Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 04:41 pm
Are you considering moving to West Warwick, RI? This charming town in Kent County sits along the Pawtuxet River and has so much to offer. Nicknamed the Center of Rhode Island, West Warwick is popular with commuters and families thanks to its safety, family-friendly amenities, green space, and proximity to both Warwick and Providence. What is West Warwick known for? Its history as a textile mill town. West Warwick was home to some of America’s earliest textile mills including Lippitt Mill, founded in 1809 and still in operation. It was here that the “Fruit of the Loom” trademark originated with the Royal Mill. These mills brought in immigrants from many countries who founded villages that still exist like Phenix and Arctic.
Here’s what you can look forward to while living in West Warwick, Rhode Island.
West Warwick, RI Population & Demographics
The population of West Warwick, Rhode Island is 29,000. The median age is 39, about the same as Rhode Island but higher than the U.S. average, with a population that’s 51% male and 49% female. The population is fairly homogeneous. The racial and ethnic composition is:
- 94% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 1% Black or African American
- 1.5% Asian
- 0.4% Native American
- 1.5% Other races
The small town gained national attention in 2003 for the Station nightclub fire during a Great White concert. The Great White fire in West Warwick was caused by the band’s pyrotechnics that ignited flammable acoustic foam. The event was attended by 462 (exceeding the club’s licensed capacity) and resulted in 100 deaths and 230 injuries. The site of the tragic Rhode Island nightclub fire was transformed into the Station Fire Memorial Park in 2017.
West Warwick, RI is a safe place to live with very little violent crime. The West Warwick crime rate is just 1,303 crimes per 100,000 people and only 228 violent crimes/100k people. That’s 66% less crime than the national average and 51% less violent crime!
West Warwick is in area code 401 and zip code 02892.
West Warwick Climate – What to Expect with Weather in West Warwick, RI
The West Warwick climate is humid subtropical with cold, wet winters and humid, warm summers. While living in West Warwick, you’ll get about 34” of snow and 50” of rain every year, both above average for the U.S.
Winters are cold with a January low of 20 degrees. There are about 122 days a year with nighttime low temperatures below freezing. There are six months out of the year with significant snowfall. January sees the most snow: 9” in one month on average.
During the summer, the July high temperature is 82 degrees. Summer is the most pleasant month with high temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees. About six days out of the year, the high is over 90 degrees.
Summer is the rainy season: it rains 28% of the time! May is the wettest month with 12 average rainy days. You’ll get about 127 rainy days per year and 12” more rain than the national average after moving to West Warwick so make sure you have a good umbrella and raincoat!
View this post on Instagram
The best time to visit West Warwick, RI is mid-June through early October. You’ll enjoy the most warm weather activities and events while avoiding the cold, snow, and the rainy days of May. The most pleasant months are June, July, and August.
West Warwick Schools & Colleges
Moving to West Warwick, RI with kids? You’ll be served by West Warwick Public Schools which has four schools and one middle school. There are also several private schools in West Warwick, most of them parochial schools. This includes the Islamic School-Rhode Island and the St. Joseph School.
View this post on Instagram
Considering higher education while living in West Warwick? Here are several excellent options nearby:
- Community College of Rhode Island – Knight Campus (Warwick, 4 miles)
- New England Institute of Technology (Warwick, 9 miles)
- University of Rhode Island – Providence Campus (Providence, 14 miles)
- Brown University (Providence, 15 miles)
- Providence College (Providence, 16 miles)
- Rhode Island College (Providence, 16 miles)
- Roger Williams University (Bristol, 30 miles)
- Salve Regina University (Newport, 28 miles)
What Is the Cost of Living in West Warwick, RI?
Is West Warwick, RI expensive? That’s an important question to ask as you consider relocating. The good news is the West Warwick cost of living is only 5% higher than the national average. Housing costs are close to the national average and utilities are about 10% lower than average. Transportation, healthcare, and food are more expensive than the national average by 8 to 12%.
Housing is the biggest cost of living in West Warwick. The homeownership rate in West Warwick is just 54%, lower than the national average and far below average for Kent County. More than half of housing is multi-unit housing.
The median home price in West Warwick is $272,000, up 15% in spring 2021 year-over-year. You can see West Warwick, RI homes for sale here to see how far your budget goes.
Renting after moving to West Warwick? According to RentCafe, the average apartment rent in West Warwick is $1,371 for 957 square feet. That’s a bit lower than Warwick and far lower than Providence where rent is more than $2,000 on average!
