Moving to Providence Rhode Island (Warwick, Cranston: apartment complexes, rent, transfer)

[bellabflykiss22]

I'm going to be moving to RI sometime between Feb.-May 2011. I'm from Southern Cali. I've lived in Massachusetts for 2 years, but was in a way stupid to move back to Cali cause of how bad the state is now. But I did it cause the part of Cali I am from is a hell of alot cheaper than Mass. But I miss the East Coast and wanted to find a place cheaper than Mass. Plus I know that no city is 100% safe. Even small town aren't. Basically I'm just wondering about basic info on Providence.

1.) Best middle class neighborhood areas?
2.) Is it generally easy to get around the city?
3.) Should I get a car or just use the transportation there?

[Hoxsie454]

RIPTA bus service is good from every section of Providence to downtown. If you have to travel across town, like from Washington Park to Olneyville, you may have to change busses and get transfer tickets. If you can do without the convenience of owning a car, you can save a ton of money using busses and an occasional cab.

Best middle class areas:
*Narragansett Boulevard to the Cranston line
*Elmhurst - WAY out Smith Street
*University Heights
*Rochambeau

[Hollytree]

University Heights refers to a rent subsidized apt complex that I wouldn't recommend to anyone unless they have no other options.

I think you mean College Hill but that is expensive. The two most expensive areas of the East Side of Providence are College Hill and Blackstone which does run near the upper end of Rochambeau.

The cheaper areas are Mt Hope including near Miriam Hospital going down to Pawtucket, parts of Fox Point, upper Hope St near the High School. A lot of students in these areas as well.

Most of the affordable middle class living is in the surrounding towns (suburbs really) including Warwick, Cranston, East Providence. These also have lots of apartment complexes.

Check the Providence Plan website for info on Providence neighborhoods.