Please help a young couple move into the city! (Providence: for sale, real estate)

[esmcblurm3]

Hello, Happy Holidays!

My girlfriend and I are looking to move in together in Providence, we are mid-20's. I have lived in Rumford, RI for 2 years now as a golf professional, and she works in Boston in the Hancock Building (very close to Back Bay Station). She currently lives in Back Bay, making her commute very convenient.

We are looking for a studio or 1BR at a max of $2,000 a month.
The musts:
-Covered parking available
-Allow her pets (she has a small dog and cat) - both very friendly and quiet (thank god).
-Within SAFE walking distance to Providence Station. She will be taking the train everyday to Back Bay.
-Be modern. Nothing run-down.

She went today to look at some places, and unfortunately, I am in Florida for a few months so cannot be there with her for the search. Here's her reviews of the places she checked out:

Center Place at Avalon (or is it the other way around?):
Pros: Close to train
Parking
Cons: She has a list, really doesn't like the place. Doesn't have her "modern" feel.

WaterPlace:
Pros: She loves it, absolutely loves it.
Cons: Will not allow dog and cat. It's either 2 cats, or 1 dog. What's up with that?

The Promenade:
Pros: Again, she loves it. Very modern, "fun" layouts.
-Allows her pets
-Parking for me seems fine
Cons: She says she wouldn't feel "safe" walking to train station. I know the area here vaguely, and it seems that it's just a dark/lonely walk, so to speak. Any input on this? Really the only thing holding her/us back.

Does anyone have anymore input/suggestions? Is Avalon really that bad, or did she see a bad unit?

She also going to look into the Residences at the Westin. Any info on this place?

Thanks a bunch!

[lrfox]

Out of the two, I'd suggest waterplace due to the location if you can afford it. The promenade is nice, and it's not that dangerous of a walk, but you do have to walk under the mall which can get both dark and lonely.

I don't know the issue with pets at waterplace, but maybe it's somethig that can be negotiated? That really would seem to be your best bet.

Not far from the promenade on the southern side of the mall are a few other newer apartments (including a mill conversion) but the walk would be similar to the walk from the promenade.

[Hollytree]

On Craigslist Providence go to apts for rent and search for "loft downtown". You'll find a nice selection with covered parking. Pet issue likely negotiable.

[mr2448]

Check out The Cove. Right now they are selling condos, but they could consider rentals considering the market? They are at a great location!

[esmcblurm3]

Originally Posted by lrfox

Out of the two, I'd suggest waterplace due to the location if you can afford it. The promenade is nice, and it's not that dangerous of a walk, but you do have to walk under the mall which can get both dark and lonely.

I don't know the issue with pets at waterplace, but maybe it's somethig that can be negotiated? That really would seem to be your best bet.

Not far from the promenade on the southern side of the mall are a few other newer apartments (including a mill conversion) but the walk would be similar to the walk from the promenade.

Thanks for the info. I did email the people at the Waterplace to negotiate.

I am glad to hear that the walk to/from the Promenade and the train station is not dangerous.

Originally Posted by Hollytree

On Craigslist Providence go to apts for rent and search for "loft downtown". You'll find a nice selection with covered parking. Pet issue likely negotiable.

Will do, thank you!

Originally Posted by mr2448

Check out The Cove. Right now they are selling condos, but they could consider rentals considering the market? They are at a great location!

I don't see anything for the The Cove in Providence...? I tried a google search.

Today she went and checked out The Residences at the Westin. Of course, she loves it. This would be at the tippy top of our budget (okay, it's outside of it...but who ever stays inside their budget?) But I imagine there is more to come on that. Any experience here?

Thanks so far everyone.

[ProvGuy]

Tons of people do the walk from the 903 and Promenade to the train station everyday, I would consider it pretty safe. Waterplace should be desperate for renters by now, so I bet the pet thing could be taken care of. There is a set of apartments on North Main Street right near the Smith Street intersection that have garages as well, may want to check them out. I don't know the name or if they even have a name, but they are blue and right across from the Moshassuck apartments.

[esmcblurm3]

Originally Posted by ProvGuy

Tons of people do the walk from the 903 and Promenade to the train station everyday, I would consider it pretty safe. Waterplace should be desperate for renters by now, so I bet the pet thing could be taken care of. There is a set of apartments on North Main Street right near the Smith Street intersection that have garages as well, may want to check them out. I don't know the name or if they even have a name, but they are blue and right across from the Moshassuck apartments.

Glad to hear that people regularly do the walk. I'll search that address and look into it, thanks!

[nate14ri]

http://www.capitolcoveri.com/

this is the link for the new cove appts

[esmcblurm3]

Originally Posted by nate14ri

Providence Luxury Condominiums for Sale. Real Estate in Providence, RI

this is the link for the new cove appts

Ah, thank you. However, it appears that they are still in the building stages? At least that is what I gather from their website. We'd be looking to move in around April '09.

Thanks!

[urbie]

You've already had some good suggestions on housing, so let's get to the more important stuff: golf! Where do you work?

And... this may sound ridiculous, when it's a balmy 6 above outside, but where's a good place to tee it up in the winter, once we get a January Thaw™? I'm relatively new to RI, but in the past, have always enjoyed the unique experience of playing in the winter -- when the course is empty, the fairways are frozen, and if you don't mind putting on a couple of extra layers, you can have a lot of fun out there? I used to do this in the Boston area, and also in -- believe it or not -- suburban Chicago.

Are there any local public tracks that stay open year-round?

Urb