Best Community #17: Northern Gem
GoLocalProv Best Communities Team
Best Community #17: Northern Gem
There's more to this northern Rhode Island town than may meet the eye. Like cumberlandite, the little-known, iron-rich material that's found in large deposits here, there's a strong vein running through this Blackstone Valley community with deep historic roots.
With home prices averaging $242,750, life in Cumberland ranked well on the 2011 Affordability scale, at 16th. The town also performed well on Economic Condition, placing 13th statewide. And maybe there is something about Cumberland, as this hometown of the Farrelly brothers also ranked 11th in Safety and in the top 20 in Arts & Culture. The area of struggle for Cumberland is Education - 26th place.
Established: 1746
Population: 33,506
Median household income: $72,242
Median housing price: $242,750
2011 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 17
Affordability ranking: 16
Education ranking: 26
Economic condition ranking: 13
Safety ranking: 11
Arts & Culture ranking: 19
History in a nutshell:
Formerly known as Attleboro Gore, Cumberland was one of 5 towns to be received from Massachusetts by Royal Decree. However, in 1746 it was incorporated into Rhode Island and took on its current title after the Duke of Cumberland. Its prime location near the Blackstone and Abbott Run Rivers spurred industrial advancement during its fledgling years. Cumberland also came to be known as a mining town due to extensive mineral deposits of iron and copper that were found within its border. While mining is no longer a viable source of income for the community, manufacturing and retail trade contribute to the town’s growth.
Famous residents:
William Blaxton, Cumberland's first European settler
Jemima Wilkinson, 18th century evangelist, was born and raised in Cumberland
Tim White, former WWE referee
The Farrelly Brothers, filmmakers
David Macaulay, author and illustrator
Aaron Fricke, gay rights activist
Brad Adamonis, current PGA tour golfer
Richard Jenkins, Academy Award Nominated actor
Rocco Baldelli, MLB Free Agent outfielder
Brian Lawton, the first American ice hockey player selected #1 overall in the NHL entry draft
Cory Pesaturo, world champion accordionist
Additional research by Nate Holterman