Best Community #26: RI Rural
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
West Greenwich
It is not always easy to think of Rhode Island communities being truly rural, but this quiet enclave of just more than 6,000 people is truly that. A landscape of woodlands covers much of more than 50 square miles, the 7th largest place in Rhode Island, in terms of land area, and living is quiet and unassuming in West Greenwich.
What puts West Greenwich above better-known towns in the Rhode Island rankings is a combination of Affordability (15th) and Education (16th). (Exeter-West Greenwich High School was one of GoLocalProv's Top High Schools in 2011.) In fact, the town's harshest numbers, an indication of its truly rural status, is its last-place finish in 2011's Arts & Culture ranking (39th).
West Greenwich by the numbers
Established: 1639
Population: 6,135
Median household income: $82,095
Median housing price: $257,500
2011 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 26
Affordability ranking: 15
Education ranking: 16
Economic condition ranking: 23
Safety ranking: 17
Arts & Culture ranking: 39
History in a nutshell:
On June 10, 1709, 35,000 acres of the “Vacant Lands” was purchased by 13 men for 1,000 pounds. These “Vacant Lands” were extremely popular for hunting and fishing due to the abundance of wildlife. Several years later in 1740, a signed petition was sent which asked for West Greenwich to be set off as a separate town. A year later, the general assembly approved the petition and West Greenwich was incorporated. The settlers of West Greenwich were hardy, strong folk who knew how to live off the land. When the American Revolution was complete, lumbering and farming became the main occupations of the habitants. Today, West Greenwich maintains its sprawling woodlands and scenic country sides and is popular for its natural trails and scenic views.
Photo: Linda Eagleson
Additional research by Nate Holterman
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