equestrian area. Warwick City Park is another local favorite, featuring sports fields, walking paths, and a beach. The Warwick Neck Lighthouse, located on a scenic peninsula, has guided ships through Narragansett Bay since the early 19th century. The Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum is a well-preserved example of a 19th-century mansion, offering tours and special events. Rocky Point Park, once a popular amusement park, is now a waterfront park that provides hiking, fishing, and scenic views of the bay. T.F. Green Airport is a major transportation hub for the region, serving both domestic and international travelers.

4. Pawtucket

City Facts

Population: Approximately 75,604 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 401
Zip Codes: 02860–02862
County: Providence County

Geography and History

Pawtucket is located in northeastern Rhode Island, along the Blackstone River, near the Massachusetts border. The city has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Pawtucket’s history is closely tied to the Industrial Revolution; it was the site of the first successful cotton-spinning factory in the United States, Slater Mill, which opened in 1793. The city quickly grew into a major industrial center, with textiles and manufacturing driving its economy for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, while the manufacturing industry has declined, Pawtucket remains an important cultural and economic hub within the Providence metropolitan area, with a growing arts scene and diverse population.

Colleges and Universities

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD, Providence): While based in Providence, many students from Pawtucket attend RISD for its top-tier art and design programs.
Community College of Rhode Island (Lincoln Campus): Located nearby, CCRI offers a range of associate degrees and certificates, with students from Pawtucket commuting to the Lincoln campus.
Brown University (Providence): One of the Ivy League’s most prestigious institutions, Brown offers programs in liberal arts, sciences, and engineering, attracting students from Pawtucket.
Johnson & Wales University (Providence): Known for its business, culinary, and hospitality programs, JWU serves many students from the Pawtucket area.
Roger Williams University (Bristol, Nearby): A private liberal arts university with strong programs in law, business, and architecture, serving students from Pawtucket and beyond.

Major Landmarks

Pawtucket’s most iconic landmark is Slater Mill, a National Historic Landmark that marks the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. The Blackstone River runs through the city, with riverwalks and parks offering recreational opportunities. The Pawtucket Red Sox (now Worcester Red Sox) once called McCoy Stadium home, and the stadium remains a nostalgic site for sports fans. The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre is a prominent venue for contemporary and classic theater performances. The Slater Memorial Park, the city’s largest green space, features walking paths, a historic carousel, and an arts and cultural festival. The Pawtucket Arts Festival is an annual celebration that showcases local artists, music, and performances.

5. East Providence

City Facts

Population: Approximately 47,760 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 401
Zip Codes: 02914, 02915, 02916
County: Providence County

Geography and History

East Providence is located on the eastern bank of the Seekonk River, across from Providence. The city has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Originally settled in the 17th century, East Providence was part of the Rehoboth settlement in Massachusetts before being incorporated into Rhode Island. The city developed as a suburban community and industrial hub during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its economy grew with the establishment of textile mills, shipping industries, and later, residential developments as part of the Providence metropolitan area. Today, East Providence is a diverse community with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas.

Colleges and Universities

Brown University (Providence): As an Ivy League school located nearby, Brown attracts many students from East Providence to its liberal arts and science programs.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD, Providence): A prestigious art and design college serving students from East Providence and the greater Providence area.
University of Rhode Island (URI, Providence Campus): The Providence campus offers programs in business, healthcare, and education, with many East Providence students attending.
Johnson & Wales University (Providence): Known for its business and hospitality programs, JWU serves many students from East Providence.
Community College of Rhode Island (Lincoln and Providence campuses): Offering affordable education and vocational training, CCRI is a popular choice for East Providence residents.

Major Landmarks

East Providence is home to the historic Crescent Park Looff Carousel, a beautifully restored carousel dating back to 1895 and located in Crescent Park. The East Bay Bike Path runs through the city, offering scenic views along Narragansett Bay and connecting cyclists to neighboring communities. Bold Point Park, located along the waterfront, is a popular venue for concerts and outdoor events. The Hunt’s Mills Historic District includes a preserved 18th-century mill and museum, showcasing the city’s industrial history. Haines Memorial State Park, located on the waterfront, offers walking trails, picnic areas, and boat launches. The Watchemoket Square Historic District highlights the city’s architectural heritage, with buildings dating back to the 19th century.

List of Cities in Rhode Island Alphabetically

1. Providence

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. Cranston

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. Warwick

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. Pawtucket

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. East Providence

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in Rhode Island in Alphabetical Order

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