Upstate NY to SC to RI? (Providence, Cranston: for rent, mortgage, homes) - City-Data Forum

madman29 · 08-09-2011, 11:46 AM

We moved down the Charleston SC from upstate NY about 2 years ago.
We used to visit RI every year and loved it! We decided to make a move in 09 and chose SC over RI or somewhere on the North East coast mostly because we had family already down here and also for financial reasons.. (We thought the coast of living would be a huge difference)
For me Road Island was my first choice but it got pushed aside for the above reasons.
The problem is we are now (or at least me - my wife seems to like it in SC) looking to move back up to New England somewhere. I can't stand the heat down here and the lack of the four seasons. (There is a LOT of other negatives I could go on and on about but this isn't the point of this post)

I happen to like snow and winter activities. I love RI but don't know enough about it yet. Here in Charleston we have a LOT of activities, parks, water parks etc for the kids to do and would need this wherever we choose. Is there stuff like this in parts of RI? If not anyone know of areas like this in NH or Mass?

Hollytree · 08-10-2011, 05:27 AM

There are plenty of activities for kids here in RI. The cost of living is definitely higher in RI than in areas of Charleston, although the best parts of historic Charleston are more expensive than here- if that makes sense to you. New England tends to be more expensive to live in than the south but many think it's worth it. Most would consider our climate more tolerable.

madman29 · 08-10-2011, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollytree

There are plenty of activities for kids here in RI. The cost of living is definitely higher in RI than in areas of Charleston, although the best parts of historic Charleston are more expensive than here- if that makes sense to you. New England tends to be more expensive to live in than the south but many think it's worth it. Most would consider our climate more tolerable.

Yes, this could be a 2 page discussion. Its sort of 'you get what you pay for' as far as the cost of living. Its cheaper here but at what sacrifice, the schools, the crime, the roads..etc.
Anyway, I'm really torn because the kids do seem to love all the stuff the charleston county parks have created for 'family' fun, but they also are missing the great nature I grew up with in the northeast, the beauty of a fresh snowfall morning... the magnificent colors on the trees in October.. the crisp dry air.. I can make myself crazy with it, but my heart is still in New England.. where(Im not sure) that's where the hard part comes in. Its going to be one of the hardest things to do to get back up there, (especially convincing my wife) and sometimes its so complicated that I tend to sort of settle for where we are... but the 'feeling' won't leave me and I know where I belong.
We used to visit Newport often and love it, but don't know enough about the surrounding areas and places to live. We would like a nice subdivison with 1 acre lots, preferably 10-20 min inland.

QuilterChick · 08-10-2011, 03:44 PM

You are simply homesick, it will pass. Charleston SC weather is worse than FL, whatever possessed you to go to Charleston other than for a visit! Western NC was settled by Charlestonians escaping the oppressive heat and humidity of Charleston, and the natives still have second homes, if not permanent homes, in the Blue Ridge Mountains where life is laid back, easy, and low cost of living. People are civil, welcoming, and enjoy life starting at about 2200 ft. above sea level with clean dry air for the most part, and a smattering of winter snow. Charleston is historic and lovely, not welcoming to NY'ers or northerners whatsoever.

If you go back to RI, shame on you. It's a big beautiful country. If you are going back to RI for work, expect to pay the piper in high taxes and all the rest. If you don't need to work, lucky you. RI will take every cent of your retirement income they possibly can. Get real, read the Providence Journal www.projo.com Visit Newport, don't support it.

dmlarue1 · 08-11-2011, 05:49 AM

Rhode Island's economy is not doing well at all right now. We are actually moving to North Carolina as my husband lost his job here and we were unable to find him a teaching job in any of the New england states. I do homecare so I talk to people everyday and every family has at least 1 person who is unemployed. Rhode Island has tried to grow jobs, but hasn't been very successful. Plus, if you want to live near the coast, it's also going to be more expensive and there is a lot less to do in south county because it really is a tourist beach area. I lived in Narragansett and while I enjoyed the beach I found I was driving to providence for activities.

QuilterChick · 08-11-2011, 07:05 AM

NC is a huge state as you know; it takes about 10 hrs. to drive straight across west to east. I am talking about cost of living and lifestyle in the western mountain towns of NC. There are very few teaching jobs in that area and I would never tell anyone to move there for teaching jobs. No one should relocate to any state without a job if they need employment unless they have a minimum of one year's liquid income and expenses in addition to funds for renting, not purchasing a home. You won't get a mortgage w/o a job in any event.

Maybe folks are finding employment around Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem, etc. over in the central and eastern part of the state where there there is more population.

Several areas of RI are very desireable to live in and raise a family. But they are the more expensive areas of the state. Barrington, East Greenwich, Cumberland, Lincoln, Wakefield, Westerly etc. etc. IF you can afford to live there and IF you can afford to retire there. But lots of folks have eye opening experiences once they explore other areas. As I say, it's a big beautiful country. (Even Mayor Laffey of Cranston escaped to Colorado.)

madman29 · 08-12-2011, 05:49 AM

Thanks. Sounds like we would be in financial trouble in RI but would enjoy the weather!
I think we just have to stick it out as far as the oppressive heat for 3 months here and plan to do lots of mini vacations to the NC and TN mountains as you said the natives here did and do.

QuilterChick · 08-12-2011, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madman29

Thanks. Sounds like we would be in financial trouble in RI but would enjoy the weather!
I think we just have to stick it out as far as the oppressive heat for 3 months here and plan to do lots of mini vacations to the NC and TN mountains as you said the natives here did and do.

You might want to do some research on Greenville SC, the area is experiencing excellent growth, is very progressive, and is in the foothills of the mountains. Job opportunities for teachers should be pretty good there with more and more families discovering the Greenville area. Plus, you would not have to changes states with all that entails. I don't want to go off topic here, so I would suggest you research that area on www.goupstate.com and especially the SC forum right here on City-Data .... and always read the local newspapers as well as visiting some Realtors' websites to learn home prices and compare cost of living to RI.

Rnrboy · 08-12-2011, 07:03 AM

South Carolina is a dump, been there a million times. Unemployment is almost as high there as it is here, even though Repubs run the state.

Just goes to show ya the whole economy is bad right now.

ckhthankgod · 08-12-2011, 08:47 AM

Why not come back to another part of Upstate NY?