which towns are family-friendly near Providence, RI? (Boston, Attleboro: homes, school district)

[jagriffith7]

Hi, I want to know which towns are family-friendly and safe near Providence? There are many towns around Providence including Massachusetts towns. I would like to know about Massachusetts towns near Providence. We might move there if my husband gets new job. I don't want to live in Providence. I am not crazy to live in big city since I live in small town in Virginia (pop. 20,000). I need help to find a safe and family-friendly town in Rhode Island or Massachusetts near Providence - no more than 25 miles away. Thanks.

[massnative71]

It all depends on your budget and tastes; but in MA look at Seekonk, North Attleborough, and Mansfield for starters. In RI look at Barrington, E. Greenwhich, Smithfield, Lincoln and Cumberland. If you want to go further than that, there are more options of course. But in this day of high and ever-increasing fuel prices I would stay as close to Providence as possible without being right in it.

[wivenhoe]

Bear in mind, if you work in RI and live in MA, you'll have to file non-resident taxes for RI. Bear in mind, that housing tends to be pricer in MA than in RI as well in parts.

MassNative mentioned Seekonk, North Attleboro, Mansfield and some RI towns (Barrington, E Greenwich, Lincoln, and Cumberland). Might want to consider Norton, Wrentham or Plainville, or Foxboro in MA. They're all within 1/2 hour or so drive to Providence.

In RI, perhaps you might also want to consider Westerly, North Kingstown, Warwick, Foster, Gloucester. These towns are further to the west, south, or north of Providence. Jamestown is lovely if you can afford it.

RI is the smallest state in the union, yet it's got urban (Providence, Pawtucket), suburban (Warwick), and rural areas (Foster, Gloucester, Chepachet) areas within it. Most towns in RI are within 1/2-3/4 minute drive to Providence. Although there are some wealthy parts of RI (E Greenwich) and some extreme uber wealth (mansions in Newport), RI is still largely middle class in the suburbs/rural areas and hasn't been as affected by the biotech/high tech/finance boom industries like MA has; this is partly due to geography and the fact that RI has been tied to the jewelry industry, textile mills, and manufacturing industries for so long.

RI does have an extensive bus system RIPTA - RIPTA:
Amtrak operates between Westerly, West Kingstown near URI, and Providence and then to Boston.
MBTA operates between Providence and Boston - MBTA.com > Official Website for Greater Boston's Public Transportation System

[lrfox]

All great suggestions.

While I like Westerly, it's over 40 miles from Providence and nearly an hour (with no traffic) driving. Jamestown is closer (30 miles or so), but still a bit of a hike by car.

In addition to the MA towns suggested, I'd also look into Rehoboth. Charming, rural, and fairly diverse in terms of its layout. It's close to Providence (shares borders with Attleboro and Seekonk) and has a decent school system.

Sharon, MA has EXCELLENT schools, but is on the periphery of your commute range (about 28 mi). It's also a little more suburban than a place like Rehoboth. Foxborough MA would also fit here. Schools aren't quite as great as Sharon, but they are still pretty good. Decent shopping/dining options in town without being overbuilt. Gillette Stadium is in Foxboro and traffic gets rough on the 8-10 Sundays per year that there are games. Foxboro is JUST beyond the 25 MI limit (about 27 give or take where you are in town).

For what it's worth, my father is originally from Virginia (VA Beach area). He settled on Assonet MA (the Western half of the town of Freetown) since it retained some of what he enjoyed about small town Virginia (he grew up on a small tributary to the Chesapeake and chose a similar location in Assonet). It's a small, friendly town (about 9,000 people) with decent schools (not top of the top, but good) and plenty to do for families. There are waterways on both ends of town (the tidal Assonet Bay in Assonet and a big freshwater lake on the other end of town) and a big state forest in the middle. All of these limit sprawl and development. It's also about 20-23 miles from Assonet to PVD (it took me about 25-30 minutes to get to Providence from Assonet) depending on where in town you live (avoid East Freetown as it's beyond your commute range). Focus on homes within a mile or two of Route 24 for best PVD access.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by lrfox

In addition to the MA towns suggested, I'd also look into Rehoboth. Charming, rural, and fairly diverse in terms of its layout.

Not really sure, but I've heard that the D-R school district has gone downhill quite a bit in recent years. It is a nice town however, if you like all rural.

It is important to realize that the roads/traffic and weather around here aren't the greatest, so 25 miles will seem longer here than many other places. What time of the day will he be going to/from work? I would really stay as close to Providence as possible, your quality of life will be much higher.

[jagriffith7]

Thank you for quick responses. I really appreciate your information. I will look up at the towns that you suggested. Many thanks!

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Not really sure, but I've heard that the D-R school district has gone downhill quite a bit in recent years. It is a nice town however, if you like all rural.

It is important to realize that the roads/traffic and weather around here aren't the greatest, so 25 miles will seem longer here than many other places. What time of the day will he be going to/from work? I would really stay as close to Providence as possible, your quality of life will be much higher.

I haven't been keeping up with D-R Schools for around a decade, so you could be right. To be clear, they were never "top notch" but they may have slipped even further.

I also agree that 25 miles can be rough with traffic.

[superwy]

We live in Norfolk and love it. Easy commute to Providence. Great schools, nice recreation programs, and good neighbors. Another option to look at.