Barre #23: Central MA’s Best Communities

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Barre ranks 23rd overall on the Central MA's Best Communities list.  

This farming community is rich in culture, with the Barre Players Theatre, which performs four shows annually, and Russell's Fossil Museum.  The town sits on the edge of the Quabbin Reservoir, and the Quabbin Regional High School is located in town.  Students from Barre, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree and Oakham attend the regional high school.

Barre brings up its overall ranking with a 6th place rank in affordability.  The town ranks lowest in restaurants (#39) and safety (#37).

Established: 1774
Population: 5396
Median household income: $73,423
Median housing price: $153,000

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 23
Affordability ranking: 6
Education ranking: 25
Economic condition ranking: 29
Safety ranking: 37
Arts & Culture ranking: 24
Restaurant ranking: 39

History in a nutshell:

The town of Barre had always been involved in American democratic values; in 1776 it petitioned for its name of Rutland to be changed in honor of Isaac Barre, a member of British Parliament who opposed the taxes on America. Also, throughout the Civil War it supplied a large percentage of the Union Army's gunpowder.
 

Famous residents:  

David Oliver Allen, Missionary and author
Walker Lewis, Abolitionist
Timothy Jenkins, Congressman

Famous residents source: Wikipedia
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton

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