Foster #30: RI's Best Communities 2013

Foster #30: RI's Best Communities 2013

Home to the highest point in a state, this western Rhode Island town is also home to farmsteads, mill ruins, and quiet country life. And what is more emblematic than being home to one of the only two covered bridges in Rhode Island? Known for having the oldest government meeting house in the U.S., Foster remains sparsely populated with most of its land covered with hills or forests.

Foster by the numbers

Established: 1636
Population: 4,606
Median household income: $77,893
Median housing price: $225,000

2013 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 30
Affordability ranking: 10
Education ranking: 26
Economic condition ranking: 21
Safety ranking: 2
Arts & Culture ranking: 23 (T)

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Famous residents:

Theodore Foster, U.S. Senator, the town is named after him
Solomon Drowne, physician, author, close friend of Foster who lived on a farm called Mount Hygeia
Nelson Aldrich, U.S. Senator, father of Abby Rockefeller
Lucinda Landon, author of the "Meg Mackintosh" children's book series
H. P. Lovecraft, author
Mark Picard, author of the Ultraquest series 

But what do you think is the best thing about Foster? Cast your vote, right here.