Looking to move to RI (Providence, Pawtucket: real estate, condos, houses)

[kgtgirl]

I'm currently about to finish school and get married, so me and my fiance are look for places to live. He currently works in westford, MA near Lowell and I'm looking for jobs in boston or Worcester.
I've found what looks like some really nice houses for under 200k in Providence and Pawtucket, which would be great for our first home.
My questions are should I be worried about how inexpensive these houses are ?

And how are Providence and Pawtucket safety wise, were looking to start a family in a few years and how are the school systems.

What should I expect with commuting to mass? And also is there any other towns in RI that I should look at that would be the same type of commute?


Thanks in advance

[wxjay]

Under 200K in Providence or Pawtucket? That probably means not so great areas. Real estate in RI is expensive. I am not a fan of Pawtucket, but there are some decent areas over in Seekonk behind Pawtucket. However, I doubt there will be much for under $200K.

As far as commute - the commute to Lowell will be a nightmare - 1.5 hours at least. The commute to Boston will probably take the same if you take the commuter rail and subways to the office. If you drive in, about an hour on a good day to get into Boston - plan on like 1.5-2 hours for traffic. The commute to Worcester would be slightly better - probably like 45-1 hour minutes straight up 146.

Why are you choosing RI if you are working way up in central/northeastern MA? Why not live up there?

[kgtgirl]

my fiance who works in lowell, only goes in to the office 2-3 days a week. I was just surprised at how many houses I found in RI in our price range compared to MA. Thanks for the info

[GermanSpy]

Originally Posted by kgtgirl

My questions are should I be worried about how inexpensive these houses are ?

Well, it all depends. I believe the median for a single family house in RI sits around 250k dollars. So if you find a lot of nice houses for under 200k...

I don't know. Do you have any info on where these houses are located? I think some of those might be in not so desirable neighborhoods.

As for safety, Providence and Pawtucket both have a range of unsafe and quite safe neighborhoods. Again, it all depends on where you move. Price tag is a pretty good indicator though.

[moton k]

I have lived in South Carolina for 15 years. Family may need to relocate for a job oppurtunity. We love the pace fo the South, so the urban experience would be a big adjustment. Looking for great a suburban area with good schools and recreational facilities. Please share any leads.

[Lenny2410]

The only areas you'd want in RI is Exeter south, (Washington County) NW RI, or on the East bay. Forget everywhere else, especially the city areas.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by kgtgirl

I'm currently about to finish school and get married, so me and my fiance are look for places to live. He currently works in westford, MA near Lowell and I'm looking for jobs in boston or Worcester.

I think you'd be nuts to commute from Prov. to Lowell--is there really no place closer that is affordable?

[J0SH]

Originally Posted by moton k

I have lived in South Carolina for 15 years. Family may need to relocate for a job oppurtunity. We love the pace fo the South, so the urban experience would be a big adjustment. Looking for great a suburban area with good schools and recreational facilities. Please share any leads.

You should probably create your own thread instead of taking this one away from the original poster, not to be rude.

[brandon311]

I currently live in West Greenwich and would highly recommend the West Greenwich/Exeter area. There are some other nice areas also but all depends on where you would be working.

Thanks,

[janewithay]

I would consider the Worcester County area. The cities of Northbridge, Uxbridge etc... seem to be having an urban reviltalization. Many of the old warehouses and factories are being converted into great condos. Personally, I LOVE RI! I moved away from there to NC many years ago, but still miss it. I travel there frequently and visit as often as possible. I know a lot of people down the cities of Providence and Pawtucket, BUT, they are still a great place to start a family. There are some very nice sections and neighborhoods. I would try to find a good realtor and start searching.
good luck!