* Tax rate based per thousand
Barrington is a suburban community within the East Bay area of Rhode Island. It’s well-known for its wealthy and affluent neighborhoods, top-ranked public school department, and accessible location southeast (about seven miles) from Providence. The town government puts a noticeable focus on community planning and youth sports and supports local businesses who want to open stores along the shopping plazas on County Road and Maple Avenue. Crime rates here are very low and the housing market is competitive every year.
Barrington strikes a rare balance for shoppers — you can get big retail stores and small businesses in the same spot. For example, the Barrington Shopping Center houses Shaw’s, CVS, Ace Hardware, and Starbucks. But you’ll also find several locally-owned businesses in the same plaza, such as Barrington Books, LOFT, and Encore. All up and down Route 114 you’ll find smaller shopping plazas with local craft stores, gift shops, and restaurants.
Barrington has a beautiful hilltop location for their Town Hall and public library, where both overlook Town Center and Route 114. The Town Hall building was built in 1888 and features a “medieval” architecture look, with several gables and intricate stonework throughout. The public library was originally built in 1807 and used as a school until it was repurposed in the 1970s.
Barrington is not exactly a nightlife “destination” among the East Bay. In fact, up until 2011, Barrington was the only “dry town” in Rhode Island (alcohol sales were prohibited outside of restaurants). That said, Barrington does have great places to eat. And there are plenty of bars in surrounding towns, including Warren, Bristol, Seekonk, and East Providence.
Located on Narragansett Avenue, this park offers 75 acres of athletic fields and picnic areas, a boat launch, baseball field, dog park, and seasonal farmers market.
A 245-acre town park bordering the historic Brickyard Pond. A popular spot for freshwater fishing, but swimming is strictly prohibited. There is a short walking trail about one mile in length with a few bridges and views of freshwater streams.
Four acres of beachfront overlooking the Narragansett Bay with open access from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Parking is available to Barrington residents only.
A 26-mile public bike path that starts in Independence Park in Bristol and continues all the way to India Point Park in Providence. The Barrington portion of the bike path passes over the Palmer River and Brickyard Pond
Route 114 (Wampanoag Trail) This main road passes through Town Center and Barrington High School. It connects Barrington to Warren, East Providence, and Seekonk, MA
Sowams Road & New Meadow Road Barrington is separated by the Palmer River with a series of bridges that connect to East Barrington. On this side of town, the two main roads are Sowams and New Meadow, both connecting to Route 114.
Middle Highway runs through the center of Barrington’s residential west side, connecting Nyatt Road in Rumstick Point to Willet Ave on northern side of town.
RIPTA Bus number 60 passes through the East Bay townships from Providence to Newport with several stops along Route 114 in Barrington. Great way to save on travel costs and spend a day in Newport or travel into the city.
Distance to T.F. Green Airport: 17.2 Miles
Distance to Providence Train Station: 9.3 miles
For more information on Barrington community events and government departments, please visit the official website at