Possible New Gig in Providence...What are the best Schools, places to live, and activities in the area? (apartment complexes)

[AricaMichelle]

I have a potential job offer in Providence, RI. I have never been to RI before so I know absolutely nothing about the city or state. I have a 6th grade daughter who needs to go to some sort of a performing arts school (she sings, dances, and acts and has been going to performing arts schools since Kindergarten)...this is my top priority as far as where I live. What is the average cost of a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in the Providence/Boston area? I would like to live in a family friendly area where the cost of living is not too expensive but also an area that is urbanized and has activities, shopping and a park in walking/bike riding distance. Boston is really close to Providence so if I need to move in between the two cities to get what I want I am willing to do that. Any advise or help from anyone who lives or who has lived in the area is most appreciated!

[ocngypz]

Where are you coming from?

Expensive is all relative depending upon one's prior experience.

With a child, Boston is not an option for you for living if you are working in Providence. And it is more expensive than Providence and the burbs.

[AricaMichelle]

I currently live in Houston, Tx. I grew up in Indianapolis, In. I moved to Houston in 2008 for a job and I may be moving again in September if I get this new position I'm hoping and praying for. I am willing to commute to Providence for work if the best school for my daughter is some where outside Providence whether that be in a suburb or another city.

[AnExTexan]

It's going to be more expensive than Houston, unless you were living in Clear Lake or something. The humidity will remind you of home, at least

[Snowball7]

spend some time looking through this RI forum
there is tons of info.

[Hollytree]

Do you need a six grade school that is primarily arts or just an arts program in addition to the school? Private or public?

[dgthree]

commute to the city won't be a problem from most of the State. So your possibilities about a future town/city to land is almost endless.

[AricaMichelle]

I like to support public school as much as possible but if the private school offers scholarships and is a quality performing arts school I would consider enrolling her in one. When i speak of a performing arts school I mean a performing arts "magnet" school or a school that incorporates performing arts in their curriculum. What is the average cost for renting a 2br/2ba in the Providence area?

[Hollytree]

You could first call the RI Department of Education to find out about arts magnet schools. I've heard of them for high school level but don't know about elementary level- but there may be some.

If you located in the Providence area, you'd be looking at upwards of $1200 for a 2/2 in a decent neighborhood. You'd probably need to look for a condo or townhouse for rent- there won't be a great deal available in the 2 bath category. You might not even end up in the Providence area depending on what school you locate - so rentals will go according to town. RI has nothing like Houston's endless apartment complexes.
Our housing stock is much more varied and usually much older.

[AricaMichelle]

Are there any apartment locators, websites, or magazines that Providence renters go to in order to make their searches easier? I've been all over the internet and Craigslist isnt very helpful.