Guide to Rhode Island Communities
Housing Choice Voucher Program
As an RIHousing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holder, you have the ability to choose a rental home in one of 19 Rhode Island communities. We have created this guide to provide you with an overview of living in any of those communities. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you are required to pay 30-40% of your income towards rent. RIHousing will pay the balance of the rental payment directly to your landlord.

Charlestown
Charlestown
Charlestown is a rural, coastal town, located on Rhode Island’s oceanfront in South (Washington) County. Home to two state beaches, a state park, and a national wildlife refuge, as well as the Narragansett Indian Tribal Settlement Lands. The villages of Carolina, Kenyon, and Shannock are to the north and share the town’s border with Richmond.
Major routes are RI Route 112 (north-south), or South County Trail, merges with RI Route 2; and US Route 1 (east-west along the southern border). Although the villages and zip codes noted below are along the town’s northern border, what is considered the town’s “center” lies to the south along Route 1/1A, also known as Post Rd./Old Post Road.
Living in Charlestown:
Charlestown has a large majority of owner-occupied, single family homes. Most of its multifamily homes are located in the village areas, though rentals are also to be found among single family and manufactured homes.
To use your voucher here, your rent cannot exceed the Fair Market Rate.
Click here to view the latest rates.
What is the Fair Market Rate?
FMRs regularly published by HUD, represent the cost to rent a moderately-priced dwelling unit in the local housing market. The housing voucher tenant must pay 30 percent of its monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities, and if the unit rent is greater than the payment standard, the tenant is required to pay the additional amount.
GETTING AROUND
RIPTA:
- RIPTA Flex Bus 204 Westerly services at two locations in Charlestown RI (must be scheduled at least one day in advance)
- STOP 1: 4705 Old Post Road
- STOP 2: 4110 Old Post Road
Driving times by car (average):
- Providence (40 miles)—50 minutes
- Warwick (34 miles)—45 minutes
- Newport (27 miles)—40 minutes
DAILY NEEDS + COMMUNITY CENTERS
Town Hall |
4550 South County Trail (401) 364-1200 |
Library |
4417 Old Post Rd (Cross’ Mills) |
Post Office |
3970 Old Post Rd. |
Police Department |
4901 Old Post Rd. |
Recycling Center | 50 Sand Hill Road |
COMMUNITY CENTERS
Tri-County Community Action Agency – Southern Region – Coordinate over 50 programs and services offering assistance throughout every stage of life; from pregnancy and early childhood development, to senior and disabled services. |
1935 Kingstown Road, Wakefield 401-789-3016 |
DHS & SNAP Offices: South County Regional Center |
4808 Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347) |
Charlestown Senior Center | 100 Park Lane (located in Ninigret Park) |
Ocean Community YMCA (Arcadia Branch) | 1190 Main St., Wyoming |
FOOD + SHOPPING
FOOD
Charlestown Mini Super | 4071 Old Post Road |
PHARMACY
CVS | 3986 Old Post Rd. |
SHOPPING
Nearest Walmart | 1031 Ten Rod Rd., North Kingstown |
EDUCATION
DAYCARES, PRESCHOOLS AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Find early learning programs >
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
RIDE Rating | ||
Charlestown Elementary School Gr K-4 |
363 Carolina Back Road | ★★★★☆ |
Chariho Regional Middle School Gr 5-8 |
455B Switch Road, Wood River Junction |
★★★☆☆ |
Chariho Regional High School Gr 9-12 – 4-year graduation rate: 92.5% |
45e Switch Road, Wood River Junction |
★★★☆☆ |
BANKS
Washington Trust | 4137 Old Post Road |
MEDICAL SERVICES
Ocean State Urgent Care of Westerly | 77 Franklin St, Westerly |
South County Walk-In & Primary Care | 360 Kingstown Rd #104, Narragansett |
Nearest hospital: South County Hospital, |
100 Kenyon Ave., Wakefield |
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Protestant Church | 4 |
Catholic + Episcopal Church | 3 |
Jewish Synagogue | Westerly & Narragansett |
Muslim Mosque | South Kingstown |
RECREATION
Charlestown Parks and Recreation Department
OUTDOOR SPACES
Sam Ferretti Blue Shutters Town Beach |
Burlingame State Park |
Charlestown Town Beach |
East State Beach |
Ninigret Park |
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge |
ARTS + OTHER PROGRAMS
General offerings in South County > |