Southern California to Rhode Island (Providence, Newport: house, unemployment, good schools)

[sambapink]

New to the forum so Hi all

We are an English family that relocated to Southern California (OC) 2 years ago. We are looking at a couple of options at the moment and one of them is a move to RI. Specifically East Greenwich - My OH's company is based in West Kingston.

We have 3 children aged 13,15 and 19. I have visited RI once and liked it, but wasn't there long enough to get a feel for it. The things we enjoy most about California are: (in no particular order)

Weather
Beautiful beaches
Cleanliness of the place
Easy accessibilty to mountains and beaches

Down sides for us are:

Well, it's the OC - it's taken a while to intergrate, and still not sure we have!
Soooo expensive.. housing, Kids clubs etc..
A long way from home
Lack of anything Historical (in our estimations!)

Having done the whole relocation thing, I know it's not going to be an easy transition. But, what should I be considering if moving to the East Coast? At the moment, as I see it, the benefits would be more house for my buck, closer to home (England/Ireland) and maybe a more cultural way of living? What sort of lifestyle would my children have? I have heard East Greenwich has good schools. What do RI-er's tend to do at the weekends?

I guess I am just trying to get a feel for how different our lives would be there, and compile a pro's and con's list.

Many thanks in advance

[Hollytree]

You've mentioned a few things already that you would probably like here. A sense of history for starters. This website has some videos that will give you a feel for the town.
Town of East Greenwich, RI

One thing that will be different is that RI has four seasons as opposed to OC's two. RI has no shortage of beaches- swimming will be seasonal.

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at by what asking what kids do on the weekend. I suppose it's whatever you want them to be doing. What do they do in OC now?

Plenty of cultural opportunity here as well. A few hours drive in any direction will get you into several major cities (NYC< HARTFORD< PROVIDENCE< BOSTON< etc.).

Hope this is of some help- if you need more specifics, just ask.....

[Hollytree]

Oh I should add: OC is known for its right wing conservatism. RI is the opposite- especially in the urban areas and college communities.

[terrasurf]

If you have a job, RI does offer a lot for such a small state. We have many beautiful beaches, many historic villages, not too far from hiking and skiing in the mountains, plenty of shopping, great restaurants and historical goings on. Democratic but not proudly liberal like other more academic places I know. Relatively diverse. Great seafood, but don't make a big deal about it like in other states. Despite our high unemployment, I must say every day I encounter warm and friendly people.

[pcamps]

I'm also English and love RI . My wife and i lived in Newport RI before moving down to Charleston SC 2 years ago. We both regret it and we hope to return back to RI in the near future and like you we are looking at East Greenwich.
East Greenwich is really nice .