Should I Move To RI?

[Hollytree]

I think everyone can agree that one shouldn't move anywhere without a job offer in this economic climate.

However, I and about a million others find plenty of reasons to stay here in RI despite its problems; climate, charm, sense of history, things to do, great food, and natural beauty being just starters...

Sure, I could go live somewhere cheaper, but a cheap house in the middle of nowhere does not compare to being somewhere as unique as RI.

[strawberry85]

1) What are people like there? What's the atmosphere? How do people like living there?

The old-monied people are snobs. The working class people are nice.

2) How is the cost of living? Avg. rent for a 1 bedroom apt?

Rents are high in RI considering what you're getting - 300 raindays a years. Although the cost of living is high in RI, salaries are very low. If you "know someone" you can get a state job, but RI's economy has taken a big hit and jobs are not plentiful. Unless you come from old money, RI is a low income state, sort of the Arkansas of the Northeast.

3) How are the schools?

Not so good. The teachers' union is too powerful. Sorry. But not many jobs offer two months' vacation in the summer.

[Rnrboy]

Actually, there are 97 days of precipitation a year in Rhode Island. (On average.)

[Hollytree]

quote: "The old-monied people are snobs. The working class people are nice. "

How do you define "glittering generality"?

[LADYBUG75]

My husband and i are thinking of moving back to ri. I am a rn, he is a cop. He was born and raised there. I love his attitude. Very truthful. We lived there for a year to take care of his mother. She lived in north kingston, and i worked in wickford. I think ri is a beautiful state with great food, and wholesome people. It is expensive, but were hoping to make it work with our salaries. I live in nevada. So nursing may pay more in ri.

[tafahi]

I am a lifelong beachcomber and shore wanderer from the mid-Atlantic region thinking about finding a small little cottage or piece of land in R.I. to get away from the humid summers here. Don't get me wrong - I love the mid-Atlantic but after spending time in R.I. for the last few summers, I really like it there, too, and your summer temps are much, much nicer.
So can those in the know suggest the best shorelines for beachcombing and peaceful (and safe) beach walks as well as beaches with cleanest swimming waters (earlier posts got me a little nervous about beach closings...)
Also, for beach areas that are affordable, would you say Charleston, Roy Carpenter's Beach and Port Judith are good areas to live in - or do you have other suggestions? Thanks for your help!

[Hollytree]

We need to know how you define affordable.

[ocngypz]

Even if you found affordable at the beach, the home owner's insurance will kill you. Affordable beach is really an oxymoron.

[Aorre]

Is this forum primarily middle class or something? Not everyone needs a job. Some work from home, receive royalties, trust funds, etc. Would anyone recommend RI for someone who works from home and doesn't need a job?

[Hollytree]

Making a living is an over riding concern for most people- of course there are also many here on private income- goes without saying.