Best Providence Area Neighborhoods (North Providence, Bristol: best neighborhood, apartments, rentals) - Rhode Island (RI) - City-Data Forum

CharlieD · 11-10-2007, 03:14 AM

Hi. My boyfriend and i are going to move to the Providence area next June and I was wondering if anyone could give their opinion on the best neighborhood to live in.
We would like to live in an area with a lot of historic houses, because we want to rent an apartment out of one. A two bedroom apartment for $800 or less would be ideal for us (I've seen lots of them on craigslist, so that shouldnt be a problem). We would also like an area that has shops/bars and at least a small market within walking distance.
I've seen a lot of people make comments about certain areas being 'bad', but as long as there arent burglaries and robberies going on in the neighborhood, we're not to worried about it being a 'bad' neighborhood. We're coming from LA, so we're used to bad neighborhoods. We really just want a cool, historic area with a few interesting/fun things to do that are within walking distance. Thank you for all your suggestions/comments!

GermanSpy · 11-10-2007, 12:32 PM

If you want a lot of historic homes in Providence you'll find those on the East Side. The rents will be fairly steep there. Another places with historic houses would be Bristol on the Eastbay and Wickford on the Westbay, both of those will be in commuting distance to Providence.

Now, to be honest, I strongly doubt that you'll find an adequate apartment in a historic home for 800 dollars. There's a difference between historic and just plain old.

If you do indeed have your heart set on a true historic home be advised that while these places look gorgeous from the outside and inside, especially if restored well; there's still a catch. If you've got antique plaster walls the owner won't have those destroyed to put insulation in there. If you've got a fireplace in every room that means you need to keep that fireplace active otherwise it will suck the heat right out. If the windows are 200 years old and have bubbled glass the sunlight will throw beautiful patterns on the wooden floor but you'll feel the draft everytime you walk by. Not all historic homes are very livable, especially during a hard New England winter.

Nevertheless, good luck with your search.

CharlieD · 11-10-2007, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't thought about the old windows. I guess we're looking more for an apartment in an old-style house. I've been looking on craigslist to get an idea of what Providence has to offer, but I've only seen a few houses with newer windows. I'll have to ask about it when I'm looking at places. I'm surprised to hear that I won't find a 2 bedroom for $800, though. I've seen many 1 & 2 bedroom places for $800 or less. Maybe they're not as great as they look in the pictures though.....Thanks again!

GermanSpy · 11-10-2007, 06:44 PM

Well, it all depends. You'll be able to find a 2BR place for under 800, sure. Will it be a good deal...not so sure. It's wintertime now and rents are usually coming down a little around this time of the year. In the summertime, you'll compete for rentals again and you'll probably be looking at more than 800 for a decent 2 BR. Keep in mind also that you'll be moving in June when it's hot. In the summertime you can live in the most drafty place in RI and it'll feel allright. The big surprise comes when Winter rolls around and you'll find yourself paying ridiculous money just to stay semi warm.

So when you move in find out about how the heat's supplied. Check the windows, ask about insulation. Best thing is usually if you can interview the former tenant. While this is not always possible of course you'll sure get the skinny on how chilly the place is (or not) when the snow's on the ground.

Good luck.

CharlieD · 11-11-2007, 02:22 PM

Thanks....You've given me some important things to consider, I hope we'll find a decent place when the time comes.

mr2448 · 11-11-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieD

Hi. My boyfriend and i are going to move to the Providence area next June and I was wondering if anyone could give their opinion on the best neighborhood to live in.
We would like to live in an area with a lot of historic houses, because we want to rent an apartment out of one. A two bedroom apartment for $800 or less would be ideal for us (I've seen lots of them on craigslist, so that shouldnt be a problem). We would also like an area that has shops/bars and at least a small market within walking distance.
I've seen a lot of people make comments about certain areas being 'bad', but as long as there arent burglaries and robberies going on in the neighborhood, we're not to worried about it being a 'bad' neighborhood. We're coming from LA, so we're used to bad neighborhoods. We really just want a cool, historic area with a few interesting/fun things to do that are within walking distance. Thank you for all your suggestions/comments!

$800 in the best Providence area filled with historic homes is tough. The Broadway area will be your best bet. This area is filled with historic homes from the late 19th century and early 20th century. Old victorians that were once single familes are now multi apartment buildings. Broadway now has many new restaurants and shops. A younger crowd has made this area home and yet it is still filled with families. To the north is Atwells Ave. It is the Italian Restaurant center of the city, but it also includes other ethnic restaurants and pizza shops. You would be within walking distance of Providence Place and Westminister Street. The main shopping areas of the city. To the south of Broadway is Westminster Street. An improving area but still rough around the edges. BTW don't forget to put away about $200 per month for winter heating with the price of oil being $3 pg.

CharlieD · 11-13-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr2448

$800 in the best Providence area filled with historic homes is tough. The Broadway area will be your best bet. This area is filled with historic homes from the late 19th century and early 20th century. Old victorians that were once single familes are now multi apartment buildings. Broadway now has many new restaurants and shops. A younger crowd has made this area home and yet it is still filled with families. To the north is Atwells Ave. It is the Italian Restaurant center of the city, but it also includes other ethnic restaurants and pizza shops. You would be within walking distance of Providence Place and Westminister Street. The main shopping areas of the city. To the south of Broadway is Westminster Street. An improving area but still rough around the edges. BTW don't forget to put away about $200 per month for winter heating with the price of oil being $3 pg.

Thank you for the tips! The Broadway/Atwells area sounds very much like what we are looking for. We like places with character, and it sounds like that area has got it. We have thought about the cost of winter heating, but I didn't think it would be quite that much! So thanks for the tip on that, too.

Move2ATL · 11-18-2007, 12:34 PM

You guys should look into the Elmhurst/Mt. Pleasant area of town. Even check into North Providence. I would not move to the Broadway area. Talking about crime...Do not move there. It used to be a nice area way back in the day. Yes there are plenty of restaurants there but it's ghetto there. Trust me.

jtgorham · 11-20-2007, 03:15 PM

I think you can find an apartment with some historical signifcance in the Praire Ave/ Potters area.

professorsenator · 11-21-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Move2ATL

You guys should look into the Elmhurst/Mt. Pleasant area of town. Even check into North Providence. I would not move to the Broadway area. Talking about crime...Do not move there. It used to be a nice area way back in the day. Yes there are plenty of restaurants there but it's ghetto there. Trust me.

I'd stick to the East Side, if possible--avoid crossing to the west side of I-95 (crime etc. is worse on that side). Also, don't forget that parking can be a big issue in old apartments. Lots of old apartments don't have off-street parking, or only have parking for one car. So be sure and check that out.