Johnston & North Providence (Pawtucket, North Kingstown: house, middle schools, to live in)

[NDL]

Can anyone tell me about Johnston, and North Providence? I know nothing about either town, so any useful information would be helpful.

Thanks

[traceyr13]

My department head at my former job has lived in Johnston for something like 35 years. He likes it, but says it has changed a lot over the years (as I guess everywhere has!) I wouldn't say the schools are particularly strong in either location, although not as bad as some other districts in the state. According to him, there is a large concentration of Italian-Americans in both areas (with good restaurants! lol) The commute into Providence from both is relatively convenient, although the 6/10 connector gets jammed regularly.

I personally wouldn't choose that area if I was relocating to RI, but it is less expensive - although I guess that's for a reason? If you don't have children or are planning on private school and you want more house with a decent commute into the city, they are definitely options to look into.

[digital12]

Originally Posted by traceyr13

I personally wouldn't choose that area if I was relocating to RI, but it is less expensive - although I guess that's for a reason? If you don't have children or are planning on private school and you want more house with a decent commute into the city, they are definitely options to look into.

If you were relocating into the city where would you choose to live?

Sorry to jump on your thread but I was just curious as to where she would choose to live.

[traceyr13]

I would choose to live in the Greenville area of Smithfield or Lincoln.

[digital12]

why would you choose the greenville area over Johnston or N. Providence?

[traceyr13]

The schools would be the primary reason, but I also think it's prettier out there.

[NDL]

Originally Posted by traceyr13

He likes it, but says it has changed a lot over the years (as I guess everywhere has!)

Thanks for your reply Tracy. Any ideas on how or what changed?

Originally Posted by traceyr13

I personally wouldn't choose that area if I was relocating to RI, but it is less expensive

Is it only the schools that makes them less desirable/expensive, or are there other reasons? Are both areas safe?

[traceyr13]

From what he said, he was concerned about the negative dip the schools took (he had 2 sons that went through the school system in the 80s and early 90s) and it was strong then, but he said he wouldn't put his children through the system nowadays. The decrease in quality in schools, he felt, affected the home values. He also felt it was becoming more urban and less of a "strong community feel".

As far as safety, I don't think they are particularly unsafe like how I think of Pawtucket or Central Falls or areas of Providence, but I do think of those communities as being less safe than, say, North Kingstown.

[NDL]

Thanks Tracy, for the helpful info !

[Valnf]

If you are concerned about the schools move to North Providence. Both middle schools are high performing schools and the high school is a model for other states. Johnston almost lost accrediation and has many problems but both are similar as far as people and shoppings. Good Luck