Newport Tops GoLocal 'Best Communities' List

Making a huge jump from the 2012 list of "Best Communities" by GoLocalProv.com, Newport has been given the number-1 spot in the website's annual review of Rhode Island cities and towns.

Last year, Newport ranked 21st, between North Smithfield and Narragansett — but this year, the City by the Sea knocked South Kingstown from its perch at the top of the list.

A description posted on this year's results notes that "Newport has more standing buildings built before 1830 than any other American community."

In ranking other local towns, GoLocalProv listed Portsmouth number 10, Middletown 20th, Little Compton 21st, and Tiverton 27th.

[Read more about how GoLocalProv determined its rankings.]

Tell us:

What do you think of Newport's ranking as number-1 community in Rhode Island? How do you explain the 20-place improvement from last year?

What are your favorite things about Newport?

Have your say in the comments section below.