Cumberland or Providence?? (Pawtucket, Central Falls: apartment, city hall, neighborhood)

[amberrose]

Due to a recent job relocation my husband will be working in Pawtucket. The company is offering a fully furnished apartment in either Cumberland or Providence. We have 2 young boys, and I am wondering which is a better choice for a family neighborhood?

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by amberrose

Due to a recent job relocation my husband will be working in Pawtucket. The company is offering a fully furnished apartment in either Cumberland or Providence. We have 2 young boys, and I am wondering which is a better choice for a family neighborhood?

Basically you are asking urban or suburban. Young children will defintely necessitate Cumberland. While Providence is a good city for adults, its school system is lacking. Unless you can afford private school for them.

[amberrose]

Thank you for your response. It looks like we will stay in Cumberland. Is Cumberland overall considered a good place to live?

[Rnrboy]

Yes, Cumberland is a very nice area. I don't know where you're from originally, but Rhode Island is safer than about two thirds of the country in general. The 2007 Morgan Quitno ranked us 16th safest state.

The only bad news about that is that last year we were 13th.

[nr272]

I'd say Providence.... Much more interesting city to raise your kids in. True, Providence schools are lacking in some areas, but not all the schools are bad.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by nr272

I'd say Providence.... Much more interesting city to raise your kids in. True, Providence schools are lacking in some areas, but not all the schools are bad.

Providence schools, like most urban schools, usually rank pretty low on measure comparisons. Middle schools and high schools, in particular, have dismal test scores. Cumberland is a nice middle class/upper middle class 'burb with well-regarded schools (not the best in the state but definitely well above average). Providence is more trendy/cool/interesting; Cumberland is safe and predictable. Are you an urban hipster? Providence. Boring suburbanite? Cumberland.

[INNYRI]

Some parts of Cumberland are going to border Central Falls; these are not the areas you want to be in if you can avoid it.

[amberrose]

Hmm...I think I might be bordering on being more of a boring suburbanite these days...and I guess if I want to be "hip" for a day I can always visit Providence.

Thanks for all the advice. I currently live in Southern California in a suburb about half an hour outside of L.A. So the move to Rhode Island is going to be a pretty big change.

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Originally Posted by amberrose

Hmm...I think I might be bordering on being more of a boring suburbanite these days...and I guess if I want to be "hip" for a day I can always visit Providence.

Thanks for all the advice. I currently live in Southern California in a suburb about half an hour outside of L.A. So the move to Rhode Island is going to be a pretty big change.

amberrose:

Here is a link for Cumberland. It should give you some information: Cumberland, Rhode Island:

and here is a link for Providence so you can make an apples to apples comparison:
Welcome to the City of Providence Website! City Hall Phone: 401-421-7740

Be prepared for a culture shock as things will be quite different from where you are moving from...but the folks are friendly and the food is unique and excellent

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by amberrose

Thanks for all the advice. I currently live in Southern California in a suburb about half an hour outside of L.A. So the move to Rhode Island is going to be a pretty big change.

Have you traveled to RI yet? Be mentally prepared for a place that looks much older and dowdier than So.Cal. But its also much more authentic and, especially in the summer and fall, scenic.