Moving to Rhode Island, Northeast in general (Newport, Middletown: find a job, school)

[thenewNewEnglander]

PS Rhode Island's ecomony is hurting! and you probably would be happier in New Hampshire or Maine... at least for the next few years.

[MonkeyButler7000]

Thanks for the advice. I am definitely going to try to make a visit. I am just intrigued because I think that New England has its own distinct regional culture since it is the oldest part of the country. There are lots of little differences that I haven't heard about anywhere else. It seems like the further west you go, the more muddled and generic things become, with some execptions, of course.

I also apreciate the head's up about the Rhode Island economy right now; I have read a lot of that here. Of course, I am a Michigan native, so using that as my baseline, even RI is a step up on the economic ladder!

[Rnrboy]

Originally Posted by thenewNewEnglander

To CoventryDude:

I agree, though Maine has a red streak too. But then again so does Connecticut, oh wait so does Mass... it just depends on where you live! People think New England is solid blue... we tend to vote Democratic, at the moment, but in terms of the people its just not really true. We do indeed have the bluest of the blue, but we also have some of the reddest of the red. I dont know about you, but I know plenty of Republicans and plenty of Christians!

On one of the biggest bills ever to confront lawmakers, the two senators, surviving members of the vanishing breed of New England Republicans, are wielding outsize power.

This is hardly the first time the two have broken from their party; it has occurred regularly over the years on budget, health, tax and environmental policy. But now it comes as Republicans are much more vulnerable, holding just 41 seats, and knowing that the loss of Ms. Collins and Ms. Snowe deprives them of what little power they retain to block Democratic legislation.

It also reflects the political reality that the nature of a Republican from Maine, a state where President Obama received almost 58 percent of the vote, is much different from that of the conservative Southern and Western lawmakers who constitute much of the rest of the Senate Republican side.

“I think it is safe to say that Republicans in the Northeast are not exactly the same as Republicans in the Deep South,” said Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/us...ref=washington

[MonkeyButler7000]

Originally Posted by Rnrboy

On one of the biggest bills ever to confront lawmakers, the two senators, surviving members of the vanishing breed of New England Republicans, are wielding outsize power.

This is hardly the first time the two have broken from their party; it has occurred regularly over the years on budget, health, tax and environmental policy. But now it comes as Republicans are much more vulnerable, holding just 41 seats, and knowing that the loss of Ms. Collins and Ms. Snowe deprives them of what little power they retain to block Democratic legislation.

It also reflects the political reality that the nature of a Republican from Maine, a state where President Obama received almost 58 percent of the vote, is much different from that of the conservative Southern and Western lawmakers who constitute much of the rest of the Senate Republican side.

“I think it is safe to say that Republicans in the Northeast are not exactly the same as Republicans in the Deep South,” said Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/us...ref=washington

This is true, but it is not anything new, nor is it limited to the Republican Party. There is a lot of friction within the Democrats between California "green"-types and Rustbelt Democrats from places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.

[Rnrboy]

Except most of the Republicans vote in lockstep now. Their only Northeastern members left did not. This should scream distinction.

[dmyankee]

Get up above the cities in Maine and New Hampshire, and you will find a lot more of the rugged individualism and entrepreneurial spirit New England is historically famous for.

Real Estate is reasonable and a small business can offset any taxes on pension income. You get four seasons, but have to travel for some things, depending where you are.

Moosehead is cool!

Vacation rentals, maine travel, lodging in maine, white water rafting in maine, maine vacation rentals

[urbie]

Originally Posted by dmyankee

You get four seasons

Ya -- ice, mud, bugs, and leaves!

Urb

[MonkeyButler7000]

Having four seasons really is a nice thing, even though summer can get awfully humid and snow and ice tends to get old around mid-January. I think I took it for granted until I moved to the Southwest where it is just hot, dry, and dusty all year round. There is nothing to break up the monotany and no seasonal activities like skiing in the winter and going to a cider mill in the fall.

[Africanme]

We moved to Middletown RI 6 months ago, with a little apprehension. I researched like crazy and for some reason there are numerous negative posts regarding RI on this forum.
I can unequivocally tell you that we have loved it! The area is scenic. Unlike what others have told us, the people have been very friendly and helpful. I have enjoyed numerous conversations with total strangers and was welcomed by neighbors.
My children have fallen in love with it too!
Aquidneck Island has great charm and character and is unique. I find myself looking and looking and finding new things to see all the time. The history and architecture and overall feel of the town are great. It is unlike most cities that look the same no matter where you are.
I understand that it is small and employment can be a problem, but I wouldn't move anywhere unless I had a job.
I would recommend to anyone to at least come visit the area.
Please don't believe all the negative remarks regarding the people etc. the only downside I can see are the high taxes.
Good luck with your move!

[MonkeyButler7000]

Thanks for the advice. I think that everywhere obviously has it's ups and downs, but it's probably not as bad as a lot of people portray. Some people just have an axe to grind.