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Coventry, RI

Frequently asked questions

Coventry, RI

Coventry is a town in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 35,688 at the 2020 census and is part of the Pawtuxet River Valley.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 62.3 sq mi (161 km²). 59.5 sq mi (154 km²) of it is land and 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) of it (4.49%) is water. The town is bordered by West Warwick to the east, Foster, Scituate, and Cranston to the north, West Greenwich and East Greenwich to the south, and Sterling, Connecticut, to the west. It is the largest town in land area in Rhode Island, being surpassed in total area only by South Kingstown, Rhode Island, with a water and land area of 79.8 square miles (207 km²).

Coventry was first settled by English colonists in the early 18th century when the town was part of Warwick. Since the area was so far away from the center of Warwick, the section that became Coventry grew very slowly. However, by 1741, enough farmers (about 100 families) had settled in the area that they petitioned the General Assembly of Rhode Island to create their own town. The petition was granted, and the new town was named "Coventry", after the English city. 

For the rest of the 18th century, Coventry remained a rural town populated by farmers. Among the buildings that survive are the Waterman Tavern (1740s), the Nathanael Greene Homestead (1770), and the Paine Homestead (late 17th century/early 18th century). The oldest church, Maple Root Baptist Church, dates from the end of the 18th century. The congregation was organized in 1762 and was affiliated with the General Six-Principle Baptists.

Coventry boasts many old homes, churches, and cemeteries. Farmhouses from the 18th century can be found scattered around the town, and many are still private residences. On the eastern side of town, many homes from the 19th century can be found, ranging from the two-family mill workers' residences to mansions owned by the town elites. The village of Greene and the Rice City and Hopkins Hollow parts of town have remained unchanged since the 19th century. Also, many of the churches in Coventry date from the 19th century and are still functioning churches.

Health and wellness are paramount in Coventry, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Riverview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Coventry Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Sweatshop Fitness and Planet Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in Coventry, such as the Washington Secondary Bike Path and the Coventry Greenway Trail. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Coventry, RI are Paine House Museum, Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, and Midstate Gun Company.

Population: 36,200 (2023). ZIP code: 02816. Area code: 401. Elevation: 381 ft (116 m). Area: 62.3 sq mi (161.5 km²).

FAQs:

Is Coventry, RI a good place to live?

Living in Coventry offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Coventry and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Coventry are above average.

What is Coventry, RI famous for?

Coventry is Rhode Island's largest town with an area of 65 square miles. Purchased from the Narragansett Indian Tribe the area is steeped in history. Coventry's most well-known citizen, General Nathanael Greene, was the youngest second-in-command to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

Is Coventry, RI rural?

Today, while the western portion of Coventry is still rural in nature, the eastern section is one of the most rapidly growing residential communities in Rhode Island. However, the community still retains some old textile mill villages. The housing pattern consists of multi-family units in the older sections of the town, and owner-occupied single-family units in the newly developed areas. Commercial strips and shopping centers are the main commerce outlets.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Coventry

Riverview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center 

Coventry Parks and Recreation Department

Sweatshop Fitness 

Planet Fitness

Washington Secondary Bike Path 

Coventry Greenway Trail

Paine House Museum

Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge

Midstate Gun Company

Niche

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