North Kingstown | USA Rhode Island

North Kingstown serves as a major commercial and maritime logistics hub for the state, housing the Quonset Business Park and the Port of Davisville. It is located in Washington County on the western shore of Narragansett Bay, approximately 32 kilometers south of Providence.

Historical Timeline

The area was settled in 1637 and incorporated as Kings Towne in 1674, eventually becoming North Kingstown in 1722. Primary governance eras include the colonial agricultural period, the 19th-century textile boom, and the massive federal expansion during World War II with the establishment of Naval Air Station Quonset Point. The most significant architectural reconstruction occurred in the 1940s to accommodate military infrastructure. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the decommission of the naval base in 1974 and its subsequent conversion into a massive industrial and business park.

Demographics & Population

The population within town limits is approximately 27,700. The top three ethnic demographics are White (91%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), and Asian (2%). The median age of the population is 45 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The town is organized around a mix of historic coastal villages and sprawling industrial zones. Key districts include Wickford Village (the historic maritime center) to the east, Quonset Point (the industrial/business district) to the northeast, and Slocum (the agricultural rural area) to the west.

Top City Landmarks

Wickford Village (Historic District)

Smith’s Castle (1678)

Seabee Museum and Memorial Park

Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum

Casey Farm

Transportation Network

Movement within the town is primarily via personal vehicle or the RIPTA bus system. The Wickford Junction station provides MBTA commuter rail service to Providence and Boston. Uber and Lyft have moderate availability. Taxis operate via local dispatch only. Traffic density is high during weekday commuting hours at the intersection of Route 4 and Route 1.

Safety & "Red Zones"

North Kingstown is consistently ranked as one of the safest municipalities in Rhode Island. There are no designated "red zones" or neighborhoods to avoid. Safety concerns are limited to seasonal traffic congestion and typical suburban petty theft in retail parking lots.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 300–800 Mbps via Cox or Verizon. Main mobile carriers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Card acceptance is high in all commercial areas. ATMs are concentrated in the Wickford and Davisville districts.

Climate & Air Quality

Winter temperatures range from -4°C to 4°C; summer ranges from 17°C to 27°C. Air quality is high due to coastal location and significant preserved open space. Weather risks include nor’easters and potential storm surges in the low-lying Wickford harbor area.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping of 18–20% is standard. Greetings are polite and direct. Dress code is "New England casual." Public alcohol consumption is prohibited. The town maintains a strong nautical culture centered on sailing and recreational fishing.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in Wickford for walking access to historic sites, boutiques, and waterfront dining.

Stay near Post Road (Route 1) for proximity to Quonset Business Park and easy highway access to southern beaches.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.00 (3.68€)

1 Standard Lunch: $17.50 (16.10€)

1 Bus Ticket: $2.00 (1.84€)

Nearby Day Trips

Newport, RI: 18 km (20 minutes via Jamestown Bridge)

Providence, RI: 32 km (30 minutes)

Narragansett, RI: 15 km (15 minutes)

Foxwoods Resort Casino, CT: 45 km (45 minutes)

Facts & Legends

North Kingstown is the birthplace of the Quonset Hut, a lightweight prefabricated structure developed at Quonset Point during World War II for military use worldwide. A local historical oddity is the "Devil’s Foot Rock," a natural rock formation featuring a large depression that local legend claims is the footprint of the Devil, left behind during a chase across the Narragansett wilderness.