Zillow’s Home Value Index shows that Rhode Island’s housing market has come a long way—especially in its most desirable towns. In 2025, these 15 places top the state in home values, driven by ocean views, strong schools, historic charm, and proximity to cities like Boston and Providence. From shoreline retreats to family-friendly suburbs, each town reflects a different version of upscale New England living—and a price tag to match.
15. Bristol – 129% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $258,688
- 2011: $267,332 (+$8,643, +3.34% from previous year)
- 2012: $280,576 (+$13,244, +4.95% from previous year)
- 2013: $286,021 (+$5,445, +1.94% from previous year)
- 2014: $303,763 (+$17,742, +6.20% from previous year)
- 2015: $306,267 (+$2,504, +0.82% from previous year)
- 2016: $317,053 (+$10,786, +3.52% from previous year)
- 2017: $339,734 (+$22,681, +7.15% from previous year)
- 2018: $359,655 (+$19,921, +5.86% from previous year)
- 2019: $373,092 (+$13,437, +3.74% from previous year)
- 2020: $386,626 (+$13,534, +3.63% from previous year)
- 2021: $453,354 (+$66,728, +17.26% from previous year)
- 2022: $512,345 (+$58,991, +13.01% from previous year)
- 2023: $525,322 (+$12,977, +2.53% from previous year)
- 2024: $577,897 (+$52,575, +10.01% from previous year)
- 2025: $591,791 (+$13,894, +2.40% from previous year)
Home values in Bristol have more than doubled since 2010, rising by approximately 129% to reach $591,791 in 2025. This long-term upward trend was steady until 2021, when price jumps became particularly dramatic. Even with recent cooling, prices remain far above pre-pandemic levels. Bristol’s consistent growth reflects its lasting appeal to buyers seeking charm, convenience, and coastlines.
Bristol – Seaside Appeal and Steady Growth
Located on a peninsula between Narragansett Bay and Mount Hope Bay, Bristol combines maritime heritage with a walkable downtown and deep community roots. The town is famed for hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country, which draws thousands each summer. Proximity to Roger Williams University adds a youthful energy, while sailing and water recreation keep demand for waterfront property high.
The rapid acceleration in home prices from 2020 onward is partly attributed to buyers looking for suburban and small-town homes with character. Bristol offers just that—historic houses, waterfront access, and access to both Providence and Newport. Limited inventory, especially near the coast, has helped keep values high even as interest rates fluctuate.
14. Westerly – 93% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $309,718
- 2011: $298,295 (-$11,423, -3.69% from previous year)
- 2012: $298,744 (+$450, +0.15% from previous year)
- 2013: $304,089 (+$5,345, +1.79% from previous year)
- 2014: $302,774 (-$1,315, -0.43% from previous year)
- 2015: $308,600 (+$5,826, +1.92% from previous year)
- 2016: $322,862 (+$14,263, +4.62% from previous year)
- 2017: $337,352 (+$14,490, +4.49% from previous year)
- 2018: $353,709 (+$16,357, +4.85% from previous year)
- 2019: $362,145 (+$8,435, +2.38% from previous year)
- 2020: $385,264 (+$23,120, +6.38% from previous year)
- 2021: $451,733 (+$66,469, +17.25% from previous year)
- 2022: $520,234 (+$68,501, +15.16% from previous year)
- 2023: $535,103 (+$14,869, +2.86% from previous year)
- 2024: $570,376 (+$35,273, +6.59% from previous year)
- 2025: $598,559 (+$28,183, +4.94% from previous year)
Westerly’s home prices have climbed from just over $309,000 in 2010 to nearly $599,000 in 2025—an increase of about 93%. Growth remained modest through the mid-2010s but picked up dramatically from 2020 onward. The town’s increasing appeal among second-home buyers and retirees likely contributed to the surge.
Westerly – Beaches, Boomers, and High Demand
Westerly sits at the southwestern tip of Rhode Island, near the Connecticut border, with easy access to Long Island Sound. Its biggest draw is Misquamicut Beach, a summer hotspot with sandy shores and classic vacation charm. The town’s blend of quiet neighborhoods and vibrant summer tourism has made it a dual-attraction market for both full-time residents and vacation home seekers.
The post-2020 real estate boom was amplified in Westerly by buyers looking for coastal properties within a few hours’ drive of Boston and New York. Low housing inventory and growing demand, particularly for properties near the water, have helped drive up home values even during periods of broader market cooling.
13. Exeter – 121% Home Price Increase Since 2010
- 2010: $278,141
- 2011: $276,285 (-$1,856, -0.67% from previous year)
- 2012: $281,087 (+$4,803, +1.74% from previous year)
- 2013: $285,838 (+$4,750, +1.69% from previous year)
- 2014: $299,427 (+$13,589, +4.75% from previous year)
- 2015: $305,392 (+$5,965, +1.99% from previous year)
- 2016: $318,835 (+$13,442, +4.40% from previous year)
- 2017: $339,343 (+$20,509, +6.43% from previous year)
- 2018: $357,610 (+$18,267, +5.38% from previous year)
- 2019: $377,877 (+$20,267, +5.67% from previous year)
- 2020: $392,020 (+$14,143, +3.74% from previous year)
- 2021: $456,320 (+$64,300, +16.40% from previous year)
- 2022: $526,968 (+$70,647, +15.48% from previous year)
- 2023: $540,301 (+$13,333, +2.53% from previous year)
- 2024: $564,565 (+$24,264, +4.49% from previous year)
- 2025: $615,634 (+$51,070, +9.05% from previous year)
Home prices in Exeter have climbed by 121% since 2010, reaching $615,634 in 2025. While growth was slow but steady for much of the past decade, values began surging in 2021. Even with modest increases in 2023 and 2024, Exeter continues to trend upward.
Exeter – Quiet Living, Strong Price Climb
Exeter stands out as one of Rhode Island’s few landlocked towns, but it offers large lots, wooded settings, and a peaceful environment. It’s particularly attractive to buyers who prioritize privacy, space, and natural surroundings over coastline. Despite its inland setting, Exeter has seen an impressive jump in home prices—partly due to its proximity to both Providence and South County…