Westerly #23: RI's Best Communities 2013

Westerly #23: RI's Best Communities 2013

Lying in the southwestern corner of Rhode Island, Westerly has a rich and storied history. Along with her fellow Rhode Island vacation enclaves like New Shoreham and Little Compton, this gracious town draws visitors from around the world to its beautiful beaches. The community is a prime vacation sport mainly due to spectacular Watch Hill and its Victorian architecture.

Westerly by the numbers

Established: 1661
Population: 22,787
Median household income: $60,432
Median housing price: $275,000

2013 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 23
Affordability ranking: 32
Education ranking: 16
Economic condition ranking: 16
Safety ranking: 23
Arts & Culture ranking: 14 (T)

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Famous residents:

Dr. Joshua Babcock, physician, American Revolution general, RI Supreme Court Justice
Samuel Ward, Royal Governor, Chief Justice of RI
Ruth Buzzi, television star and actor
Eddie Sawyer, former major league baseball manager
Dave Stenhouse, former Washington Senators pitcher
Frankie Frisch, player-manager of the St. Louis Cardinals' famous "Gashouse Gang"
Elisson "Tarzan" Brown, marathon runner