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Westerly, RI

Frequently asked questions

Westerly, RI

Westerly is a town on the southwestern coastline of Washington County, Rhode Island, United States, first settled by English colonists in 1661 and incorporated as a municipality in 1669. It is a beachfront community on the south shore of the state with a population of 23,359 as of the 2020 census.

The Pawcatuck River flows on the western border of Westerly and was once renowned for its own species of Westerly salmon, three of which are on the town's official seal. The river flows from 15 mi (24 km) inland, emptying into Little Narragansett Bay. It also serves as the boundary between Westerly and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Three large salt ponds lie along the coast of Westerly which serve as shallow, reef-like pools whose outer walls form the long, white beaches for which the town is renowned. From west to east, these ponds are Maschaug Pond, Winnapaug Pond, and Quonochontaug Pond.

The Westerly area was known for its granite and stone-cutting industry, which quarried a unique stone known as Westerly granite. This pinkish granite is ideal for statuary and has been used in numerous government buildings of several states on the eastern seaboard.

Westerly becomes a popular tourist destination during the summer months when the population nearly doubles. Its well-known beaches include Weekapaug Beach, Westerly Town Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, East Beach, and Watch Hill Beach.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 74.8 square miles (193.8 km²), of which, 30.1 square miles (77.9 km²) of it is land and 44.7 square miles (115.8 km²) of it (59.78%) is water. The Bureau includes Westerly in the RI-MA Providence metropolitan area (defined at the county level) but in the CT-RI Norwich-New London NECTA (defined at the municipal level).

As of the census of 2000, there were 22,966 people, 9,402 households, and 6,130 families residing in the town. The population density was 763.3 inhabitants per square mile (294.7/km²). There were 11,292 housing units at an average density of 375.3 per square mile (144.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.17% White, 0.71% Black or African American, 0.57% Native American, 1.99% Asian, 0.34% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.18% of the population.

Health and wellness are paramount in Westerly, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Westerly Hospital Yale New Haven Health is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Westerly 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 Westerly Fitness, 401fitness Studio, and Westerly Barbell. Discover the walking and biking trails in Westerly, such as the Westerly Land Trust trails and the Shoreline Loop Trail. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Westerly, RI are Misquamicut State Beach, Napatree Point Conservation Area, and Watch Hill Lighthouse.

Population: 17,842 (2020). ZIP Code: 02891. Area code: 401. Elevation: 36 ft (11 m). Area; 74.8 sq mi (193.8 km²).

FAQs

Is Westerly, RI a city or town?

Westerly is a town on the southwestern coastline of Washington County, Rhode Island, United States, first settled by English colonists in 1661 and incorporated as a municipality in 1669. It is a beachfront community on the south shore of the state with a population of 23,359 as of the 2020 census. The Pawcatuck River flows on the western border of Westerly and was once renowned for its species of Westerly salmon, three of which are on the town's official seal.

Is Westerly, RI a nice town?

Westerly is in Washington County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Westerly offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Westerly there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

What is the history of Westerly, RI?

Westerly grew as a shipbuilding center, and U.S. naval officer Oliver Perry built gunboats here before the War of 1812. Westerly has had textile and other light manufacturing industries and much of the granite used for Civil War monuments across the county was mined here. Westerly has several significant historic areas and was recognized in 2002 as one of America's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Westerly

Westerly Hospital Yale New Haven Health 

Westerly Recreation Department

Westerly Fitness

401fitness Studio 

Westerly Barbell

Westerly Land Trust trails 

Shoreline Loop Trail

Misquamicut State Beach

Napatree Point Conservation Area

Watch Hill Lighthouse

Niche

ACHP

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