The "barrens" are the areas of a city (or metroplex) that have become crime-ridden, wastelands, or simply abandoned by law-conscious citizens. They are typically occupied by squatters, ghouls, shadowrunners, and other SINless populations. In Seattle, the Puyallup Barrens and Redmond Barrens are well-known places for crime, gangs, and lawlessness.
--Arkangel 10:57, 11 November 2006 (EST)