Should I Move To RI?

[Jenkins86]

Originally Posted by joyfulinma

As a long time Massachusetts resident, I was also surprised at some of the negative posts about RI here.
I absolutely LOVE RI !! I'm planning on moving there in 6 months. I will say that some parts of of the state are not the prettiest, but I think it's charming. Some parts of Mass aren't any prize either.

Compared to Mass, the cost of housing is so much more affordable. The cost of homes are much lower and rents are lower compared to Mass. RI property taxes are a little bit higher, but varry town to town.

My auto ins. will be about the same.

Generally, the people in RI actually seem friendlier to me than those in Mass. RI drivers seem more considerate as well.

I can't wait to hear my first, in person, "youze gize." Although, I have experienced a "what can I get YIZ" once at a Massachusetts Dunkin Donuts. I LOVE and appreciate different accents and dialects. Thank God we don't all sound the same! Believe me, I've had my share of razzing about my local Mass accent and lingo. I can't believe how truely offended some people get about diversity.

Don't get me wrong, I love Mass too, but it's just not middle working class friendly. Living in RI seems more accommodating.....for now anyway.

My wife and I moved to Providence from Boston 5 years ago and are glad we did. Much like you mentioned above the people are a bit more open and friendly and there is just so much to do in a half hours drive in any direction. Our house was much cheaper than in would have been in Boston. Yes, RI has serious problems (we both work in Mass. still, not many good jobs here) but for us it works out very well.

[firstgradeteecher]

I am a native Rhode Islander. I moved to VA to find a public school teaching position. If I could have a teaching position in RI, my husband and I would move back. The big drawback -besides not teaching position-is the cost of living in RI. Houses are very expensive as is the housing tax.
I do miss RI, the beaches being near, the different ethnic communiities in such a small area and the ability to go and do so much in one day and still be home at night.

[Hollytree]

I don't think houses are particularly expensive- especially now.
If you live in Cranston or Warwick, etc. they can be cheap- in the 200s.
Obviously, there is a huge range depending on the community (from a couple hundred up into the millions), but there are plenty of towns where housing is a bargain for New England... also loads of older homes for renovators.
Here in southern New England heat is a factor in terms of utilities (5 mos. of heat needed?) but one can get by for about 4 or more months with no heat or AC.
There are a couple of mos. where it would be really nice to have AC.