Multiracial Family and Move to RI, Providence suburbs (Pawtucket, East Providence: apartments, house)

[northshoremom]

Hello, we are considering a move to Rhode Island from the Boston area, primarily to find more house for the money. Because we are a multiracial (Caucasian and African American) family with young children, I am wondering if there are any towns near Providence that are more diverse or if there are any towns that might be less welcoming. It saddens me to ask such a question in 2011 and hope my concerns are unnecessary, but I need to make informed choices. So far, we are looking at North Providence and East Providence (easy access to Providence for a commuter train commute to Boston is essential). We are interested in an area with parks or bike trails, sidewalks and trees and a small town center would also be nice. Thanks!!

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by northshoremom

Hello, we are considering a move to Rhode Island from the Boston area, primarily to find more house for the money. Because we are a multiracial (Caucasian and African American) family with young children, I am wondering if there are any towns near Providence that are more diverse or if there are any towns that might be less welcoming. It saddens me to ask such a question in 2011 and hope my concerns are unnecessary, but I need to make informed choices. So far, we are looking at North Providence and East Providence (easy access to Providence for a commuter train commute to Boston is essential). We are interested in an area with parks or bike trails, sidewalks and trees and a small town center would also be nice. Thanks!!

Neither town would have a problem with interracial couples. Of the two I would pick East Providence. Prettier than North Providence, but neither have a town center. East Providence does have the East Bay Bike Path, 15 miles of path to Bristol, and many smaller parks and trails that lead toward Massachusetts. Rumford, along Newport Ave near Pawtucket, is a beautiful area. If you choose this area you might want to use the South Attleboro station instead of Providence. RIPTA is also looking to add bus service to this station. Riverside is also a nice area. It has the waterfront, and easy access to Wamponaug Trail. The problem with North Providence is Mineral Spring Ave, the main drag with businesses. It is a bleak roadway, no trees and strip malls and terrible traffic. North of Mineral Spring is the nicer area of North Providence with single family homes and apartments. It is not a bad town, but being in East Providence is a much better choice.

[vivalamam311]

Almost nowhere will have a problem with that! Be careful where in east prov. .. fir crime. Rhode island is the best!!!!!!

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by mr2448

Neither town would have a problem with interracial couples. Of the two I would pick East Providence. Prettier than North Providence, but neither have a town center. East Providence does have the East Bay Bike Path, 15 miles of path to Bristol, and many smaller parks and trails that lead toward Massachusetts. Rumford, along Newport Ave near Pawtucket, is a beautiful area. If you choose this area you might want to use the South Attleboro station instead of Providence. RIPTA is also looking to add bus service to this station. Riverside is also a nice area. It has the waterfront, and easy access to Wamponaug Trail. The problem with North Providence is Mineral Spring Ave, the main drag with businesses. It is a bleak roadway, no trees and strip malls and terrible traffic. North of Mineral Spring is the nicer area of North Providence with single family homes and apartments. It is not a bad town, but being in East Providence is a much better choice.

should point out that East Providence has three totally different areas. Rumford(02916) older one families, relatively wealthy, tree lined streets; East Providence(02914) urban, oldest part of city, multi families with single family, many restaurants, more diverse, some crime(but not a real high level); Riverside (02915) semi suburban, small to larger single family homes, apartments, diverse, on water(although polluted, but always improving). Riverside does get the ocean breeze in summer.

[Hollytree]

try attleboro ma- close to commuter rail- has a town center

[northshoremom]

Thank you, everyone for your comments - they are all very helpful!!

[SFGirl27]

Hi, just wanted to follow up on this post? Did you end up moving to Providence? How do you like it? Have you felt comfortable there? My husband and I are considering moving there as well. Any info you can provide would be helpful.
Cheers!