Portsmouth? Tiverton? (Providence, East Providence, Newport: real estate, houses, luxury)

[izzy2017]

Good morning!
My husband is in the early stages of interviewing with a company in Newport, RI. We currently live in the Portland, OR area so we're flying a little blind on what it would be like to move to RI. We'd like to get a sense of what the cost of living is and what it's like there before he goes any further in this process.

My dad grew up in Barrington and East Providence so I have a little (very outdated) knowledge of the area but mostly East Providence which seemed pretty urban to me as a kid. I remember thinking Barrington was pretty.

We can spend around 700K for a home. We have two kids that we would like to attend Catholic school, they are both middle school age. We'd like a smaller town or semi-rural community that isn't too far from necessary shopping. We'd like to be accepted into a community and meet people. My husband would absolutely like to avoid a crappy commute.

Any thoughts for us? Is Portsmouth nice? Or is Tiverton or Barrington more what we're looking for? I appreciate your help!

-Izzy

[Hollytree]

There's a Catholic school in Middletown and there's at least 2 in Portsmouth. Either of those towns would be fine according to your criteria and would give a short commute. I wouldn't go as far as Barrington if I were you- that puts you over the Mt Hope Bridge every day. I don't think there's a Catholic school in Tiverton.

I would think the cost of living would compare favorably to Portland, which I hear has gotten very pricey. The housing market in RI is hot right now as well, however, you should do OK with your budget. I just counted about 4 to 5 houses to choose from bet. 650000 to 750000 between both towns.
All depends on what kind of house you want- you could also get something between 500-600.

[independent man]

Originally Posted by izzy2017

Good morning!
My husband is in the early stages of interviewing with a company in Newport, RI. We currently live in the Portland, OR area so we're flying a little blind on what it would be like to move to RI. We'd like to get a sense of what the cost of living is and what it's like there before he goes any further in this process.

My dad grew up in Barrington and East Providence so I have a little (very outdated) knowledge of the area but mostly East Providence which seemed pretty urban to me as a kid. I remember thinking Barrington was pretty.

We can spend around 700K for a home. We have two kids that we would like to attend Catholic school, they are both middle school age. We'd like a smaller town or semi-rural community that isn't too far from necessary shopping. We'd like to be accepted into a community and meet people. My husband would absolutely like to avoid a crappy commute.

Any thoughts for us? Is Portsmouth nice? Or is Tiverton or Barrington more what we're looking for? I appreciate your help!

-Izzy

You'll do fine, providing the children go to catholic school. Your house budget will get you something nice, if not luxury, with 3 or 4 bedrooms, in the Newport/Portsmouth/Middletown locus. However, forget Jamestown real estate, your budget will only get you a small house in the Shores or village there. No need to consider Barrington and its crappy commute if you're not interested in the public schools. As for Tiverton, it's a beautiful rural town in your budget, but may be a commute you don't want. Working in Newport in the summer means staying as close to work as possible. You've chosen a lovely part of our state!

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by izzy2017

Good morning!
My husband is in the early stages of interviewing with a company in Newport, RI. We currently live in the Portland, OR area so we're flying a little blind on what it would be like to move to RI. We'd like to get a sense of what the cost of living is and what it's like there before he goes any further in this process.

My dad grew up in Barrington and East Providence so I have a little (very outdated) knowledge of the area but mostly East Providence which seemed pretty urban to me as a kid. I remember thinking Barrington was pretty.

We can spend around 700K for a home. We have two kids that we would like to attend Catholic school, they are both middle school age. We'd like a smaller town or semi-rural community that isn't too far from necessary shopping. We'd like to be accepted into a community and meet people. My husband would absolutely like to avoid a crappy commute.

Any thoughts for us? Is Portsmouth nice? Or is Tiverton or Barrington more what we're looking for? I appreciate your help!

-Izzy

If you have not done so already, you will get up to date information of homes/prices/taxes etc. available at this RI Realtors'/MLS website: www.riliving.com Enter your criteria by town/city, price range etc. From Barrington, your best bet is to go through Bristol to get to Portsmouth then Newport. Although living in/near Portsmouth is the shortest route and will eliminate bridge(s) to Newport. Best wishes.

[izzy2017]

Thank you all! This is very helpful.