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Middletown, RI

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Middletown, RI

Middletown is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,075 at the 2020 census. It lies to the south of Portsmouth and the north of Newport on Aquidneck Island, hence the name "Middletown."

Issues including unjust taxation and a growing population caused the freeholders living in the northern section of Newport to petition the General Assembly for independence. As a result of the petition, the land that Middletown occupies was set apart in 1731. The town was incorporated in 1743.

During the 1980s, large sections of East Main Road and West Main Road running through Middletown began to be commercialized, and by the late 1990s, the area had become Aquidneck Island's central business district.

Today, the community boasts a strong business district that relies heavily on Naval Station Newport and defense industries.

Middletown also maintains its "small-town charm" with scenic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class beaches, hiking trails, and open spaces.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.9 square miles (38.7 km²), of which 13.0 square miles (33.6 km²) is land and 2.0 square miles (5.1 km²; 13.18%) is water. Middletown was known as the "farming community" of Aquidneck Island. Today most of the developed land is located towards the western part of the town, while what is left of its rural heritage is primarily towards the east. Middletown also has several beaches. The census-designated place of Newport East and part of the Melville CDP lie within the town boundaries.

At the 2000 census, there were 17,334 people, 6,993 households, and 4,643 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,335.4 inhabitants per square mile (515.6/km²). There were 7,603 housing units at an average density of 585.7 per square mile (226.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 89.12% White, 2.72% African American, 2.36% Native American, 1.18% Asian, 1.11% Pacific Islander, 1.07% from other races, and 2.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.93% of the population.

Health and wellness are paramount in Middletown, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. Trinity Healthy Living is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Middletown 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 MIST Fitness and Anytime Fitness Middletown. Discover the walking and biking trails in Middletown, such as the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge trails and Newport Cliff Walk. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Middletown, RI are Norman Bird Sanctuary, Sweet Berry Farm, and Third Beach.

Population (2020): 17,075. ZIP Code: 02842. Area code: 401. Elevation: 148 ft (45 m). Area: 14.9 sq mi (38.7 km²).

FAQs

Is Middletown, RI a good place to live?

Middletown is a suburb of Providence with a population of 17,009. Middletown is in Newport County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Middletown offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes.

When was Middletown, RI founded?

Middletown, town (township), Newport County, southeastern Rhode Island, U.S., on Rhode (Aquidneck) Island, in Narragansett Bay. It was named for its location between the other two towns on the island, Newport and Portsmouth. Closely related to Newport, from which it was set off and incorporated in 1743, Middletown has developed as a residential suburb of that city. 

What is Middletown, RI known for?

Middletown is an attractive location for both industry and residence. Middletown is semi-agricultural with a diverse landscape, delicate dunes broken up by a partially rocky coastline, and snow-white beaches giving this community a seaside flair. Endless stone walls line the landscape contributing to the atmosphere of the town which is typically New England. Being practically surrounded by water, the influence of the sea on the town is inescapable.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Middletown

Trinity Healthy Living

Middletown Parks and Recreation Department

MIST Fitness 

Anytime Fitness Middletown

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge trails 

Newport Cliff Walk

Norman Bird Sanctuary

Sweet Berry Farm

Third Beach

Niche

Britannica

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