Best Community #2: Foster

Best Community #2: Foster

With low crime, a vibrant arts scene, and good schools, Foster was edged out only by Cranston in our ranking of the best communities in Rhode Island.

Its sprawling woodlands and winding streams draw outdoor enthusiasts while colonial-era architecture will put it on the map for history buffs. Foster is home to one of the oldest government meeting houses in the United States and has the only two covered bridges in Rhode Island.

Because of the small size of the community - it has just 5,000 residents - everyone knows virtually everyone else, according to Colette Matarese, president of the town council. “It’s a rural community and it’s a small community where you get to know everybody by face, if not by name,” Matarese said.

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HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: 156.73%

ECONOMIC CONDITION

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $59,673.00

EFFECTIVE PROPERTY TAX RATE: $11.89

EDUCATION

NECAP SCORES 4th Grade

Reading: 78%

Math: 67%

NECAP SCORES 8th Grade

Reading: 82%

Math: 63%

NECAP SCORES 11th GRADE

Reading: 86%

Math: 38%

SAFETY

Violent and property crime total over population: 1.09%

ARTS & CULTURE

Total number of theaters, museums/galleries, libraries, golf courses, and restaurants & bars: 6