Glocester is a rural town in northwestern Rhode Island about 20 miles from Providence. It’s one of the largest towns in RI at 56.8 sq. miles and perfect for homeowners who love the open air, ample outdoor recreation spaces, historic villages, and locally-owned businesses. There are many opportunities here for waterfront living along Sayles Reservoir and Ponaganset Reservoir. Glocester’s school district for 6 – 12 grades are regionalized, sharing Ponaganset Middle School and High School with Foster, RI. As with any “rural” town in Rhode Island, you’re never too far from the city, Woonsocket or Providence. Yet it undoubtedly maintains a small town feel and natural escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
According to Realtor.com, in February 2023, the median listing home price in Glocester, RI was $445K, trending up 24.5% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $297. The median home sold price was $401K.
* Tax rate based per thousand - Sources: United States Census Bureau. 2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office. Web. 17 March 2022. & Realtor.com
Due to Glocester being a rural area, you won’t find many big retail stores. However, Glocester does have several locally-owned businesses that cover the bases for its residents. Most of these retail businesses are found in or around Chepachet, or along Route 44. Glocester is well-known for its many antique shops, where you can browse and look for unique pieces of decor to add to your home.
If you’re looking for a place to get all of your shopping done during the weekend, travel east on Route 44 into Greenville or further into North Providence for shopping plazas with big retailers.
Ancients and Horribles Parade: an annual Fourth of July parade since 1926. The parade route goes along Route 44 in Chepachet. This parade also has a twist! As part of the traditions, locals in the parade often dress up and showcase satirical displays of political and cultural issues throughout America’s history.
Most of Glocester’s dining spots are found along Route 44, especially in the villages of Chepachet and Harmony. You have a good range of choices for a small town area, including several pizza shops, taverns, lodge-style dining, and breakfast diners.
If you’re into supporting local food and getting fresh produce throughout the year, Glocester has farms you can visit and explore. Chepachet Farm offers a cute gift and sugar house where you can buy homemade maple syrup and other sugary treats.
Located in Chepachet, Mulberry Vineyard was started by a husband and wife team in 2011. It’s a great place to try wine tastings, attend local events, and learn more about growing different grapes varietals in Rhode Island.
100 acres of day-use public recreation area. There are a number of activities to enjoy at this beautiful spot, including picnic areas, kayaking, fishing, walking trails, hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, and a small seasonal beach with lifeguards.
A small park to bring the kids for an easy 1.75-mile hike. Popular spot for walking trails, cross country skiing, and wildlife spotting.
Roughly 7.3 miles of a looping trail located near Chepachet, RI. Features beautiful views of Bowdish Lake and Wilbur Pond. The trails are easy to hike and well-marked, and you can bring the dogs!
447 acres of open lands with various terrains and wildlife views. Great place to relax and walk along hiking trails.
A protected forest connected to the Durfee Hill Management area with six miles of hiking trails. Each trail is lined with signs describing the history of the farm and you can visit the Sprague family cemetery in the south east area of the forest.
Foster and Glocester have a regionalized school system for students in the 6 – 12 grades. Ponaganset Middle School and Ponaganset high school have an average yearly enrollment rate of 1197 students, with 112 teachers. For students in the K – 5 grades, Glocester has two elementary schools: West Glocester Elementary and Fogarty Memorial School.
For more detailed information on the regionalized school district for 6 – 12 grades, please visit their website
If you’d like more information on West Glocester Elementary or Fogarty Memorial School, please visit wges.glocschools.org or fms.glocschools.org
Route 102: the middle highway running north to south through town, starting in Chepachet and crosses Route 6 in Foster, RI.
Route 94: runs north to south on the western part of Glocester. Very scenic route as it leads past some of the main conservation areas in town. It connects Route 44 and Route 101 in Foster, RI.
Route 44 (Putnam Pike): the main throughway that runs from east to west, connecting Glocester to Putnam, CT and Providence. You’ll find most of your retail shopping along route 44 and easy travel to villages like Chepachet and Harmony.
Distance to T.F. Green Airport: 24 miles
Distance to Providence Train Station: 20 miles
Distance to Smithfield and Scituate: 10 minutes.
For more information on Glocester community events and government departments, please visit the official website