Woonsocket (Providence, Cumberland: apartment, low crime, house)

[sezz]

I read not-so-good things about Woonsocket here. But we found this very nice house on Coe Street adjoining Globe park. We paid a visit there, it looked quiet & safe then. Are any of you familiar with the area? We are moving there from Boston & looking for a quiet safe neighborhood. Thanks !

[1979]

I lived in Woonsocket for a little while and worked as an intern at Landmark hospital. In spite of Woonsocket being a poor city, it does have a relatively low crime rate. It has a large elderly population, many of which own many of the triple deckers apartment buildings you see throughout the city. It actually has quite a lot for a city that is only 8 square miles. Finding intellectual conversation might be a bit of a challenge, but it could be a nice break from paying considerably higher cost of living bills in the Boston metro area.

[mikey2]

My wife (and her entire extended family) is from Woonsocket and we pretty much know the city inside out.

Coe St is in one of several areas that would be okay.

I would just spend plenty of time in Woonsocket and make sure you (and your family) are okay about moving there.

It definitely has been a city in decline (like so many in the U.S.) for about 40 years now. It would be hard to imagine how vibrant Woonsocket was through the 1960's.

Another issue is the school system if you have kids.....

Good Luck,

Mikey

[Panda09]

I grew up in Rhode Island and lived in Woonsocket for the last 9 years. The area you are talking about is a good neighborhood. I lived in the Bernon area and thought my kids where going to a great elementry school until I moved. It is decent for a city school but my kids are getting a better education now!

I moved because I didn't want my kids going to the middle school. If that tells you anything. If you can afford private schools go that route! I would also check out other areas, cumberland, lincoln and blackstone mass. You would be living in a city and crime was on the rise when I left last year. My nice little neighborhood was starting to feel the effects.

Good Luck!

[mikey2]

...yeah I spent a zillion hours playing tennis at Bernon Park years ago, and went to high school at Mt. St. Charles.

I agree with what Panda said....if you can get into Cumberland, Lincoln, or Blackstone (Mass)... that's really the best way to go.

Mikey

[sezz]

Thanks everyone! We don't have any kids, so no worrying about schools yet. We are particularly interested in a walkable neighborhood & I thought Globe park would work great.(also the tennis court !) On the other hand, I was worried whether there would be unfriendly people hanging out in the park.

[ckhthankgod]

What about Beacon Charter, which is a small high school there? RI Charter Schools, Beacon Charter High School for the Arts

[chekitout]

What happened to the Friendly Cafe on Front Street? Had inlaws living next door.

[independent man]

Woonsockett is one of the most interesting cities in Rhode Island. And if you don't have children, all the better. Take a close look at the North End. It's very similiar to the East Side of Providence, but half the cost. It's very walkable and quiet. Because of its locale, it's out of the way from the rest of the city. No reason for anybody to be there unless they live there. It's not a cut through to somewhere else. And the housing stock is terrific. Lots of well maintained historic homes with hugh yards. Especially nice is the Winter Court hill off the corner of Harris and Winter Streets.

[survivor]

You really couldn't beat Woonsocket back in the fifties and sixties.Grew up there and had many good times but now the area has really declined and I would never move back.There was a time when a person could leave their house doors unlocked and the keys in the car overnight and never have a problem.Good luck in your search.