For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Great Barrington Named One of Five Best Villages Globally by Monocle Magazine

GREAT BARRINGTON — In its May publication, Monocle Magazine selected Great Barrington as one of the five best villages to live, work and visit throughout the world.

Joined by Lunenberg in Canada, Shek O in Hong Kong, Torrelodones in Spain and Nishi Awakura in Japan, Great Barrington is a place that is well connected geographically and maintains a great sense of community that flourishes year round.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized by Monocole Magazine as one of the top villages across the globe to reside and work,” Town Manager Tabakin said. “We are a small town, surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers and have so much to offer our residents through our bustling businesses, cultural opportunities, strong community, participatory democracy, historic character and commitment to sustainability.”

Monocle is a publication dedicated to global affairs, business, culture and design. Villages chosen for the “Small Packages” article represent areas that are well connected, have good jobs to attract a new generation of villagers, are well run by a team of democratically elected officials, gives residents a say in town services, maintain a sense of community and have independent business and community groups that create a feeling of togetherness.

“This designation from Monocle Magazine is something that residents of Great Barrington can be proud of and rally around,” said Sean Stanton, Chair of the Great Barrington Select Board. “We have worked hard to define and maintain our character, which has made this town the ideal place to live, work and visit.”

The magazine recognized that Great Barrington is a thriving community that is getting it right. It is a place that has a vision to build a sustainable economy by connecting residents with local supported agriculture and products and has made a name for itself as a cultural destination. Great Barrington is a tight-knit community built on a local, open, direct democracy.

“Village life doesn’t have to be slow. Nor does it have to be old, tired, quaint, dull or any of the other negative stereotypes that are often attached to living in the countryside or just beyond the outer suburbs,” wrote Monocle editor Steve Bloomfield. “Above all, we’d like to think that these are villages that you…would be happy to move to.”

Founded in 1761, Great Barrington is a successful and vibrant community. Its fundamental asset is natural beauty, its open space and wonderful scenery. The town’s historic character, arts and cultural amenities, and close-knit community feeling make Great Barrington a wonderful place to live, work, visit and raise a family.

Residents and visitors enjoy the lively downtown, with its mix of locally owned restaurants, retailers, theaters and yoga studios. Maintaining the unique rural-urban configuration and traditional-modern eclectic preserves the small town’s appeal.

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