Best Community #19: Good Schools, Quiet Living

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

GoLocalProv Best Communities Team

 

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Hopkinton

Part of Rhode Island's southern reach of lovely rural towns, this is another find when it comes to combining quiet, old-fashioned town life with excellent schools.

Hopkinton may have been a hub of early Rhode Island life when it was a stagecoach center, but now this small town on the Pawcatuck River is a getaway community that takes full advantage of the Chariho Regional School Districts high-performing schools (all three towns enjoyed a 6th-place ranking in Education in 2011). And of the three towns, Hopkinton is the most affordable, coming in 17th in the state overall. More recommendations: a top-10 finish in Safety, right at #10.

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Hopkinton by the numbers

Established: 1669
Population: 8,188
Median household income: $72,321
Median housing price: $250,000

2011 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 19
Affordability ranking: 17
Education ranking: 7
Economic condition ranking: 21
Safety ranking: 10
Arts & Culture ranking: 34

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History in a nutshell:

In conjunction with Richmond and Charlestown, Hopkinton was established in 1669 as part of the town of Westerly. Eventually however, the people petitioned to have it separated and on March 14, 1757, Hopkinton was incorporated. The town was named in honor of the then-governor of Rhode Island, Stephen Hopkins. Prior to Hopkinton’s incorporation as its own town, there is evidence that the lands were heavily inhabited by Indians. Today, Hopkinton is a mostly rural town with great pride in its history. There are numerous fresh water fishing spots, campgrounds, and parks. These areas make Hopkinton a desired vacation area for many locals and tourists alike.

Famous residents:

John Wilbur, Quaker minister
Prudence Crandall, taught first desegregated classroom in USA
Billy Gilman, youngest country western star
Both the Aldrich and the Rockefeller families built small mansions in Hope Valley before the families merged. The Rockefeller house now serves as the rectory for St. Joseph's Parish

Additional research by Nate Holterman

 

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