Providence vs Worcester for Family? (Pawtucket, Smithfield: apartments, lease, townhome)

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by PureBoston

The poor souls in Lexington and Concord manage to struggle by.

Originally Posted by independent man

Perhaps they choose a bigger house or better school, rather than the smell of salt air. To each his own.

The OP isn't looking to live in a high-end suburb near Boston (too expensive) or directly on salt water in RI (too far). Let's suggest some realistic options for the OP. It sounds like he would be good with an hour drive to Newport, Narragansett, or Westerly.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by Hollytree

I'm sure that the OP can find a neighborhood somewhere in Worcester with a decent elementary and then find a rental.

This is a case where I don't recommend living in RI until the OP becomes familiar with the whole area and that can be accomplished after a year or so.

A lot of people don't understand commuting distances in NE either. Best to live close to work initially unless that is impossible.

It doesn't seem like you are thinking about the OP's wife. She may not have job opportunities in the Worcester area.

They could end up in a situation where the wife is out of work for a year. That's the last thing a young couple needs.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by PureBoston

Why hedge toward Providence with an extremely weak job market? Halfway between Worcester and Boston makes more sense. Maybe Framingham.

The problem with those 146 towns is that while they offer a decent commute to either Providence or Worcester, a Boston area commute is pretty much out. Depending on what field the wife works in, that could be an issue as the job markets in both Providence and Worcester are limited in comparison. The only town in northern RI that's really commutable to the Boston area is Cumberland and maybe Lincoln, but those towns are pretty expensive these days (they are priced accordingly due to their proximity to Mass.).

[Hollytree]

Originally Posted by redplum33

It doesn't seem like you are thinking about the OP's wife. She may not have job opportunities in the Worcester area.

They could end up in a situation where the wife is out of work for a year. That's the last thing a young couple needs.

She may or may not. To say there are no jobs in Worcester or in Providence is ridiculous. It's an employee's market right now.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by Hollytree

She may or may not. To say there are no jobs in Worcester or in Providence is ridiculous. It's an employee's market right now.

Depends on the field.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by Hollytree

To say there are no jobs in Worcester or in Providence is ridiculous.

I don't disagree. I just think it's important to consider where her best chances are beforehand. Without double income, it could set them back years.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by massnative71

The problem with those 146 towns is that while they offer a decent commute to either Providence or Worcester, a Boston area commute is pretty much out.

The 146 towns aren't far from the commuter rail. The OP has said his wife wouldn't want to drive into Boston.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by redplum33

The 146 towns aren't far from the commuter rail.

What commuter rail is near North Smithfield, for example?

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by Hollytree

To say there are no jobs in Worcester or in Providence is ridiculous.

Also, keep in mind that the pay is typically higher in Boston. Sometimes much higher.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by massnative71

What commuter rail is near North Smithfield, for example?

Pawtucket/CF isn't far.