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The real estate sites keep pinging me on the Blackstone division of Providence. The houses look cute.
Without seeing any of these places in person, I'm noticing a trend in all of these RI towns of much pride of ownership and more unique houses and interiors with personality than in Massachusetts, unique in a good sense. More variation on styles, not just square boxes and mcMansions, more mid level homes where owners have used the interior spaces cleverly. People seem to enjoy their homes. Also proportionality larger kitchens. Or maybe it's the RISD influence?
As well you should like the Blackstone neighborhood of the East Side. It is among the most expensive in Rhode Island with houses generally selling for from $500,000 - $2,000,000. Almost all have been architecturally designed. Not so sure RISD had much to do with it, but the school's sensibilities can be felt across College Hill and the rest of the East Side.
As well you should like the Blackstone neighborhood of the East Side. It is among the most expensive in Rhode Island with houses generally selling for from $500,000 - $2,000,000. Almost all have been architecturally designed. Not so sure RISD had much to do with it, but the school's sensibilities can be felt across College Hill and the rest of the East Side.
Well, I am bookmarking Blackstone homes for below $400,000. Good news for me if I get the lowest priced home in the most expensive neighborhood.
Actually, there are 39 cities and towns in RI. Within those are villages. Only Connecticut and RI organize this way as opposed to county primacy.
Here are very brief descriptions of the 39 cities and towns ranked according to something ???- the site does not specify the criteria- but Central Falls is #39 if that hints at anything. Hopkinton is # 12 (or thereabouts- which I thought very odd)
As far as the Blackstone neighborhood goes, the few houses under 400k will be very modest on small lots and will not be on very good streets. There are no bargains here- even the higher priced houses will have kitchens and bathrooms that need renovating. Most of the homes here were built in the 1920s through the 1930s with a smattering of developments from the 40's and 50s. These are anchored by the old farmhouses from colonial and slightly later times which gave up their land for development (like the 1731 farmhouse on Cole Farm Ct.). The only new houses will be a scattering here and there in the 800k range. It's a great neighborhood- don't get me wrong and don't be discouraged- but be prepared to pay the price and do the work required on the house- and then pay the taxes. A nice place here can easily cost you 8-10k a year in taxes and go up from there.
You could, of course, go the condo route (shudder).
I've lived in the Blackstone area for many years and know the area house by house, street by street. Personally, I would not move from here because of the fabulous amenities and general convenience to the city without the down side of being too near the colleges. Also check the Providence Plan website on line for border designations (make sure it's actually in Blackstone!) and neighborhood demographics.
Well, I am bookmarking Blackstone homes for below $400,000. Good news for me if I get the lowest priced home in the most expensive neighborhood.
Smart thinking! In the last year, a foreclosure house needing work sold in Blackstone on beautiful Grotto Avenue for $390,000. And even more recently another (needing less work) sold on the same block for under $430,000. Most buyers considering the Blackstone neighborhood want "done." If your willing to "do" you may find what you want. But, you should be prepared to do work or accept "dated" interiors circa 1965-1990. Best of Luck!
I'm not trying to rain on anyone's scoop and I do apologize but I know that the houses you mention are situated on a ten foot drop in elevation from the street behind which has resulted in major flooding of basements on that street. The rear gardens are built against retaining walls- something Californians will be familiar with. The houses themselves are the worst examples of cheap 50s ranches- I've been in them. You really have to be very careful in home buying!!! Grotto is a great street and I know of a couple of properties that have been completely rebuilt to higher standards. The street rises in elevation as one heads west.
However, if you do find a real bargain- be sure to let me know first- I'll buy it!! chuckle chuckle
Always: Location - Location. The Grotto bargains I mention do set lower with high retainers behind. Perhaps an expensive fix. However, there is nothing but park like woodland across the street: Rare in Providence and Priceless!
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