Best Community #4: Glocester
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Glocester’s combination of a sleepy idyllic countryside with a lively community life sets this town apart.
The outdoor life is one of the town’s biggest selling points, with horse trails, walking trails, several state parks, plenty of places to fish and hunt, and, as much as 2,000 of acres protected from development, according to town councilor Ted Burlingame.
This community also has its endearing quirks—like the legendary Ancients and Horribles Parade, a Fourth of July tradition dating back to 1926. Participants rarely miss this annual opportunity to mock politicians from the State House to the national scene.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNeighboring community Foster was a bit higher on our ranking, but Burlingame didn’t seem to mind. He said both communities deserve the honor. “We go back and forth with them—they’re a good community,” he said.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: 124.13%
ECONOMIC CONDITION
MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $57,537.00
EFFECTIVE PROPERTY TAX RATE: $13.82
EDUCATION
NECAP SCORES 4th Grade
Reading: 83%
Math: 75%
NECAP SCORES 8th Grade
Reading: 82%
Math: 63%
NECAP SCORES 11th GRADE
Reading: 86%
Math: 38%
SAFETY
Violent and property crime total over population: 0.67%
ARTS & CULTURE
Total number of theaters, museums/galleries, libraries, golf courses, and restaurants & bars: 13
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