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My partner and I currently have an apartment on the east side and we both love Providence and its quarky vibe and are beginning our search to buy a home locally. He works downtown and I work in Smithfield. Our goal is to take the plunge and tie the knot in the next year or so, taking advantage of Massachusetts gay marriage law. I was hoping to get an idea of some Massachusetts towns around Providence we should consider in our search. Schools are not a big part in our search as much as say taxes and neighborly acceptance are (We have never had a problem before but we don't want to create any issues for others why may not agree on our lifestyle). We'd also prefer a more rural area, not isolation, but for a nice back yard as opposed to a location with a higher density of homes. Also an area close enough to a commuter station for those occasional days I work in Boston would be useful. As far as pricing we were thinking around the 400K range. We know of a gay couple who live in Attleboro and love it, but would like to hear some other towns and suggestions. Appreciate the help!
Well, I would consider Seekonk in your search. It really is a very great location (close to Providence) as well as having a more rural field (minus the shopping district on Route 6 and parts on 44). Rehoboth would also be another great area with a straight shot on Route 44 to downtown Providence. That area is VERY rural (relatively speaking).
To move to Mass simply because of the gay marriage laws may not be necessary. I don't follow up on all the law changes, but I believe R.I. will honor a Mass (gay) marriage license. Seekonk is a good choice but keep in mind the drive from East bay (i.e. over the Washington bridge) to Smithfield could get tiresome (I know, because I've done it!). I don't know if you're a native, but Southern New Englander's are very progressive when it comes to gay issues so a rural area might be just fine. Mass realestate is more pricey, also Seekonk has leachlines...i.e. no town sewarage..unless the've changed in the past few years.
If old charm is a quality you like when searching for a home, Providence with its older architecture will beat out surrounding Mass easily. As you might be aware, Providence is a somewhat unusual city in that its realestate costs vary drastically. Where you're living now, near Brown & RISD is considered high-rent district. A home on the east side going for, let's say 400K, might only cost you 250K in Elmhurst. Elmhurst has easy access to route 7, which goes directly into Smithfield, and easy to get to downtown. It is also a low crime area. To live north of Providence would be fine because dealing with Rt 146 is better than dealing with the Washington bridge.
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Surrounding Mass areas
