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Old 12-12-2019, 02:59 PM
 
2 posts, read 1,147 times
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Hi Everyone!

We have 2 little kids and the cost of living in Boston is crushing us. Child care alone is close to $2,000/month and rent prices are through the roof as you all know. We're trying to find a place to live that would still be a good commute for work in Boston but that is affordable. We were told Providence, RI is a good deal / cost of living plus we already have friends down there as well. Just wondering if you all know of people who make that commute daily (living in Providence, commuting to Boston...straight line on Amtrak) or if this is crazy. If crazy, what are areas in Greater Boston that a family can afford to live?

We're okay sacrificing size of apartment but would ideally like to be in a good school district and I have heard that Providence is currently going through a state take over of their public schools... so that has me concerned. Anyone know of good public elementary schools along the Amtrak line from Providence to Boston? Thanks!
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Old 12-12-2019, 03:15 PM
 
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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Not crazy. Plenty of people do it. I have an office in Boston, though I mostly go to Westborough (or other sites acrosss the state).



Kids are a game changer. Since I don't have experience with Providence schools, I'll keep mum.



But what is your budget? And where in Boston are you commuting to? That makes all the difference in your choices.
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Old 12-12-2019, 04:14 PM
 
Location: Massachusetts & Hilton Head, SC
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Yes, we'd need to know your budget. Providence schools are not good, btw.
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Old 12-12-2019, 04:23 PM
 
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Keep in mind a Commuter Rail Zone 8 pass is $388 per person now.
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Old 12-12-2019, 04:55 PM
 
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Providence school system is in state receivership right now. I hope you’re willing to add private schooling costs to your COL calculation.

Consider southern NH, Manchester suburbs and the Seacoast.
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Old 12-12-2019, 06:03 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sunnydays2000 View Post
Anyone know of good public elementary schools along the Amtrak line from Providence to Boston? Thanks!
Canton, Sharon, Mansfield are all good (with Sharon ranking the highest there). Attleboro is pretty good at the elementary level, high school not so much. They are building a brand new high school there however, so that could improve down the line.
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Old 12-12-2019, 07:55 PM
 
Location: Michigan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by massnative71 View Post
Canton, Sharon, Mansfield are all good (with Sharon ranking the highest there). Attleboro is pretty good at the elementary level, high school not so much. They are building a brand new high school there however, so that could improve down the line.
^^^^ This. I am in Norwood, a neighboring town of Canton and Sharon and another good possibiility for you depending on your budget. As others have said, if you dhsre ehat you csn spend and yout minimum bedrooms it will help a good deal in people giving you meaningful feedback.
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Old 12-13-2019, 07:11 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by massnative71 View Post
Canton, Sharon, Mansfield are all good (with Sharon ranking the highest there). Attleboro is pretty good at the elementary level, high school not so much. They are building a brand new high school there however, so that could improve down the line.
Canton, Sharon and Mansfield are all expensive and OP will likely be facing similar costs and a worse commute.

That said, the commute from Providence is awful.
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Old 12-13-2019, 07:16 AM
 
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I do the Boston to Providence drive quite often and have been for 7 years. It can be brutal, especially if there is a little rain or snow. Friday afternoon in the summer time can really test your patience. There's no way I could do that every day.

I also have experience with the schools down in Providence. They are not good.
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Old 12-13-2019, 07:18 AM
 
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BostonMike7 View Post
I do the Boston to Providence drive quite often and have been for 7 years. It can be brutal, especially if there is a little rain or snow. Friday afternoon in the summer time can really test your patience. There's no way I could do that every day.

I also have experience with the schools down in Providence. They are not good.


Yeah, if they need to drive, I'd say no way. I'm just on the 95 spur until 495 generally, and its brutal even there even when I'm on the road at 6. If they can take the train reasonably, forget about it.


When I am forced to drive for logistical reasons back from my Boston office (to Providence), it's horrific.
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