Can somebody "describe" both Tiverton and Barrington ? (Providence: house, good schools)

[zombiemommie]

I'd like to know what the towns are really like (as far as possible relocation with small kids ages 8 and 5 - commuting from Fall River area). Thanks.

[Hollytree]

Both towns are beautiful. The Stone Bridge area of Tiverton has a great small town feel, South T is more rural. It would be a very short drive to Fall River. Barrington is a larger town, more suburban, good schools- to FR about 25 mins.

What's your budget for a house?? A nice place in either town will not be inexpensive.

[zombiemommie]

up to 750k

[ProvGuy]

Both are your typical suburban towns with good schools. Tiverton is on the border of Fall River so it would be less of a commute, not that Barrington is too far.

[Hollytree]

Up to 750k, you'll do fine in either. Barrington school system may be better though- check the school stats- they're all online.

[sevenofsix]

I believe my brother was asking for 450k for his house in tiverton

[zombiemommie]

But can anyone DESCRIBE what it is like - blue collar, white collar, preppy, snobby, quaint, one nicer than the other, lots of parks, whatever comes to mind.

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by zombiemommie

But can anyone DESCRIBE what it is like - blue collar, white collar, preppy, snobby, quaint, one nicer than the other, lots of parks, whatever comes to mind.

Barrington is preppy, white collar with many transients. Bankers on the move tend to live there. They have activities for kids of all ages. Open space, parks, playgrounds are abundant. Except for the area bordering East Providence in West Barrington the area is high end. All in all a nice place to live.

Tiverton is a tale of two towns. North Tiverton is a continuation of Fall River with a city feel. But as you go further south in this blue collar community it becomes more identified with the water it borders. More suburban to country as you go south towards Little Compton(which has the lowest property taxes in the state). $750000 buys more here than in Barrington. You can get a nice home overlooking the water for that price. There is no pretense in Tiverton. The schools might be a little challenged as compared to Barrington.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by zombiemommie

But can anyone DESCRIBE what it is like - blue collar, white collar, preppy, snobby, quaint, one nicer than the other, lots of parks, whatever comes to mind.

Barrington is known as an upscale community--lots of high education/income professionals. Tiverton is not as upscale, more middle class but certainly a nice community. Tiverton is more "real" and "quaint" while Barrington is more fancy and polished. Most would likely consider Barrington to be the nicer community (FWIW, Barrington has the highest household income in RI)

[ljd1010]

Another aspect to consider is ease of access to shopping, activities etc. From Barrington, one has easy access into Providence for shopping, dining etc. Tiverton, while a lovely community is more off the beaten path and closer to Fall River (not the most desirable place IMHO). I always found it interesting that you had drive into MA to get onto Rt 24 to get to Tiverton. The other posters' descriptions of both towns is very accurate.