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Barrington, RI

Frequently asked questions

Barrington, RI

Barrington is a suburban, residential town in Bristol County, Rhode Island, United States, approximately 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Providence. It was founded by Congregationalist separatists from Swansea, Massachusetts, and incorporated in 1717.

Barrington was ceded from Massachusetts to Rhode Island and merged into Warren in 1747 and in 1770 made into a separate town by the Rhode Island legislature. It was a sparsely developed, agricultural community until the arrival of brickmaking companies in the 1850s, which employed large numbers of French-Canadians and Italians. The construction of a railroad to Providence in 1855 further contributed to suburban development, attracting residents of neighboring urban areas and contributing to the development of manufacturing industries. The post-World War II baby boom increased suburbanization trends, resulting in a large population increase.

Schools were constructed throughout the 1950s to accommodate this population. Three Barrington schools are National Blue Ribbon Schools and its high school.

Historical sites provide examples of architectural and suburban development during various stages of the town's history, including the Allen-West House, Barrington Civic Center Historic District, and O'Bannon Mill. Nine sites in Barrington are listed under the National Register of Historic Places.

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 17,153.

Barrington was originally occupied by the Wampanoag Indians, whose territory spread from Narragansett Bay to Cape Cod. But epidemics largely eliminated their coastal settlements, and their main settlement was roughly Bristol, Barrington, and Warren, Rhode Island  at the time of the Pilgrims' arrival in 1620. The Narragansetts called the area Sowams.  In 1653, investors from Plymouth Colony bought "Sowams and Parts Adjacent" from the Wampanoags, corresponding to Barrington and parts of Bristol, Warren, and Swansea, Massachusetts.  Some areas in Barrington draw their name from the initial proprietors of this land, such as Prince's Hill, named for Thomas Prince.

Barrington is on the eastern side of Narragansett Bay, in Bristol County, Rhode Island, the third smallest county in the United States. Situated 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Providence, it consists of two peninsulas divided by the Barrington and Warren rivers. The shoreline of the western peninsula, Phebe's Neck or Popanomscut, is marked by many coves and indentations, making a sharp bend at Nayatt Point. Rumstick Neck, around one and a half miles east of Nayatt, forms the southern end of Phebe's Neck. Northeast of Phebe's Neck lies the second peninsula, New Meadow Neck, which is bordered by Hundred Acre Cove and the Palmer River.  According to the United States Census Bureau, Barrington has an area of 15.4 square miles (40 km²), composed of 8.2 square miles (21 km²) of land and 7.2 square miles (19 km²) of water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Barrington, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The East Bay Health Center- Barrington is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Barrington Recreation Department. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Best Self, Body Natural Fitness Center, and H.I.T Health and Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in Barrington, such as the East Bay Bike Path and Brickyard Pond Loop. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Barrington, RI are Haines Memorial State Park, Nayatt Point Lighthouse, and Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary.

Population: 17,001 (2023). ZIP code: 02806. Area code: 401. Elevation: 0 to 50 ft (0 to 15 m). Area: 15.4 sq mi (39.9 km²).

FAQs

Is Barrington, RI a good place to live?

Barrington is in Bristol County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Barrington offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. Residents of Barrington tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Barrington are highly rated.

What is Barrington, RI is known for?

Barrington is a scenic town in Bristol County, Rhode Island with many great waterfront properties and activities. Entering from either side of Barrington, either from Seekonk, MA, or from Warren, RI, you will run across or next to the Barrington River. In the summer, many people enjoy days of waterskiing, fishing, and sailing on the river. Another main attraction during the summer is Barrington Beach.

Is Barrington, RI wealthy?

Barrington's median household income is $130,455, making it the second highest in Rhode Island. Its per capita income also trails East Greenwich slightly, coming in at No. 4, at $69,917. But the town's median house price of $904,950 beats East Greenwich and comes in No. 4 statewide.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Barrington 

East Bay Health Center- Barrington 

Barrington Recreation Department

Best Self

Body Natural Fitness Center 

H.I.T Health and Fitness

East Bay Bike Path 

Brickyard Pond Loop

Haines Memorial State Park

Nayatt Point Lighthouse

Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary

Niche

Wikitravel

Providence Journal

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