Best Community #3: South Kingstown

Best Community #3: South Kingstown

With ten miles of unspoiled beaches, historic villages, and nearly a third of its land preserved as open space, it is hard to miss the appeal of South Kingstown.

High test scores, lower taxes, and a strong arts and culture scene—bolstered no doubt by the presence of the University of Rhode Island—put South Kingstown third in our ranking of the best communities in Rhode Island.

“I’m thrilled about that,” said town councilor Ella Whaley, when told about the ranking.

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Whaley singled out the school system as one of the best things about the town. “Our education system is absolutely fantastic. We have a town and we have a school committee that work together.”

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: 71.43%

ECONOMIC CONDITION

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $56,325.00

EFFECTIVE PROPERTY TAX RATE: $10.90

EDUCATION

NECAP SCORES 4th Grade

Reading: 81%

Math: 80%

NECAP SCORES 8th Grade

Reading: 89%

Math: 81%

NECAP SCORES 11th GRADE

Reading: 84%

Math: 50%

SAFETY

Violent and property crime total over population: 1.29%

ARTS & CULTURE

Total number of theaters, museums/galleries, libraries, golf courses, and restaurants & bars: 50