North Smithfield #24: RI's Best Communities 2013

North Smithfield #24: RI's Best Communities 2013

A northern mid-sized community that embraces a number of mill villages, North Smithfield was a central stop on the Great Road's stagecoach route. Even though it faces challenges with economic growth, housing affordability, and education improvement in, this Blackstone Valley town has been redesigned into residential, industrial, and recreational use forming a pleasant suburban identity.

North Smithfield by the numbers

Established: 1730
Population: 11,967
Median household income: $79,005
Median housing price: $228,500

2013 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 24
Affordability ranking: 7
Education ranking: 19
Economic condition ranking: 11
Safety ranking: 12
Arts & Culture ranking: 29 (T)

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Famous residents:

Peleg Arnold, delegate to the Continental Congress and Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court
Jeff Jillson, National Hockey League player
David Rawlings, musician, singer/songwriter