How's Woonsocket (Providence, North Providence, Cumberland: rent, condos, crime)

[crossroad]

We are considering a job offer from CVS HDQ in Woonsocket.

We may rent either in providence and commute 14 miles to CVS or rent in Woonsocket with only 2 miles of commute. How's winter commute with snow/ice? We are from the west coast so we will need to learn how to drive on snow/ice.

Hows Woonsocket? Is it safe and convenient (restaurnats, coffee houses, bars etc.)? I seem to prefer city living.

any suggestions? comments? Thanks a lot.

[sally0]

Woonsockett is an old mill town. It has the same problems as modern day Detroit. It has been a drug den since I was a kid. It's a border town on the Massachusetts line. But the good thing is that you don't have a long drive to Woonsocket if you live in a nice place in RI like Cumberland, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Smithfield, or North Providence. Providence is one of the nicest, friendliest, coolest places in New England and there are people from all over the world there attending school. It's a real happenin' place. Woonsocket is pretty dead. The CVS borders on Cumberland/Lincoln/N. Smithfield areas. Providence is about 15 minutes. Wicked cool place.

[crossroad]

Should we get a All Wheel Drive car for commute in winter?
Is Cumberland/Lincoln/N. Smithfield areas nicer than Woonsocket?
Is Downcity safe and live/active?

Thanks for the great info!

[dutch10]

Should we get a All Wheel Drive car for commute in winter?

It depends on where you reside. You seem to be focusing on more urban areas so I would say that all wheel wouldn't hurt but it sure isn't necessary. It would be more useful to you if you were looking at some of the more rural areas in RI, Burrillville, parts of North Smithfield, Foster, Gloucester..

Is Cumberland/Lincoln/N. Smithfield areas nicer than Woonsocket?

Yes and no, the east end of Woonsocket bordering with Cumberland is actually quite nice and there are some really nice old victorians closer to the center of town. That being said I personally would not move to Woonsocket.
Cumberland, Lincoln and N.Smithfield are much better overall but you certainly won't find the city life that you are seeking.

Is Downcity safe and live/active?

Hmmm, this is a tough one. I'm not going to cheer lead for the City of Providence like some on this site are inclined to but I won't totally bash it either. As a mid size city in the Northeast, Providence has a much better reputation than places like Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Worcestor, Springfield and Manchester, and rightfully so. I would say that hands down Providence has the best night life but it also has the worst parking situation.
The funny thing is that these days many people think down city and they think "water fire", Providence Place, Union Station,etc.., all of that is West and North of Kennedy plaza and is most definitely NOT down city.. Downcity is
Westminister Street, it's more gritty with many empty storefronts, not nearly as livable as some would have you believe. What the future holds for this area is unclear, with the condo market cooling off a number of large projects have been postponed or scaled back and as I said earlier parking is a joke.

[GermanSpy]

Originally Posted by dutch10

I would say that hands down Providence has the best night life but it also has the worst parking situation.
The funny thing is that these days many people think down city and they think "water fire", Providence Place, Union Station,etc.., all of that is West and North of Kennedy plaza and is most definitely NOT down city.. Downcity is
Westminister Street, it's more gritty with many empty storefronts, not nearly as livable as some would have you believe. What the future holds for this area is unclear, with the condo market cooling off a number of large projects have been postponed or scaled back and as I said earlier parking is a joke.

Thanks for that, I appreciate somebody giving people some decent info about Downtown Providence which deviates from the "Downtown Providence is so wicked awesome." partyline which is prevalent in this board.

[OREGONRAIN]

I would stick with Cumberland and Lincoln, North Smithfield, I would add some of the Massachusetts towns, since Woonsocket is on the border, but they are way to expensive. Woonsocket would be difficult for someone moving into the region and is not familiar with it. There is alot of crime and you would be better off elsewhere. Downtown Providence, I think is nice but I think you have realized you need to checkout other areas even if they are not so urban. 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.

[skytrekker]

AWD vehicles are not needed in the Providence area

snow cover is not severe and if there is a storm it is quickly cleared away. Front wheel drive is enough with good tires.

[crossroad]

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

[crossroad]

Originally Posted by dutch10

Is Cumberland/Lincoln/N. Smithfield areas nicer than Woonsocket?

Yes and no, the east end of Woonsocket bordering with Cumberland is actually quite nice and there are some really nice old victorians closer to the center of town.

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....

[dutch10]

I saw on the map that Cumerland does not border Woonsocket....

As a life long Rhode Islander I can assure you that Cumberland does indeed border the city of Woonsocket.