New Shoreham (Block Island)
Block Island is an island off southern Rhode Island at the eastern entrance to Long Island Sound. It was named for Dutch explorer Adriaen Block who visited the island in 1614. The island is about seven miles long and three miles across at its widest point, located 12 miles from Long Island. It is surrounded by dangerous shoals and ledges, and was sometimes called the "stumbling block" of the New England coast. Dozens of vessels went down near here in the years before the lighthouse authorities decided to build two lighthouses on the island. Block Island North Light is on the northern tip of the island (established in 1829, current lighthouse was built in 1868), and Block Island Southeast Light is on the southeast side of the island (built in 1875).
Every other summer the island hosts Block Island Race Week, a highly competitive, week-long sailboat racing event. Captains and crew compete in various classes, racing to and from the island, as well as around its perimeter. Other popular events include the annual Fourth of July Parade and celebration. During these times the island's population can triple over the normal summer vacation crowd.
Beaches are a popular draw for the tourist however many of them are dangerous for swimming and have very strong undertows. Crescent beach is the only beach on the island with on duty life guards, as well as a beach pavilion with food and boogie board/chair rentals. This beach is semi-safe for swimming. Ballard's Beach is the premiere location for adults to go and be able to consume Alcohol. The Beach is owned and operated by Ballard's; a bar and restaurant which has entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere. This beach is right on the left of the Ferry Docks and is usually crowded.
Block Island provides nature, history, romance, and adventure. There is a small airport but the most common way of getting there is the Block Island Ferry. Block Island does an admirable job of not getting as commercial or touristy as Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The year round population on Block Island is very small but the locals love the small town feel in the winter months and the bustling tourists in the summer.
Total Population: 1,010
Square Miles (land): 9.7
Age Distribution
<15 years: 16% 16-24 years: 7% 25-44 years: 31% 45-64 years: 29% >65: 17%
Education
Some college/ Associate’s Degree: 27%
Bachelor’s Degree: 33%
Master’s, Professional or Doctorate Degrees: 16%
Housing
Percent of owner-occupied units: 20%
Average Number of household members: 2.3
Average number of rooms: 6.1
Median year homes were built: 1973
Median home value: $488,000
Income
Median household income: $44,779
All census data as of 2000.