Barre, Vermont, is famous for its granite industry and historical significance. With around 8,500 residents, it’s situated near Barre Town, a distinct municipality.
Barre features various neighborhoods, each offering unique amenities, lifestyles, and attractions. While some neighborhoods are well-known, there are also hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are five less-recognized neighborhoods in Barre, Vermont:
City Center
This is the heart of Barre, home to historic City Hall, the Opera House, the Barre Heritage Museum, shops, and restaurants. The City Center blends old and new buildings, some crafted from local granite. It’s a walkable, diverse, and budget-friendly neighborhood.
In the City Center, you’ll discover landmarks and monuments celebrating Barre’s history and culture. These include Hope Cemetery, known for its intricate granite sculptures, the Vermont History Center housing the Vermont Historical Society and Leahy Library, and Studio Place Arts, a three-story community arts center offering classes, exhibits, and events.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Coventry, Rhode Island
Websterville
Websterville is a peaceful suburban neighborhood in the northeastern part of the city. It’s conveniently close to the Millstone Hill Trail Network, offering various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing. In addition to these amenities, Websterville boasts a community center, a library, and a school. It’s a safe and family-friendly area with low crime rates.
Named after John Webber, a granite manufacturer who settled here in 1875, Websterville is renowned for its extensive Millstone Hill Trail Network, providing 70 miles of trails for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Safest Neighborhoods in Cumberland County, Maine
Graniteville
Graniteville, a historic neighborhood, was once the heart of Barre’s granite industry. It boasts the world’s largest deep-hole granite quarry, the Rock of Ages Quarry. In addition to the quarry, Graniteville features a park, a church, and a museum. The neighborhood takes great pride in its rich heritage, culture, and skilled craftsmanship.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Worst Neighborhoods in Pike Creek Valley, Delaware
East Barre
This is a quiet neighborhood in the southeast part of the city, near the East Barre Dam, where you can enjoy water activities and fishing. East Barre has a fire station, a post office, and a convenience store, making it convenient for residents. The area is known for its peaceful and beautiful surroundings, and the residents here have a strong sense of community.
Additionally, East Barre features an East Barre Antique Mall, a large store with a wide selection of items like furniture, jewelry, books, toys, and collectibles. There’s also the East Barre Fish & Game Club, a private club offering hunting, fishing, shooting, archery, and camping facilities to its members.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Underrated Neighborhoods in Springfield, Vermont
East Montpelier
While not officially part of Barre city, East Montpelier sits right next to it and collaborates on certain services. This small town boasts a population of approximately 2,600 residents and features essential facilities like a town hall, school, library, and a farmers market. Surrounded by lush nature, farms, and forests, East Montpelier offers a delightful taste of rural Vermont life. Established in 1849, it was formed by combining sections of Montpelier and Worcester.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Conclusion
Here are some underrated neighborhoods in Barre city, Vermont. Each one has its own unique qualities and reasons to visit or live in.
Barre, Vermont, is a city with a lot to offer its residents and tourists. It boasts a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a thriving granite industry. Additionally, it features numerous neighborhoods, each with its distinct character and attractions. While some of these neighborhoods are more famous, they all have something special to offer.
Whether you’re in search of an energetic urban environment, a peaceful suburban area, a historic district, a rural escape, or a neighboring town, Barre city, Vermont, has it all. Barre is a city that should be recognized and celebrated more for its diversity, beauty, and charm.
