Best Community #7: RI’s Best Small Town
Friday, June 24, 2011
Glocester
It's going on ancient, and not the least bit horrible, according to the 2011 rankings. What small town in the quiet western stretch of Rhode Island is a two-time Top-10 Best Community?
Moving from #4 in 2010 to #7 this year (this year's arts & culture rankings took more historic homes and farms into account, which affected many of the state's top community's rankings from last year to this one), Glocester maintained its strengths: incredible affordability, placing at #3 this year and the best Safety ranking in the state, with a crime-per-resident rate below 1 (0.66%, to be exact).
Glocester by the numbers
Established: 1639
Population: 9,746
Median household income: $77,500
Median housing price: $205,000
2011 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 7
Affordability ranking: 3
Education ranking: 21
Economic condition ranking: 24
Safety ranking: 1
Arts & Culture ranking: 29
History in a nutshell:
In 1730, there was a major division of the Town of Providence which resulted in the creation of 4 new ones: Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, and Glocester. Glocester, took its name from Frederick Lewis, the Duke of Glocester. Early economic development in the town was based on the industries of farming, coal mining, lumber, and forging. Other types of industry included the manufacturing of hats, cigars, and box making. One of the town’s most popular events is the Ancients and Horribles Parade, held every Independence Day where crowds gather to the tune of about 10,000 people. The Dorr Rebellion of 1841 also began in Glocester.
Famous residents:
Arthur Steere, politician, businessman
Charles J. Fogarty, politician
Additional research by Nate Holterman
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