How's Woonsocket (Providence, Cumberland, Newport: apartment, rentals, homes)

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by crossroad

Thanks folks.
I see a lot of areas are quite hilly.... will that pose a challenge in winter/snow?

Hilly? Well not really- I live in eastern Connecticut- which is more hilly then the Providence area and I get by with a front wheel drive Mazda.

Snow in Providence and vicinity while common does not stick around for long.Last winter there was a mere 20"- the great thing is that in New England they clear the roads very fast. If you feel apprehensive- a Subaru might ease your fears.

[crossroad]

I'm young professional, so where can I find a place to live that's close to my work at Woonsocket, but can also offer some urban pedestrian-friendly convenience? I 'd like to live close to bookstores, restaurants and coffee shops.

Are there any quality Asian grocery markets in Providence county?

Is it beneficial to have a garage in case of snow?

Thanks.

[OREGONRAIN]

Originally Posted by crossroad

When you guys say Cumberland, did you mean the city of cumberland or a place called Cumberland Hill?? I saw on the map that Cumerland does not border Woonsocket....

Cumberland is a separate town, Cumberland Hill is a section of Woonsocket. I would look in the town of Cumberland or Lincoln the adjoining town. Either way just don't look in Woonsocket, go to the job at CVS there, then get in your car and get the hell out each day.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by crossroad

I'm young professional, so where can I find a place to live that's close to my work at Woonsocket, but can also offer some urban pedestrian-friendly convenience? I 'd like to live close to bookstores, restaurants and coffee shops.

Are there any quality Asian grocery markets in Providence county?

Is it beneficial to have a garage in case of snow?

Thanks.

Actually downtown Providence has much in the way of bookstores, coffee shops etc, especially on the east side.

As for Asian groceries, well not aware of any or a specific location. Over in here in the greater Hartford CT area there are several, both east and west and north and south of the city. Providence has a growing Asian population, with Asian eateries- finding a Asian grocery would not be difficult.

[ProvGuy]

Downcity can feel really alive or really dead at night depending on what street you're on. Washington, Empire, Richmond and Weybosset are usually pretty hoppin. Other streets can be pretty dead.

I don't see why it was mentioned that parking is so terrible. On-street parking is free at night and there's several parking garages and surface parking lots that the public can use. I've never had a problem all my years here.

Woonsocket is pretty boring, it has an urban feel but there's not too many walkable destinations. If you care about that sort of thing more than your commute then you should definitely consider Providence instead.

[crossroad]

I am looking at two locations:

one is in the village of Manville, the other is in Cumberland, on Mendon Rd north of I-295.

Are they both quite safe? Are they more or less safe than Providence Eastside? Can someone make a comparison for me?

THANKS

[crossroad]

Originally Posted by OREGONRAIN

There are a number of new apts on the Blackstone river in Cumberland, The bldgs were old factories turned into condos and apts. The area is beautiful and the blackstone River Trail is right out the door. I would check that area out it is close to Woonsocket but a much nicer area.

Did you mean River Lofts At Ashton Mill? Is there another besides this? Thanks

[mikey2]

As a lifelong rhode islander, I would definately pick Cumberland and possibly parts of Manville over the east side of Providence. Much safer and I prefer the countryside anyway.

Providence's eastside has an area which many people consider "nice" (it is expensive and upscale) but if people are telling you Providence is safe... they are seriously deluded in their thinking.
Even the Eastside is surrounded by high crime areas... several of my coworkers live there (or have in the past) and all have been victums of one crime or another.
I worked for years on Hope St. (East Side) and there were multiple thefts in the building and countless break in's in the parking lot.
Be forewarned about Providence...I'm always cautious in the city... especially at night.

[OREGONRAIN]

Originally Posted by crossroad

Did you mean River Lofts At Ashton Mill? Is there another besides this? Thanks

Yes, Ashton Lofts, on the Blackstone River by the bike trails. It looks very nice, expensive though. The next one up the river is all Condos I think now. Then there is the large complex right off 295 Mendon rd, you can see it as you exit the freeway there. That looks nice, I think alot of Boston commuters live there, and take the train from Attleboro or Mansfield into Boston or drive. As with everything there I think its all expensive, I believe this past year a 1 bed there was about $1200. I think that is way too much to be that far out in the suburbs of Boston or Providence. Lets face it the Boston suburbs basically extend all the way into RI and NH now in some respects.

[OREGONRAIN]

Originally Posted by crossroad

Did you mean River Lofts At Ashton Mill? Is there another besides this? Thanks

Yes, River Loft, on the Blackstone River by the bike trails. It looks very nice, expensive though. The next one up the river is all Condos I think now. Then there is the large complex right off 295 Mendon rd, you can see it as you exit the freeway there. That looks nice, I think alot of Boston commuters live there, and take the train from Attleboro or Mansfield into Boston or drive. As with everything there I think its all expensive, I believe this past year a 1 bed there was about $1200. I think that is way too much to be that far out in the suburbs of Boston or Providence. Lets face it the Boston suburbs basically extend all the way into RI and NH now in some respects.