Little Compton, Rhode Island

What It Is Like to Retire in Little compton

The small village of Little Compton, Rhode Island, is a pretty, quintessential New England town with a history that goes back to the 17^th century when it was settled by those from the Plymouth Colony. Located at the southeastern tip of Rhode Island, with a population today of only about 3,500 residents, Little Compton is a rural farming town and popular with retirees, as the average age here is 50 years.

Little Compton is home to many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and boasts a popular town Commons area, and Gray's Store, which was built in 1788, and is considered one of the oldest continuously operating stores in the country, complete with an original soda fountain. A claim to fame is the Rhode Island Red which was developed here, and is Rhode Island's state bird. Picture of Friends Meeting House and Cemetery, built in 1815, courtesy of Wikipedia and Swampyank; Photo of Town Hall courtesy of Wikipedia and Kenneth C. Zirkel, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Where to Retire in Little compton and Home Prices

According to Zillow, the median home price was $560,336 in early 2020.

What Is Special about Little compton

Little Compton is a small,bucolic community with a colonial New England atmosphere.  It experiences all four seasons and has historical sites, parks, and beaches.  The town's community center offers many activities and events.

What Is Not Special about Little compton

Little Compton may be just too little for some.  Home prices are very high.

Who Will Like Retirement in Little compton

Retirees who want a small historic town close to the water would enjoy living here.  The town has a low crime rate and a very active community center with senior lunches and fitness classes, and a small library. 

Local Economy Is Driven by

Construction is a main driver of the economy, but agriculture, fishing and tourism are also important.

Climate and Physical Environment

January's average temperature is about 31 degrees, July's average is 72.  Little Compton gets an average of 22 inches of snow each winter.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are a few sites on the National Register of Historic places, and the Little Compton Historical Society preserves the history and cultural heritage of the town with education and outreach programs.  There are beaches and a vineyard, and a few restaurants, including a sea-to-table restaurant at the Sakonnet marina.  For the cultural scene you can head to Boston or Providence.

Crime

There is very little crime in Little Compton.

Medical facilities

The nearest hospital is in Fall River, about 15 miles away.

Transportation

New Bedford about 25 miles away, has a regional airport, and the closest international airport is in Boston, about 70 miles away.  Little Compton is considered bicycle friendly.

Valuable Links

Little Compton, Rhode Island Little Compton Community Center