#9 Barrington: RI's Best Communities 2013

#9 Barrington: RI's Best Communities 2013

If ever a suburb were a town, a town a suburb, a place where everyone moves so children can ride bicycles in cul-de-sacs, and play on soccer teams, and attend top-notch public schools, it's this town. In its earliest days, Barrington was an agricultural society but slowly began to develop a manufacturing industry. In the 19th century, it became popular as a summer resort area and is still today known for its beautiful homes and large country estates.

Barrington by the numbers

Established: 1653
Population:16,310
Median household income: $98,612
Median housing price: $369,250

2013 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 9
Affordability ranking: 26
Education ranking: 1
Economic Condition ranking: 5
Safety ranking: 14
Arts & Culture ranking: 29

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Famous residents

David Angell, American television sitcom producer
Nicholas Bianco, former member of the Colombo Crime Family before moving to Barrington. Underboss then Boss of the Patriarca Crime Family. Died in prison in 1994.
Thomas W. Bicknell, educator and historian
Christopher Denise, illustrator of children's books, including many in the Redwall series
Brad Faxon, professional golfer
Steven Frazier, CNN anchor
Henry Giroux, world-renowned academic and cultural critic
Spalding Gray, actor, screenwriter and playwright
Scott Haltzman, physician and author (wrote Secrets of Happily Married Men)
Michael S. Harper, poet
Phil Madeira, Nashville songwriter, musician, and recording artist, raised there
Shanna Moakler, model, Miss USA 1995, actress, and reality television star
Jon Land, author and screenwriter of Dirty Deeds.
Dan & Jordan Pious, winners of the Amazing Race 16