Living in Barrington, Rhode Island: A Complete Guide for Families, Relocation Buyers & Coastal Lifestyle Seekers
By Sheena Alescio, Rhode Island Native, Mom of Two Boys & Real Estate Advisor with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty
❤️ Why Families Love Living in Barrington
Barrington isn’t just one of the best towns in Rhode Island- it’s a community that shapes your children’s entire childhood.
It’s the kind of place where:
- kids ride their bikes to the playground,
- neighbors wave while walking their dogs,
- you pass the same friendly faces at the beach,
- and life feels both peaceful and connected.
As someone who lives here, and is now raising my boys here- Barrington is a great place to be to raise a family.
🏫 Top-Rated Schools (One of the Best Districts in RI)
Families move to Barrington specifically for the schools.
Barrington Public Schools consistently rank among the top in the state in:
- academics
- safety
- extracurriculars
- AP and honors offerings
- graduation rates
Schools include:
- Nayatt Elementary (coastal + walkable)
- Sowams Elementary
- Primrose Hill Elementary
- Barrington Middle School (nationally recognized)
- Barrington High School (top-ranked in RI)
For families focused on education, Barrington is a standout choice.
🌊 Coastal Living, Sunsets & Everyday Water Views
Barrington lets you live a true coastal lifestyle without being in a busy tourist area.
You’re surrounded by:
- Narragansett Bay
- the Barrington River
- peaceful coves
- marinas
- sandy stretches like Barrington Beach
Families love the:
- morning walks by the water
- bike rides to the beach
- quiet, scenic streets
- sunset views that never get old
Coastal living here feels calm, safe, and incredibly beautiful.
🌳 Parks, Playgrounds, & Outdoor Life
Barrington has some of the best outdoor spaces in Rhode Island for kids and families:
- Haines Park (fields, playgrounds, picnics)
- Veterans Memorial Park
- The East Bay Bike Path (runs right through town)
- Lighthouse Marina
- Barrington Beach
Nature is part of everyday life here: biking, walking, exploring, playing, and enjoying the water.
🏘 Neighborhoods in Barrington
1. Nayatt Point
Scenic, upscale, coastal, with private-feeling streets and beautiful homes.
2. Rumstick Point
Water views, luxury homes, quiet, and one of the most desirable areas in the East Bay.
3. Hampden Meadows
Family-friendly, more spacious lots, community feel, peaceful and residential.
4. West Side / County Road Area
Walkable to shops, restaurants, playgrounds, and schools.
5. Maple Avenue Area
Great for young families, walkable, charming, and close to the bike path.
Every neighborhood has its own personality, and that’s why families lean on a local expert to understand the nuances.
🚗 Commute Times
One of Barrington’s biggest advantages: you’re close to everything, but life feels relaxed.
- Providence: 15–20 minutes
- East Providence: 10 minutes
- Bristol/Warren: 10 minutes
- Newport: 35–40 minutes
- Airport (PVD): 25 minutes
Relocation buyers often choose Barrington because it offers coastal living without a long daily commute.
💵 Home Prices in Barrington
Barrington is one of the more desirable towns in Rhode Island, so home values reflect demand.
You’ll see:
- coastal properties
- established neighborhoods
- updated colonials
- New England-style homes
- luxury waterfront estates
Home prices vary by neighborhood, lot size, proximity to the water, and school district sections.
Median sale price: $769.000
What Life Feels Like in Barrington
Families describe Barrington as:
- peaceful
- welcoming
- safe
- friendly
- easy
- connected
- coastal
- community-centered
It’s the kind of place where your kids build memories: biking to school, playing by the water, hanging out at Haines Park, and growing up in a town that still feels small and caring.
🧭 Who Barrington Is Perfect For
Choose Barrington if you want:
✔ top schools
✔ coastal New England lifestyle
✔ safety + community
✔ great neighborhoods
✔ proximity to Providence
✔ parks, beaches, and bike paths
✔ a strong family environment
It’s especially ideal for:
- families relocating from Boston/NYC
- those wanting coastal living without chaos
- buyers who value education
- families craving a calmer daily pace
💬 Thinking About Moving to Barrington? I’d Love to Help.
As someone who knows Barrington deeply as a local, a mom, and a real estate advisor — I help families understand the real lifestyle behind the listings.
If you’re considering Barrington, let’s talk about the neighborhoods, schools, commute, and what feels right for your family.
Reach out and lets explore Barrington together.
Sheena Alescio, Rhode Island Realtor/Relocation Specialist
(401) 474-0851 sheena.alescio@mottandchace.com
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