Life in Providence
Jul 14th, 1999, 09:54 AM
#2
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Emily,
I really don't know too much about Providence in depth, though the last two times I was there I wanted to spend much more time and explore. It has gone through a major resurgance in the past few years and the area around the downtown/river/Brown University area looks wonderfull.
Providence is only about an hour by car to Boston, and probably only about three hours to NYC, so it's hardly an isolated area. It's near beautifull beaches, Newport, Cape Cod. A while back it was being touted as an affordable place to live and commute to Boston where real estate prices were going off the charts. I don't know if it's still that affordable, but I'd guess it's far better than greater Boston.
I have forwarded your post to a friend of mine who lives in Providence/works in Boston, but I just found out he'll be on vacation for a few weeks. I hope he'll get back to you after that.
I don't know where you currently live, but Providence would be a wonderful place to live.
One final thought, have you seen any episodes of Providence on TV? They do a lot of location shoots in the city, so you can get a little look that way.
I really don't know too much about Providence in depth, though the last two times I was there I wanted to spend much more time and explore. It has gone through a major resurgance in the past few years and the area around the downtown/river/Brown University area looks wonderfull.
Providence is only about an hour by car to Boston, and probably only about three hours to NYC, so it's hardly an isolated area. It's near beautifull beaches, Newport, Cape Cod. A while back it was being touted as an affordable place to live and commute to Boston where real estate prices were going off the charts. I don't know if it's still that affordable, but I'd guess it's far better than greater Boston.
I have forwarded your post to a friend of mine who lives in Providence/works in Boston, but I just found out he'll be on vacation for a few weeks. I hope he'll get back to you after that.
I don't know where you currently live, but Providence would be a wonderful place to live.
One final thought, have you seen any episodes of Providence on TV? They do a lot of location shoots in the city, so you can get a little look that way.
Jul 14th, 1999, 10:06 AM
#3
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Emily-
I grew up in Southern Rhode Island, and now live in Boston. My sister currently lives in Providence, so I spend quite a bit of time there. My sister loves living in Providence, and she has previously lived in New York and DC. I don't know where you live now, but housing prices are still cheaper in Providence than Boston. By Boston standards, it is quite affordable. It is not a great city for public transportation, but is not difficult to drive in, even parking seems to be pretty easy. Providence has a lot of good restaurants and some quite good cultural activities, like Trinity Rep. Theater. The only problem my sister has found with Providence is that there does not seem to be a large population of young professionals. But as I don't know your age and since you are married, this may not be an issue for you. With Boston only an hour or so away, it is very easy to go there for dinner, theater, etc.
I grew up in Southern Rhode Island, and now live in Boston. My sister currently lives in Providence, so I spend quite a bit of time there. My sister loves living in Providence, and she has previously lived in New York and DC. I don't know where you live now, but housing prices are still cheaper in Providence than Boston. By Boston standards, it is quite affordable. It is not a great city for public transportation, but is not difficult to drive in, even parking seems to be pretty easy. Providence has a lot of good restaurants and some quite good cultural activities, like Trinity Rep. Theater. The only problem my sister has found with Providence is that there does not seem to be a large population of young professionals. But as I don't know your age and since you are married, this may not be an issue for you. With Boston only an hour or so away, it is very easy to go there for dinner, theater, etc.
Jul 18th, 1999, 08:24 PM
#4
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Emily, My husband and I have lived in Providence for the past 5 1/2 years. We love it! The cost of living here is a bit higher than in Illinois, but definitely cheaper than Boston or New York. We live on the East Side of Providence. We love the culture that the City has to offer from theaters to lots of artists, Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, to really great restaurants and Federal Hill. The real estate market is currently a seller's market. Providence has being doing well, but still has trouble attracting businesses because of the high taxes. Many people do the Providence to Boston commute, but as they say its the 2nd worst in the country. By the way, I second the other author's comments about the proximity to other really great things like the beach! Hope this helps.
Aug 13th, 1999, 04:55 AM
#5
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I lived and worked in RI for 6 years and loved it. We visit every summer now because my kids and I still consider it home. Providence is a nice little city, which has many of the benefits of a big town without the hassles. Great museum, wonderful food, nice little zoo, good local theater company, minor league baseball and hockey....and rush hour traffic is practically nonexistent. Also, the weather really is not so bad. Since it is near the coast the winter is much milder than upstate NY or central PA. I spent more time outdoors in RI than I did when I lived in Texas! Also, you don't have to live in Providence. Barrington, Bristol, Little Compton, East Greenwhich, Wickford, and Cowesset (in Warwick) are all lovely places to live and are easy commutes to the city. Good luck.
Aug 25th, 1999, 08:46 AM
#6
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emily,
Providence is great! What everyone said is true, especially the good things! I moved from Washington, DC and the cost of living in Providence is less, particularly noticeable in the rents, bars, grocery store. I find it would be easier to compare if we knew where you currently live.
Good luck!
Providence is great! What everyone said is true, especially the good things! I moved from Washington, DC and the cost of living in Providence is less, particularly noticeable in the rents, bars, grocery store. I find it would be easier to compare if we knew where you currently live.
Good luck!
Aug 31st, 1999, 02:05 PM
#7
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as someone who was born, raised and lived in Providence for 47 years, let me tell you the truth. Downtown Providence is very pretty thanks mostly on part to Buddy Cianci the mayor. The crime rate is terrible. 19 deaths so far. It is a rather small city and you basically have to go thru the ghettos to get to the city (exceptions the East Side) which can be seen on "Providence" the series. Taxes will kill you and if you really want to live somewhere nice in Providence, you'll pay. Try living in the suburbs of Providence such as Cranston, Warwick, Johnston. Easy commute. The cost of living is higher than Ill, and not all the pays reflect that. Maybe you should come for a visit first. I highly reccomend it!!!!
