Comedian Matt Rife Finds Peace in Rhode Island

The stand-up comic explains why he chose to call the Ocean State home.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Comedian Matt Rife has found a new home base in Rhode Island after years of touring. In a recent interview, Rife discussed how he stumbled upon the perfect property in the state, praising its convenience, peaceful atmosphere, and welcoming community. The Ohio native, who previously lived in Los Angeles and Atlanta, says Rhode Island has provided him the respite he was seeking after an aggressive touring schedule.

Why it matters

Rife's move to Rhode Island highlights how the state can attract creative talent looking for a change of pace and a more tranquil lifestyle, even for those with busy entertainment careers. His positive experience also showcases Rhode Island's appeal to out-of-state residents seeking an affordable, convenient, and community-oriented place to live.

The details

Rife was in the area for shows in Connecticut when he decided to check out a house he had seen on Zillow, which was about an hour away. He ended up falling in love with the property, praising its beautiful surroundings and convenient location just minutes from essential stores like Walmart and Target. The proximity to the Providence airport, which offers direct flights to many destinations, was also a major draw for the touring comedian.

  • Rife moved to Rhode Island in 2024.
  • Rife discussed his Rhode Island move in a recent interview with podcast host Shannon Sharpe.

The players

Matt Rife

A comedian who moved from Ohio to Rhode Island in 2024 after previously living in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Shannon Sharpe

A podcast host who interviewed Rife about his decision to move to Rhode Island.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had shows in Connecticut at Mohegan Sun up there and I saw this house on Zillow that was like an hour away and we had the first part of our day off before the show. I was like 'Let me go check out this house real quick.'”

— Matt Rife (fun107.com)

“The property's beautiful, the area's great. I'm seven minutes from Walmart, five minutes from Target. It's got everything that I personally need.”

— Matt Rife (fun107.com)

“It is so peaceful. These last four years have been so aggressive and I'm around people all the time. I wanted somewhere that when I'm not working I can just be at peace and this house is the first place I've ever, in 30 years, woken up happy every day.”

— Matt Rife (fun107.com)

What’s next

Rife plans to continue performing stand-up shows in the region, taking advantage of the convenient access to the Providence airport and nearby Boston.

The takeaway

Rife's move to Rhode Island demonstrates how the state can attract creative professionals seeking a more peaceful and community-oriented lifestyle, even for those with busy entertainment careers. His positive experience highlights Rhode Island's appeal as an affordable, convenient, and welcoming destination for out-of-state residents.