Best Community #5: Barrington

Best Community #5: Barrington

With some of the best schools in the state, strong volunteerism, and low crime, Barrington certainly stands out from the rest, coming in fifth in our ranking of every community in Rhode Island.

With miles of bike paths, a state park, and a coast that is no farther than two miles from any point in town, there is no shortage of opportunities for recreation and exercise.

Town Manager Peter DeAngelis said the ranking was an honor for a community that is confronting the realities of the economic downturn. “I think that’s excellent - and particularly with the way the economy is and the downward pressure the state of Rhode Island is putting on cities and towns,” DeAngelis said. “It is a struggle, quite frankly, to survive.”

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DeAngelis said the town has worked hard to maintain high standards in its schools and high quality municipal services—without making property taxes too burdensome, even as the state is cutting local aid.

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: 76.95%

ECONOMIC CONDITION

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $74,591.00

EFFECTIVE PROPERTY TAX RATE: $13.91

EDUCATION

NECAP SCORES 4th Grade

Reading: 93%

Math: 88%

NECAP SCORES 8th Grade

Reading: 92%

Math: 89%

NECAP SCORES 11th GRADE

Reading: 95%

Math: 66%

SAFETY

Violent and property crime total over population: 1.36%

ARTS & CULTURE

Total number of theaters, museums/galleries, libraries, golf courses, and restaurants & bars: 18