Johnston #36: RI's Best Communities 2013

Does a Rhode Island town ever outgrow its Big Hair reputation? Johnston might have had a chance, but the skyscraper stylings of its best-known local boy, Pauly D, have kept the big coif rep intact. Therefore, it is no surprise that 46.7% of Johnston residents identified themselves in 2000 as being of Italian heritage. In fact, the town has the highest percentage of Italian Americans of any municipality in the country. That's a lot of character (and delicious local restaurants).

Johnston by the numbers

Established: 1636
Population: 28,769
Median household income: $54,880
Median housing price: $155,000

2013 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 36
Affordability ranking: 14
Education ranking: 34
Economic condition ranking: 36
Safety ranking: 29
Arts & Culture ranking: 35

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Famous residents:

Anthony Paul Cerbo, singer
Samuel Ward King, Governor of Rhode Island during the Dorr Rebellion
Pauly D, DJ and featured performer on The Jersey Shore and star of The Pauly D Project
Joe Polisena, former member of the Rhode Island Senate and mayor of Johnston 

What do you think is the best thing about Johnston? Cast your vote, right here. 

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