#16 Smithfield: RI's Best Communities 2013

#16 Smithfield: RI's Best Communities 2013

The combination of a suburban ethos and still-operational farms that decorate the landscape and draw tourists characterizes this large Blackstone Valley community, which is also home to one of Rhode Island’s top universities, Bryant. Agriculture is still important to the town, which is apparent from its fond nickname of “Apple Country" or "Apple Valley" for its numerous apple orchards. In the same way, industry is still a force as there are numerous ultra modern factories.

Smithfield by the numbers

Established: 1636
Population: 21,430
Median household income: $73,352
Median housing price: $215,000

2013 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 16
Affordability ranking: 9
Education ranking: 15
Economic Condition ranking: 20
Safety ranking: 17
Arts & Culture ranking: 18

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Famous residents

Cyrus Aldrich, United States Congressman from Minnesota
Ronald K. Machtley, former U.S. Representative
Peleg Arnold, delegate to the Continental Congress
Daniel Mowry, Jr., delegate to the Continental Congress
Arthur Steere, politician, businessman
Don Orsillo, commentator for the Boston Red Sox on New England Sports Network(NESN)
David Wilkinson, machinist, co-builder of Slater Mill
Elizabeth Buffum Chace, influential American activist in the Anti-Slavery, Women's Rights, and Prison Reform Movements of the mid to late 19th century