Relo to Providence area (Cumberland, Smithfield: high school, income, car tax)

[cesara]

Hi all,

My husband may have a job opportunity in Providence, and we're looking at areas that would be family-friendly to live nearby. We're coming from South Florida.

I have a few questions that I haven't seemed to find by looking through threads so far.

Are there reasons to live on the MA side rather than in RI? State income taxes or anything that would penalize living in one state and working in another? Attleboro was mentioned in a previous thread of being more "suburbia"?

We have 3 kids in school. Two in elementary and one in middle, so high school is also on the radar. Does one state or area win the better schools battle? Extra-curriculars like baseball and cheerleading opportunities are important as well.

And lastly, I'm also in school full-time. So we're also looking for an area where I can be close to a 4year institution.

I know that's a lot of variables, but I'd appreciate any help I can get. I just need a starting point...

[massnative71]

Income taxes are pretty comparable in both states, while MA generally has lower property and car taxes. As far as working in RI and living in MA it should not be an issue, as the difference is small either way (MA might be a tad lower but since the income is earned in RI he will pay the full amount there anyway). MA state and local governments are generally more stable with less severe budget/pension problems, so that is something to consider long term.

School systems are town by town up here, so it matters less which state than specifically where in each state. Both have good and bad. For your husband's work and your own educational oportunities I would live as close to Providence as possible without being in it. Towns in RI to look at include: Barrington, Lincoln, Cumberland, Smithfield and E. Greenwich. Close by in MA check out Seekonk, North Attleborough (not Attleboro), and Mansfield.

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Income taxes are pretty comparable in both states, while MA generally has lower property and car taxes. As far as working in RI and living in MA it should not be an issue, as the difference is small either way (MA might be a tad lower but since the income is earned in RI he will pay the full amount there anyway). MA state and local governments are generally more stable with less severe budget/pension problems, so that is something to consider long term.

School systems are town by town up here, so it matters less which state than specifically where in each state. Both have good and bad. For your husband's work and your own educational oportunities I would live as close to Providence as possible without being in it. Towns in RI to look at include: Barrington, Lincoln, Cumberland, Smithfield and E. Greenwich. Close by in MA check out Seekonk, North Attleborough (not Attleboro), and Mansfield.

Norton and Foxboro as well, have easy access to Providence and are nice family friendly towns. Excellent medical providers at the new complex near Gillette Stadium; they are part of the Brigham-Women's and Beth Israel healthcare system in Boston. To the OP coming from south FL, everything is better in the northeast except the winter weather.

[cesara]

Thank you for your replies! I feel like I have somewhere to start now, instead of an overwhelming blank canvas.

I am absolutely not looking forward to the weather -- I bundle up in 65 degree weather. But I love the history and the character of the landscape.