considering a move to providence, any suggestions, reflections, please. (Cranston: apartment, for rent)

[montymontage]

Currently, I'm living in Iowa and am evaluating several east coast locations for relocation. Providence seems to have much of what I'm seeking--a walkable scale, a historic feel in terms of housing, architecture, etc., a generally liberal population and, compared to Iowa, some cultural vibrancy (esp., good book stores and literary events.)

My main concern is affordability living alone. Essentially, I need a rock bottom priced studio apartment. Is it possible to find a studio for under 600? From what I've read in other forums--and elsewhere--this won't be possible in any of the city's more fashionable and hip areas.

Concerning safety, I don't mind areas a little rough around the edges--in some ways, even preferring them when I've lived in larger cities in the past.

In other parts of the city, do rents drop low enough to accommodate my curmudgeonly wish to live alone as well as my miserly budget?

Are my above assumptions correct, re., liberal out look? I guess what I'm hoping for is an affordable, left-leaning, well-read town. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

[Hollytree]

As you've surmised, your budget is in the "room for rent" category, not even the studio apt category.

If you go further out and off the east side of Providence, you may get a decent apt but you won't get the vibe you're looking for.

[Saltatrix]

There are some studios in that range, but under 600 would be asking alot- you'd need to investigate the neighborhoods carefully, in Cranston, assuming you'll have a car, or Darlington section of Pawtucket, some parts of the West Side of Prov, and also FoX POint in Prov. These neighborhoods would be a big change coming from Iowa. Prov is certainly more manageable, cheaper, and friendlier than Boston. That's the problem, there's no where else- Hartford, no way. NH cities, boring and cold. Philly? well Prov is probably more manageable and safe. No matter where you live in the area, the vibe you are looking for is nearby- it's a smallish city, and the greater metro area and RI in general, offers much more of a cultural vibe compared to a Midwestern metro area.

[GermanSpy]

Originally Posted by montymontage

I guess what I'm hoping for is an affordable, left-leaning, well-read town.

I'm afraid that's debatable regarding Providence. Depends of course on how you would define well-read. 600 bucks for a studio is pushing it, I really don't think you'll find much. Also, keep in mind, there are quite a few other things which might be more expensive up here than in Iowa. So I'm not so sure what to tell you if you can't increase your budget a little. We do have some bookstores, yes. Hmm. You could of course consider moving into a place outside of Providence, maybe somewhere on the East Bay where you might find an apartment for that kind of money and then do the bus thing into Providence. That wouldn't be a horrible idea, I guess.

[montymontage]

Thanks for the helpful and thoughtful replies. It seems I'll simply have to adjust to a different reality regarding affordable housing--or learn to live w/ roommates.