U.S. Places that Start with R (States, Cities, and Towns)

Below is the list of states, cities, and towns in 🇺🇸 The United States (America) whose name begins with the letter R. You will also find some general information about each of them.

LocationTypeStatePopulation
RaleighcityNorth Carolina479,000
RenocityNevada267,000
RichmondcityVirginia230,000
RochestercityNew York210,000
RockfordcityIllinois148,000
RiversidecityCalifornia317,000
RacinecityWisconsin77,000
Rapid CitycitySouth Dakota77,000
RoswellcityNew Mexico48,000
RussellvillecityArkansas30,000
RutherfordtownNew Jersey19,000
Red BanktownNew Jersey12,000
RoxborotownNorth Carolina8,000
RuidosovillageNew Mexico8,000
RidgelandtownMississippi25,000
RensselaercityNew York9,000
RivertoncityWyoming11,000
RockporttownMassachusetts7,000
RomecityGeorgia37,000
ReadingcityPennsylvania95,000
RollacityMissouri20,000
Rock HillcitySouth Carolina76,000
Rancho CucamongacityCalifornia175,000
RifletownColorado10,000

Raleigh (North Carolina)

Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, is known as the “City of Oaks” due to its many oak trees. Founded in 1792, it was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer who sponsored the failed Roanoke Colony. Today, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, a major hub for education, technology, and healthcare.

Reno (Nevada)

Reno is a major city in northwestern Nevada, near the California border. Often referred to as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” it is famous for its casinos and proximity to Lake Tahoe. The name Reno honors Jesse L. Reno, a Union Army officer killed in the Civil War.

Richmond (Virginia)

Richmond, the capital of Virginia, played a significant role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. The city was named after the English town of Richmond, London. Today, Richmond is known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and vibrant arts scene.

Rochester (New York)

Rochester is located in western New York, along the shores of Lake Ontario. Founded in the early 19th century, it became known as “The Flour City” due to its milling industry and later as “The Flower City” for its nurseries. It is a center of higher education, with several prominent universities and institutes.

Rockford (Illinois)

Rockford is the largest city in northern Illinois and is known for its manufacturing history, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. The city was named for its location at a rock ford across the Rock River. Rockford has several cultural and historical landmarks, including the Anderson Japanese Gardens.

Riverside (California)

Riverside is part of the Inland Empire region of California and is known as the birthplace of the California citrus industry. The city’s name comes from its location alongside the Santa Ana River. Riverside is home to the historic Mission Inn, one of the largest and most ornate mission-style buildings in the United States.

Racine (Wisconsin)

Racine is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin. Known for its manufacturing heritage, the city is home to several famous companies, including SC Johnson. The name “Racine” comes from the French word for “root,” reflecting the area’s early French exploration.

Rapid City (South Dakota)

Rapid City is located in the western part of South Dakota, near the Black Hills. Known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” it is a key tourist destination for those visiting Mount Rushmore and other nearby attractions. The city takes its name from Rapid Creek, which runs through it.

Roswell (New Mexico)

Roswell is best known for the 1947 UFO incident, which has made the city a focal point for UFO enthusiasts. Located in southeastern New Mexico, the city was named after Roswell P. Smith, the father of one of the town’s early settlers. The International UFO Museum and annual UFO Festival keep Roswell in the public eye.

Russellville (Arkansas)

Russellville is located along the Arkansas River in the Arkansas River Valley. It is home to Arkansas Tech University and is a center for education and industry in the region. The city was named after Dr. Thomas Russell, an early settler. Today, it’s known for its outdoor activities and proximity to Lake Dardanelle State Park.

Rutherford (New Jersey)

Rutherford is a small suburban town located in northern New Jersey, just outside New York City. Named after John Rutherfurd, a U.S. Senator, the town is known for its charming residential areas and local parks. It was one of the first communities in New Jersey to establish a public library.

Red Bank (New Jersey)

Red Bank is a small town along the Navesink River in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Known for its vibrant arts scene, the town is home to the Count Basie Theatre, a historic venue that hosts concerts and performances. Its name likely refers to the red soil found along the riverbank.

Roxboro (North Carolina)

Roxboro is a small town in north-central North Carolina, serving as the county seat of Person County. The town is named after Roxburgh, Scotland, reflecting the area’s early Scottish settlers. Roxboro is known for its outdoor recreational activities, particularly at nearby Hyco Lake.

Ruidoso (New Mexico)

Ruidoso is a mountain village in southern New Mexico, known for its cool climate, skiing, and outdoor activities. The name “Ruidoso” means “noisy” in Spanish, referring to the sound of the Rio Ruidoso River. It is a popular vacation destination, especially for those seeking nature and adventure in the nearby Sierra Blanca mountains.

Ridgeland (Mississippi)

Ridgeland is a growing town located in central Mississippi, just north of Jackson. The town is named for its location on a ridge between Jackson and Madison. Today, Ridgeland is a modern suburban area known for its shopping centers and recreational parks along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Rensselaer (New York)

Rensselaer is a small city located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, across from Albany, New York. The city was named after Kiliaen van Rensselaer, the Dutch patroon who helped settle the area. It has a rich industrial history, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Riverton (Wyoming)

Riverton is a city in central Wyoming, located near the Wind River Reservation. It was founded as a railroad town and grew due to agriculture and mining. The city’s name reflects its location at the confluence of several rivers. Riverton is known for its proximity to the Wind River Mountains and outdoor recreation.

Rockport (Massachusetts)

Rockport is a small coastal town located on Cape Ann in northeastern Massachusetts. Known for its picturesque harbor and art colony, the town has been a popular destination for artists and tourists. Its name comes from the rocky coastline that defines the area.

Rome (Georgia)

Rome is located in northwestern Georgia and was named after the Italian city due to the area’s seven hills and a river running through it, similar to Rome, Italy. It is an important regional hub for education, healthcare, and industry. The city is also known for its historic downtown and the nearby Berry College.

Reading (Pennsylvania)

Reading is a city in southeastern Pennsylvania, once a major industrial center during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its name was derived from Reading, Berkshire in England. The Reading Railroad, which once passed through the city, became famous as a property on the Monopoly board game. Today, the city is known for its outlet shopping and cultural institutions.

Rolla (Missouri)

Rolla is located in the south-central part of Missouri and is home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The city was named after Raleigh, North Carolina, although the spelling was altered to reflect the local dialect. It is known for its educational institutions and proximity to the Ozark Highlands.

Rock Hill (South Carolina)

Rock Hill is a growing city in northern South Carolina, located just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. The city’s name comes from a small flint hill that was encountered during the construction of a railway. Today, Rock Hill is known for its strong economy, particularly in manufacturing and retail.

Rancho Cucamonga (California)

Rancho Cucamonga is a suburban city located in southern California’s Inland Empire. The city’s name is derived from a Native American word meaning “sandy place.” Known for its suburban communities, it is also a growing commercial and industrial hub. The city is located near the San Gabriel Mountains, providing access to outdoor recreation.

Rifle (Colorado)

Rifle is a small town in western Colorado, named after Rifle Creek, which was reportedly named after a trapper’s rifle left at the creek. The town is known for its outdoor recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, and access to nearby mountains. Rifle is also a gateway to the scenic Colorado River Valley.

Click on a letter below to go to the list of cities.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z