Barrington,RI to Newport,RI (Providence, Warwick: rentals, schools, living in)

[Africanme]

Hi everyone,

I hope someone can help. We are moving to Rhode Island from TN. My husband is already there and working in Newport, right on Long Wharf. We have been looking for a rental, which has been crazy. We are thinking about living in Barrington, but the drive is a concern. Is there an easier way of getting to/from Barr than heading on Rt 114 through Warren and Bristol? Although the distance isn't bad, it appears that it could be deceptive especially when traffic is at its peek. It seems as if it is about a 45 min commute versus a quick 20 min. can anyone give any ideas.
Thanks

[L.L.]

Hello,
I used to commute from East Providence to Middletown everyday about 5 years ago. The ride was about 45 mins., but I rarely hit any traffic! Sometimes I would take Rt. 24...(I don't really remember how I got there....I haven't used that route since...) but I thought that by taking Rt. 24 and my going through Barrington, Warren, Bristol...equaled about the same amount of time. I really don't remember a time when I ever got stuck in traffic. It was 45 mins., but it's a nice ride, no stress! So I really didn't mind it at all! Hope this helps! Good luck to you!

[Hollytree]

Have you thought about renting in Warwick, West Warwick, or East Greenwich? The commute would be much easier. If schools are an issue then- E. Greenwich, if not, Warwick would have more and cheaper rentals.

[jakedog1]

The drive from Barrington to Newport is easily the most frustrating annoying hairpulling experience you may ever encounter. To have to do it daily?? YOu might as well start the high blood pressure meds immediately. Sure it could be a lovely drive. its sort of scenic- sort of. But unless you enjoy relying on one/two lane roads lined with residential and retail, driven by tourists and angry natives I would suggest finding another place to live. I did the commute Bristol to Newport and the commute Bristol to Barrington and Bristol to the eastside of providence and let me tell you the city traffic was far less frustrating then driving 114. Its a crazy crapshoot- you never know what you are going to get. I am suprised you can't find a rental in newport? There are thousands...

[GermanSpy]

I would also not recommend doing the daily commute from Barrington to Newport. There's really no good way to get there. Instead of going through Bristol, Warren and Middletown you can go up the trail, hit Providence, go along 95 and go towards South County and the Newport Bridge. But that's not really an alternative either, both commutes will be stressful. The only thing which might work for you is the time factor. If you can do the morning commute very early then the drive to Newport via 114 won't be bad at all. The return trip might be bad but at least that would make it a bit less of a daily hassle. But if that's not an option - don't do it.

[ljd1010]

Alternative communities which would make commuting to Newport much easier would be North Kingstown, Jamestown, East Greenwich, Narragansett, South Kingstown or Wakefield. All of the above are nice areas, decent school systems.

[ltweedy]

I am currently familiar with the drive from Barrington to Newport and I would say NO.

However, if you have children, the first choice for schools is Barrington.

So it is really a hard decision but I agree that E.Greenwich and South County which includes Wakefield, Peacedale, West Kingston not Narragansett.... are excellent choices for schools as well and a much easier route via the Newport Bridge.

Two sides of the state: Barrington is East Bay while South County is West Bay.

[Alphaman]

I lived in Bristol and the drive to newport is not too bad...Have you looked for place in portsmouth or middletown?

[Africanme]

Thanks everyone for the help!
Yes we are currently looking in Middletown/Portsmouth area, but I ldo prefer the school system in Barrington.
Can anyone give me any information about North Kingstown as an option for a family with 3 children?
Thanks