According to foodezine, Ashaway, Rhode Island is a small village located in the southwestern corner of the state. With a population of just under 1,000 people, this small community has a rich history and unique charm that make it an ideal place to live and visit.
The area was originally inhabited by the Narragansett people and was part of the original King’s Grant given to William Coddington in 1638. The village was officially incorporated in 1703 and named after a local river called Ashawaug or Ashaway River. The name Ashaway is derived from the Native American word for “place of fish” or “place of water” which is fitting since fishing has been an integral part of Ashaway’s history for centuries.
Today Ashaway is home to several businesses including a general store, auto repair shop, antique shop, and several restaurants. It also boasts several attractions such as the scenic Ashaway Riverwalk Trail that follows along the river for over three miles with stunning views of nature and wildlife. Additionally, visitors can explore historical sites like the John Babcock House which dates back to 1780 as well as many other examples of colonial architecture throughout town.
According to fun-wiki, residents enjoy diverse recreational activities such as swimming at local beaches or boating on one of two nearby lakes – Worden Pond or Quonochontaug Pond. There are also numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking trails through nearby woodlands or biking trails around town.
Ashaway is also known for its vibrant culture and events throughout the year including an annual Octoberfest celebration with live music, food vendors, games and more; an annual July 4th parade; a Christmas tree lighting ceremony; summer concerts in the park; a Halloween parade; and more!
Overall Ashaway is a wonderful place to live or visit with its charming atmosphere and friendly residents who are always willing to welcome newcomers into their tight-knit community. From its rich history to its stunning scenery there are endless possibilities that await those who choose to experience all that this quaint village has to offer.
Population: 1,537
Males: 764 (49.7%), Females: 773 (50.3%)
Washington County
Median resident age: 37.5 years
Median household income: $47,271
Median house value: $126,500
Races in Ashaway:
- White Non-Hispanic (95.3%)
- American Indian (2.0%)
- Hispanic (1.4%)
- Vietnamese (0.7%)
- Two or more races (0.7%)
- Black (0.6%)
Ancestries: Irish (22.1%), English (18.9%), Italian (18.9%), French (13.7%), German (11.3%), United States (9.1%).
Elevation: 70 feet
Land area: 2.4 square miles
Population
For population 25 years and over in Ashaway
- High school or higher: 91.5%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 7.9%
- Unemployed: 2.2%
- Mean travel time to work: 21.4 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Ashaway CDP
- Never married: 20.1%
- Now married: 60.8%
- Separated: 1.9%
- Widowed: 3.5%
- Divorced: 13.7%
1.4% Foreign born
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Ashaway:
- WESTERLY HOSPITAL (about 5 miles; WESTERLY, RI)
- SOUTH COUNTY HOSPITAL INC (about 19 miles; WAKEFIELD, RI)
- WILLIAM W BACKUS HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; NORWICH, CT)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Ashaway:
- GROTON-NEW LONDON (about 19 miles; GROTON NEW LONDON, CT; Abbreviation: GON)
- THEODORE FRANCIS GREEN STATE (about 33 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Abbreviation: PVD)
- WORCESTER REGIONAL (about 59 miles; WORCESTER, MA; Abbreviation: ORH)
Other public-use airports nearest to Ashaway:
- WESTERLY STATE (about 7 miles; WESTERLY, RI; Abbreviation: WST)
- RICHMOND (about 13 miles; WEST KINGSTON, RI; Abbreviation: 08R)
- ELIZABETH FIELD (about 20 miles; FISHERS ISLAND, NY; Abbreviation: 0B8)
Amtrak stations near Ashaway:
- 5 miles: WESTERLY (14 RAILROAD AVE.). Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, paid short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.
- 13 miles: MYSTIC (RTE. 1). Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.
- 13 miles: FOXWOOD CASINO (LEDYARD, ROUTE 2) – Bus Station
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Ashaway:
- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (about 19 miles; KINGSTON, RI; Full-time enrollment: 11,759)
- COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND (about 31 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,650)
- NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 31 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,419)
- EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY (about 36 miles; WILLIMANTIC, CT; Full-time enrollment: 4,165)
- BRYANT COLLEGE (about 38 miles; SMITHFIELD, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,926)
- RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE (about 38 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 6,208)
- PROVIDENCE COLLEGE (about 38 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 4,456)
Public primary/middle school in Ashaway:
- ASHAWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 347; Location: 12A HILLSIDE AVENUE; Grades: PK – 05)
Libraries
Library in Ashaway:
- ASHAWAY FREE LIBRARY (Operating income: $74,083; Location: 15 KNIGHT STREET; 20,243 books; 284 audio materials; 548 video materials; 46 serial subscriptions)