What's good about RI? (Providence, Warwick: rentals, house, safe area)

[ElphinKnight]

I can hear all sorts of bad things about Rhode Island or any other state. I'm tired of negativity... EVERY place has it's challenges. So with that in mind...

What is good about Rhode Island? If I'm an ocean loving, boat loving guy in his early 30's who simply isn't worried about having an income, where would I live? I don't want to spend a half million on a house, and in fact I'd rather have a small one with a small yard - 2 or 3 bedrooms. Married, but no plans for kids. Liberal-leaning moderate. Where would I want to live in Rhode Island? What's going to make me happy I moved there (from Michigan), if I do?

Thanks everyone!

[OREGONRAIN]

RI has the ocean, it has the hilly country areas in the northern end of the state, It has Providence and the attractions one would go to there, good restaurants in the Italian section, the revitalized downtown, which as nice as it is, could still use some business development though. I think they are working or that. RI except for the large student population that is transient, RI has a fairly stable population, many RI's have been there for generations. I like the homey feeling of it, and the fact many people actually know who their neighbors are. Its a short drive to other big metro areas, and to the beauty of northern New England. You could live in Cumberland, or Warwick, North Smithfield, you could have your small house in these communities.

[ElphinKnight]

Are there any nice, reasonably safe areas (I understand, it's a city) to live where one can walk to shops a lot? How about places near harbors with night life? I ask this in addition to my original post. :-)

[OREGONRAIN]

Newport is walkable, and has night life, it also has a astronomical cost of living, Barrington is very nice also expensive, I don't know about nightlife there, Im putting Barrington because you can walk there, and its a nice area. Wickford is very nice and walkable, restaurants, I don't know about nightlife, haven't been there in years for the nightlife that is. I live in Portland, Oregon. The east side of Providence is very walkable and has lots of restaurants and coffee shop type places. I think most of the nightlife is probably in downtown Providence, and that is definitely walkable, Im not sure of how safe it is anymore, I don't think it ever really was. But for walkable harbor areas, with plenty to do, Id say Newport definitely.

[mr2448]

Warren, Bristol and Riverside(part of East Providence) all have affordable housing (250,000-300,000) near the water (2-4 blocks away). Very small lots and very built up. The sad part about these locations and West Barrington, a less expensive part of Barrington bordering Riverside, is the water quality. They are better than 20 years ago, but the bay still needs to improve. 20 years ago much of the area was available to clamming, but now that depends on conditions which are now posted daily. You can't swim on the Riverside shore that faces the Providence River, but you can on the bay side. Rain has a definite effect on water conditions here. The good part is that this area has some of the best sailing in New England. Narraganset Bay is beautiful and highly used. We are the ocean state and for good reason.

Warren and Bristol are very walkable with downtown areas that include shops and restaurants. These are old seaports and some fishing is still done in both locations. There are always rentals available in both locations.

Mark

[Valnf]

The best part of New England is the weather from May to October. Aside from the raining days I think that the summer is nice here. Also, people don't move alot of people are born in RI, live here all their lives and die in RI. You know your neighbor will be there a long time (hopefully you like them).
The kids make long lasting friendships.