2025 Migration Trends: Where Rhode Island’s Out-of-State Buyers Are Moving From & What’s Driving Second-Home Demand
Rhode Island attracts more out-of-state second-home buyers than almost any other small state in the Northeast. With walkable coastal towns, quick access to Boston and NYC, and a highly desirable summer lifestyle, second-home demand has surged over the past five years. Understanding where these buyers originate—and why they’re choosing Rhode Island—can help investors, vacation-home purchasers, and relocation buyers make smarter decisions in 2025 and beyond.
In this guide, we break down the latest data, trends, and motivations driving incoming buyers to the Ocean State.
1. The Big Picture: Who’s Moving Into Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s inbound migration is dominated by buyers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, according to U.S. Census migration data, Rhode Island Statewide MLS trends, and annual New England relocation surveys.
Here’s the approximate distribution:
- Massachusetts: 50–60% of all out-of-state homebuyers
- Connecticut: 12–18%
- New York: 10–15%
- New Jersey: 3–5%
- Florida: 2–4% (reverse snowbirds)
- California + Washington: small but fast-growing due to remote work flexibility
These numbers are particularly pronounced in coastal and second-home towns like Newport, Narragansett, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Middletown.
2. Why Massachusetts Buyers Lead the Market (50–60% of All Inbound Buyers)
Massachusetts residents dominate Rhode Island second-home purchases for three reasons:
Proximity
Many MA buyers—especially from Boston, Newton, Wellesley, Brookline, and the South Shore—are within a 60–90 minute drive of Bristol, Newport, and the East Bay.
Better Waterfront Value
RI coastal towns often offer stronger value per square foot compared to Cape Cod, Cohasset, or Marblehead.
Lifestyle + Walkability
Newport, Warren, and Bristol have walkable main streets, marinas, restaurants, and art scenes that feel like a “mini Cape Cod” without the traffic.
3. New York Buyers Are the Fastest-Growing Segment
RI is increasingly popular among NYC and Westchester residents seeking a lower-density coastal lifestyle. These buyers typically fall into two categories:
Second-Home Owners Seeking Escape
They want weekend retreats and three-season usage without the Hamptons pricing.
Remote Professionals
Many finance and tech workers now visit their RI homes for extended stays, thanks to flexible hybrid work policies.
Typical destinations: Narragansett, Newport, Jamestown, Westerly, and Little Compton.
4. Why Connecticut Buyers Choose Rhode Island
Connecticut buyers are drawn to Rhode Island for:
- Beach access (especially Westerly/Narragansett)
- Lower-cost second homes compared to Fairfield County
- Shorter travel times to beaches than to Cape Cod
They represent the third-largest inbound group, making up roughly 12–18% of arrivals.
5. The 2025 Trend: Remote Professionals + Dual-Market Buyers
Since 2020, Rhode Island has seen a surge of remote buyers who:
- Split time between Massachusetts or NYC and their RI home
- Work remotely during the week in Bristol, Newport, or Portsmouth
- Use the property for weekends, summers, or future retirement
This “dual-market buyer” trend is expected to continue as hybrid schedules remain the norm.
6. Where Second-Home Buyers Are Purchasing in Rhode Island
Newport County
- Newport
- Middletown
- Portsmouth
Why they buy here: sailing, walkability, nightlife, historic districts.
South County
- Narragansett
- South Kingstown
- Westerly
Why: beaches, surfing, seasonal rentals.
East Bay
- Bristol
- Warren
- Barrington
Why: classic New England vibe, walkable neighborhoods, proximity to Providence & Boston.
The Sakonnet Peninsula
- Little Compton
- Tiverton
Why: rural charm, privacy, farmland meets oceanfront.
7. What These Buyers Want (2025 Preferences)
Across buyer interviews and MLS search trends, second-home shoppers consistently prioritize:
- Water access or water views
- Walkability to restaurants and beaches
- Updated kitchens and baths
- Decks, porches, and outdoor living
- Space for hybrid work
- Low-maintenance properties
In Newport County specifically, walkability consistently ranks the #1 requested feature.
8. How This Data Helps You as a Buyer
Understanding inbound migration isn’t just interesting—it gives buyers (and sellers) a competitive edge. If you’re coming from MA or NY, you already share the mindset of most active buyers. This affects:
- Pricing strategy
- Offer competitiveness
- Seasonal timing
- ROI potential
In markets where half of all offers come from the same geographic sources, strategy matters.
9. Should You Buy Before You Move? (2025 Market Advantage)
If your primary market is Boston or NYC, buying earlier often secures better value. Rhode Island coastal property appreciates steadily due to limited supply and high seasonal demand. Buying now means you lock in availability before peak summer competition.
For second-home buyers planning future full-time relocation, 2025 remains an advantageous entry point.
10. Work With a Local Agent Who Specializes in Out-of-State Buyers
Out-of-state buyers need guidance on:
- Flood zones
- Coastal regulations
- Septic vs. sewer
- Wind/flood insurance
- Town-by-town tax differences
- Remote closing coordination
Cote Partners Realty works extensively with buyers from MA, CT, NY, NJ, and beyond, offering remote tours, video walk-throughs, tax/flood snapshots, and offer strategies built for second-home markets.
