North Kingstown #5: RI’s Best Communities 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
North Kingstown
Few communities in Rhode Island combine small waterfront villages and military/industrial sites with historic homes. Fold in the birthplace of perhaps the most famous early American portrait artist with the state's most famous doughnut shop, and you're getting at the chemistry that places this South County star in the Top 5 for 2012.
Those waterfront properties and quaint villages like Wickford may make North Kingstown an enviable place to live, but places is down the Affordability rankings at #28 in 2012. On the other hand, its high number of Arts & Culture sites propel it strongly up the list, along with Top 20 performances on every other measure. The outcome: something for everyone, and a stellar new position in the Best Communities constellation.
North Kingstown by the numbers
Established: 1641
Population: 26,486
Median household income: $76,316
Median housing price: $304,505
2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 5
Affordability ranking: 28
Education ranking: 14
Economic condition ranking: 19
Safety ranking: 19
Arts & Culture ranking: 3
Restaurants & Bars ranking: 18
History in a nutshell:
When Kings Town was incorporated in 1674, it included the areas which are now the present towns of North Kingstown and South Kingstown. It was not until 1722-1723 that these two towns were established as separate entities. Because of North Kingstown’s geography as a natural harbor it is known as a sea town, famous for its summer resorts and sailing culture. Its earliest industries included farming, fishing, textiles, and boat building. North Kingstown is a community imbued with the history of colonial New England as there are military forts, old churches, and nostalgic shops and homes. The history of North Kingstown is just as exciting as its future, as there is a budding, major job producing Industrial Park, which will continue North Kingstown’s industrial growth and prosperity.
Famous residents:
Gilbert Stuart, portrait artist
Famous residents source: Wikipedia
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