Residential Growth

Some of the fastest growth in South Kingstown is residential. Since South Kingstown has a high quality of life, lots of people want to raise their children in this beautiful town. Residential growth is faster than commercial growth, and it causes problems such as: traffic, reduction of openspace, and a need for more schools and public facilities. New influxes of family and changing demographics accounts for the many new subdivisions and housing developments along the shore and in the suburban areas that are developing.

Housing Units: The total number of housing units in the Town of South Kingstown as of April 1, 1990, was 9,806. This represented a 20.5% change (1,668) from the 8,138 housing units in 1980 (Rhode Island Census).

South Kingstown uses "cluster develospments" in some of the residentially zoned areas. 40% of the total area of these developments has to be protected as openspace. The planning board has the ability to require these when seen fit (Patricia Hickey).