Bruno Painting City/Service - Westerly, RI

Charlestown is a town located in Washington County, Rhode Island, with a population of 7,997 as of the 2020 census. Charlestown was incorporated in 1738 and named after King Charles II. Originally part of Westerly, the town was divided, and the area north of the Pawcatuck River became the town of Richmond in 1747.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Charlestown covers a total area of 59.3 square miles, with 36.8 square miles of land and 22.5 square miles, or 37.86%, consisting of water. Charlestown is bordered by Westerly to the west, Richmond to the north, Hopkinton to the northwest, and South Kingstown to the east. The village of Charlestown lies in the town's southeast, Quonochontaug is located in the southwest, and Carolina is on the northern border.

Westerly is a town located on the southwestern coast of Washington County, Rhode Island, in the United States. It was first settled by English colonists in 1661 and officially became a municipality in 1669. As of the 2020 census, Westerly has a population of 23,359 and is known for its scenic beachfront on the state's southern shore.

The Pawcatuck River, which forms Westerly's western boundary with Pawcatuck, Connecticut, flows 15 miles (24 km) inland before emptying into Little Narragansett Bay. Historically, the river was home to a unique species of Westerly salmon, which are symbolized on the town's official seal. Along the coast, three large salt ponds—Maschaug Pond, Winnapaug Pond, and Quonochontaug Pond—create shallow, reef-like pools that form the town's famous long, white sandy beaches, including Misquamicut State Beach.

Westerly has a history of granite quarrying, with its distinctive pinkish granite, known as Westerly granite, used in statuary and prominent government buildings along the eastern seaboard. The town sees a surge in tourism during the summer months, when the population nearly doubles, thanks to its popular beaches such as Weekapaug Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, and Watch Hill Beach.

Economically, Westerly is home to Washington Trust Bancorp Inc., a regional bank with operations in Rhode Island and Connecticut, as well as the Westerly Community Credit Union. Education in the town is provided by Westerly Public Schools, which includes Westerly High School, Westerly Middle School, WHS Career and Tech (WHS-CTE), and several elementary schools.

Westerly operates under a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor referred to as the council president. The current mayor, William J. Aiello, has served since 2022. The town is also managed by a town manager, Shawn Lacey. Elected officials serve two-year terms, while school committee members serve four-year terms.

Public safety is a priority in Westerly, with a set budget of $102 million for the 2024–2025 fiscal year dedicated to the police department. The town is considered one of the safest in the United States, with a crime rate 59% lower than the national average.

Transportation options in Westerly include the Westerly State Airport, serviced by New England Airlines, and the Westerly Amtrak Station, which connects to major cities like Washington, D.C., and Boston. The town is also accessible via U.S. Route 1, state routes 1A, 3, and 91, and is close to Interstate 95, which is about five miles away.