Anybody move to RI from So Cal? (Providence, East Providence: wood floors, low crime)

[nay624]

Thinking of moving out of Southern California...too crowded...too hot...too brown...too smoggy...Anyways. Anybody here from Ca? Is Rhode Island a good place to raise a family? How is the Healthcare/Hospitals, Im a nurse and am curious? Thanx.

[2KidsforMe]

nay-we moved from SoCal (OC), not to RI but to it's neighbor, MA. There are so many variables, but I do believe that New England is a better place to raise my kids then CA, and it pains me to say that. In MA we can give them a nice house, a big yard, cleaner air, much better schools, lower crime, less traffic, access to top notch medical care, and of course 4 distinct seasons. All of this can come at a cost, because it is not cheap to live here. Bust cost is realtive. It all depends on what you are used to.

[nay624]

How long have you lived there, cuz its expensive here. we have a "nice" house
but the housing market here is crazy. 3bd 2bth 18-2200sqf is about $400-600,000. everything here is getting so crowded. are the winters very cold??
how does the beach compare?

[skytrekker]

Also consider eastern Connecticut- called the states 'Quiet Corner' roughly halfway to Hartford and Providence.

Towns all under 30,000 in population. No freeways, light traffic, no smog, down to earth people. Lots of forest covered hills, small farms, pastures, bed and breakfasts and wineries. Great public schools, low crime, culture, less then an hour to the coasts of CT and RI beaches. Housing costs? A new colonial 2000 square feet, 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths, double garage, basement 1-2 acres, family room, fireplace, wooded private lot, wood floors- $300K. A NEW raised ranch 1800 square feet basement, double garage, 1 acre, fireplace, family room 3 bedrooms 2 baths $289K

Something larger wanted ? A new colonial 2500-3000 square feet 3-4 acres, all wood floors, upscale baths kitchen- luxury $399K

We have a winter here- but they are considered 'mild'. Starting around Christmas and they last 3 months. On average temps below zero becoming uncommon- snow fall around 25-40" a year- some years less. The proximity of the Atlantic ocean moderates the climate in Rhode Island and southern New England. Springs begin slowly here, especially for locations near the still chilly ocean. But the plus side is autumns are sublime- and last well through November with mild days. Summers can be warm to hot- with some periods of unpleasant humidity. Micro climates in southeastern CT and Rhode Island offer temps sometimes 10 degrees cooler in the summer then areas inland. While in the winter coastal areas will receive rain, while further inland snow may fall. AWD is not really needed here- front wheel drive with good tires is adequate- if your from SoCal want more security- a Subaru is a great choice.

The Rhode Island beaches located in the southern part of the state are clean and beautiful- especially Watch Hill. Nice ocean surf-
The CT beaches on Block Island sound and LI sound have less surf.

The hospitals in Providence and Hartford are excellent- and there is a huge demand for those in health care.

Housing costs will be less in Connecticut then in Rhode Island. Hope this helps- consider posting on the CT forum if interested in CT as well- we try and be informative, and welcome Californians!

[Lula]

You won't have any problem finding a job in health care. There is a huge need. Providence has a 3 hospital campus, all top notch - RI Hospital, Women and Infant's and Hasbro Children's Hospital. Other hospitals around the state as well.

RI is a great place for families, small yet diverse, blue state, tolerant, some of the best restaurants anywhere. Can't beat the beaches - best in New England. Last Christmas day was 50 degrees, didn't get really cold until Feb. and only lasted 3 weeks.

Average house price for the whole state $274,000 - Southern part of the state is higher as you get closer to the ocean. If you are in the$400-$600 range you won't have any problem finding a beautiful house. Your problem will be choosing among the options.

Total population 1,046,000. We've got room.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by nay624

Thinking of moving out of Southern California...too crowded...too hot...too brown...too smoggy...Anyways. Anybody here from Ca? Is Rhode Island a good place to raise a family? How is the Healthcare/Hospitals, Im a nurse and am curious? Thanx.

What made you consider Rhode Island? Given any thought to Massachusetts? Tons of hospitals there and a great place to raise a family..I currently live in Southern C. but will, and I say will, be moving there late August. Can't tell you anything about RI but being from California got my attention.

[beautyprevails]

I moved from Northern California not too long ago. yes, most of cali seems to be brown, even up there. there are a lot of nice parts, but a lot of crime, gangs, etc. i worked for the probation dept. and that made me open my eyes to how many gangs and bad things that go on in a lot of parts of CA. anyway, my wife is an rn at Roger Williams Hospital in Providence. It seems to be a great fit for her. Not small but not huge. there are some great options for housing. it just depends on whether or not you want city living or quieter living. even providence will seem quite if you are from l.a. i'm from north of sacramento, ca and I know what you mean about the crowded effect. SO much suburban sprawl. housing is expensive, but not to us from CA. I just bought a home in East Providence for 229K. It is an older home, 2400 sq ft, 4 bed, 2 bath on 1/10 of an acre. it is nice. it needs some work, but what house doesn't built in the early 1900's? so, you will find something good for your range and even below. check out barrington, bristol, east greenwich. pm me and i'll give you my email address if you have any questions for someone else from CA that lives in RI.

matt

[skytrekker]

Housing is more expensive in most of Florida then Rhode Island. median home price in greater Providence is around 280K- Miami Ft. Lauderdale 375K.

Lets separate fact from illusion. Median home price Portland me 225K At 280K in Providence I would hardly call that 2-3 times higher then Portland.

[nay624]

Thanks for all the responses. I do greatly appreciate it. Very insightful. Had not thought of the small state big taxes thing, or the Immigrant gets a job before me. Please feel free to enlighten me futher.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by nay624

Thanks for all the responses. I do greatly appreciate it. Very insightful. Had not thought of the small state big taxes thing, or the Immigrant gets a job before me. Please feel free to enlighten me futher.

Rhode Island has perhaps the lowest population growth in the nation- from both natives and newcomers-
illegal immigration into Rhode Island is tiny.