Best Community #32: Sandwiched Between Riches

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

GoLocalProv Best Communities Team

 

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Warren

With upscale Barrington to the north and historic postcard-perfect Bristol to the south, this East Bay small town is often overlooked. And yet, those who know Rhode Island well celebrate this town's ability to maintain a more genuine sensibility amidst the wealth and publicity. That's Warren, every bit as historic as Bristol, but just a little rougher around the edges. And better, many think, for it.

Pinched between a beautiful waterfront setting that drives up its housing prices (the average home costs $236,000), Warren sits low at #31 on the 2011 Affordability rankings, and its median household income ($54,066)

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is much lower than neighboring Barrington's ($96,250) and Bristol's ($63,885). The town placed mid-range on this year's Education ranking (24th) and 30th in Economic Condition. These low measures keep this admittedly lovely town from climbing higher on the charts.

Warren by the numbers

Established: 1620
Population: 10,611
Median household income: $54,066
Median housing price: $236,000

2011 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 32
Affordability ranking: 31
Education ranking: 24
Economic condition ranking: 30
Safety ranking: 23
Arts & Culture ranking: 24

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History in a nutshell:

Warren lies on an area of land that once belonged to the Wampanoag Indian Tribe. Like Tiverton, the settlement was transferred from Massachusetts to Rhode Island after the border dispute was settled in 1746. The town takes its name from Admiral Sir Peter Warren. Warren’s location on Narragansett Bay, coupled with its plentiful water supply from the Kickamuit and Warren Rivers helped to make it a thriving industrial center in Colonial times, leading to a vibrant shipbuilding climate. Few Brown grads know that their alma mater was founded as Rhode Island College in Warren in 1746. Warren has enjoyed a diverse and vibrant history and it continues to grow in population and industry.

Famous residents:

Lou Abbruzzi, NFL football player
Pat Abbruzzi, All-Star Canadian football player, RI football legend
Luther Blount, Started Blount Marine, American Canadian Caribbean Cruise Lines and Bay Queen Cruises
Hezekiah Butterworth, author and poet

Additional research by Nate Holterman
 

 

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