Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but it’s got enough personality to rival anywhere ten times its size. From the beaches to the bakeries to the “I can get anywhere in 20 minutes” flex, there’s a lot to love. But in 2025, more Rhode Islanders are looking at their taxes, housing costs, and coastal flooding maps and thinking, “Maybe being tiny isn’t so cute anymore.” So they’re grabbing a coffee milk, kissing the shoreline goodbye, and heading to states where the cost of living doesn’t require three side hustles.
1. Housing Prices Have Gone Full Coastal-Crazy
Rhode Island’s housing market exploded — especially near Providence, Warwick, and the shoreline. Even modest homes now come with “you’ve got to be kidding me” price tags.
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