West Warwick Jobs & Average Salary
How much do you need to earn to live in West Warwick, RI? The median household income is $55,900. About 44% of households earn under $50,000. According to Payscale, the average salary in West Warwick is $61,000 with an average hourly rate of $18.54.
There are some job opportunities in West Warwick including at the West Warwick Industrial Park, a busy shopping area off Route 2.
Many people living in West Warwick work in Providence just 15 miles away. Here’s what your short commute from West Warwick, RI to Providence, RI looks like. Providence offers many career options in finance, education, and healthcare with major employers like Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, and Fidelity Investments.
Fun Things to Do in West Warwick, RI
Ready to learn about the top West Warwick activities and attractions? After moving to West Warwick, you’ll enjoy a bounty of outdoor recreation including beautiful parks, river walks, golfing, and more. There are also plenty of convenient shopping options in the town including Cowesett Corners Shopping Center, New London Square Plaza, Jerry’s Supermarket, and CVS Pharmacy with many more options and large malls within a few miles in Warwick.
Here are some of the best things to do in West Warwick for families, couples, and singles.
Flat Top Park
One of many parks in West Warwick, Flat Top Park features a playground, recreation area, game fields, a nature walk, and a pond.
Flat Top Park, 1891 New London Turnpike, West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 822-9260
Arctic Playhouse
This nonprofit theater came from Providence’s Daydream Theater Company which relocated to this larger venue in 2014. This 90-seat capacity neighborhood theater offers a venue for local artists and gives residents affordable access to the performing arts.
Arctic Playhouse, 117 Washington St, West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 573-3443
Additional attractions in West Warwick, RI:
- Station Fire Memorial Park
- Phenix Harris Riverwalk
- West Warwick Skatepark at River Point Park which also features sports fields and a riverwalk
- Midville Golf Club
- West Warwick Country Club
Top West Warwick Neighborhoods
Looking for the best place to live in West Warwick, RI? Whether you’re interested in being near the action while living in West Warwick or you want a family-friendly neighborhood, here are some of the top picks.
Hilltop Condominiums – New West Warwick Housing Development Near Golf Courses
Looking for low-maintenance living near amenities? The new Hilltop Condominiums development offers a great quality of life. These duplexes were built in 2019 and offer features like hardwood floors and fireplaces priced in the $300s. You’ll be near public and private golf courses and close to the highways in a quiet, residential area.
Crompton – Top West Warwick Neighborhood for Families
Crompton is located in the southern part of West Warwick. This historic community, named for inventor Samuel Crompton, is one of the best places to live in West Warwick for families as it’s home to the Station Fire Memorial Park, Flat Top Park, and Juniper Pond. One of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area is Greenbush with picturesque Colonial homes mostly built in the 1980s. The average home price in Crompton, West Warwick is $260,000.
Natick – Popular Neighborhood for Millennials in West Warwick
Want to be near all the fun and enjoy a short commute? Natick is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in West Warwick, RI. This community straddles the Pawtuxet River and I-295 at Providence St for easy access to the highway. It’s home to top outdoor attractions including two golf courses, River Point Park, Natick Park, and the Waterfalls. It’s also just a few minutes from the major Midland Commons shopping mall in Warwick, a community college campus, a brewpub, and other activities.
View this post on Instagram
Best Restaurants in West Warwick, RI
From New England favorites to American comfort food and ethnic cuisine, you’ll find plenty of excellent West Warwick restaurants to explore Here are some of the best places to eat in West Warwick, RI.
- House of Wu. When you’re in the mood for American Chinese, House of Wu is the best in town with classic dishes like chow mein and lo mein. House of Wu, 52 Providence St, West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 828-7720
- Boneheads Wing Bar. Boneheads is a favorite among locals! Enjoy wings in a music-themed family-friendly setting with 50 sauces and 25 dry rubs. Boneheads Wing Bar, 131 Washington St, West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 828-9464
- Gel’s Kitchen. Grab the best breakfast in West Warwick at Gel’s Kitchen. It’s always packed at breakfast time with classics like corned beef hash, home fries, and omelets. Gel’s Kitchen, 1745 Main St, West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 821-7285
Living in West Warwick Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affordable cost of living
- Pro: Excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation
- Pro: West Warwick is a safe place to live
- Con: Lots of snow and even more rain
Does living in West Warwick sound right for you? Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood, give the friendly West Warwick movers at Correira Brothers’ Moving & Storage a call at 401-648-6683. We’ll help you with every step of your relocation!
