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I did drive through and around Barrington a bit as I've heard many positive things about the schools, etc. however, it felt quite suburban and generic to me and it doesn't have a walkable, interesting "downtown" area. Have not visited East Greenwich . . . Is it more vibrant and unique?
It is definitely more unique than Barrington. Some interesting shops where you'd actually purchase something... and there have been music shops on Main Street. Not sure if they are still there. I have no reason to go to EG these days.
I did drive through and around Barrington a bit as I've heard many positive things about the schools, etc. however, it felt quite suburban and generic to me and it doesn't have a walkable, interesting "downtown" area. Have not visited East Greenwich . . . Is it more vibrant and unique?
Yes, it is Grace. The downtown is very walkable, nice shops, restaurants downtown and in the general area are very popular; as well as nice waterfront dining. The Hill & Harbor District of East Gr. may interest you, many historic homes, lovely area. The Wickford area of East Gr. is also on the water and is very quaint. There are many advantages to living in the "South County" area of RI especially if you work out of the home. Easy access to the major interstates and to the City of of Prov., everything that you need in the realm of nice shopping, excellent food and grocery shopping choices (Whole Foods etc.), access to all the best beaches, easy to get to Newport RI or Mystic CT etc. Plenty of community spirit in East Gr., and highly rated schools.
Here is the link for the East Gr. Chamber of Commerce, and a link for charming Wickford. Hope this helps.
Here is the Rhode Island MLS public website if I haven't already given it to you; a great resource for getting up to date information on home prices and locations, tax information and more.
Yes, it is Grace. The downtown is very walkable, nice shops, restaurants downtown and in the general area are very popular; as well as nice waterfront dining. The Hill & Harbor District of East Gr. may interest you, many historic homes, lovely area. The Wickford area of East Gr *. is also on the water and is very quaint. There are many advantages to living in the "South County" area of RI especially if you work out of the home. Easy access to the major interstates and to the City of of Prov., everything that you need in the realm of nice shopping, excellent food and grocery shopping choices (Whole Foods etc.), access to all the best beaches, easy to get to Newport RI or Mystic CT etc. Plenty of community spirit in East Gr., and highly rated schools.
Here is the link for the East Gr. Chamber of Commerce, and a link for charming Wickford. Hope this helps.
Here is the Rhode Island MLS public website if I haven't already given it to you; a great resource for getting up to date information on home prices and locations, tax information and more.
Spent time in East Greenwich which seems to have more going for it than Bristol, but not enough of what I'm after . . . NBPT to me is far more charming, however the housing options leave much to be desired. Historic, meaning small rooms, low ceilings, minimal detail, zero lots/parking but ultra high priced.
Also spent more time in the East Side of Providence's Wayland Square and found it very appealing and comfortable with a great mix of people. And as opposed to my aforementioned views on NBPT housing, the area seems to have many more architecturally interesting, even stunning condos and single family residences around there and Blackstone. But as much as I've frequently enjoyed visiting cities such as Manhattan and Boston, I've only been a visitor staying in the nicest hotels as opposed to really knowing what it's like day-to-day. Also have a third grader to be concerned with and don't want the commitment of an expensive private school . . . These are the loops that continue going round and round . . .
Another point for Providence over Newburyport is the weather is often a touch warmer in RI, and the beaches here have water you can actually swim in, and less traffic.
Another point for Providence over Newburyport is the weather is often a touch warmer in RI, and the beaches here have water you can actually swim in, and less traffic.
Yes, the biggest difference is with the water temperature. I only venture to Salisbury/Hampton Beaches if the air is 90+ degrees (and the water still feels frigid). Otherwise, Narragansett/2nd Beach Newport is where I go. Much more pleasant and physically nicer as well.
There are many unique and interesting shops and restaurants (and I am from NYC.) You can look some of these up. Most have web sits and or Facebook pages.
Restaurants:
Ceia
Loretta
Brown Sugar by The Sea
Andiamo
Glenn's Cool Bar
Michael's Harborside
David's on Brown Square
The Grog
Port Tavern
17 State Street Cafe
The Black Cow
Enzo
Jewel in The Crown
Agave
Mission Oak Grill
Hana Japan
Oregano's
10 Center Street
Purple Onion
Starboard Galley
Plum Island Grill
Not Your Ad. Joes
Park Lunch
Mr. India
Etc., etc.
Bakeries:
Gretta's Great Grains
Eat Cake
Buttermilk Baking Co
Chococoa
Panera Bread
Abrahams Bagels
Cafe di Sienna
Coffee:
Dunkin Donuts
Starbucks
Plum Island Coffee Roasters
Shops:
Souffles
Valerie's Gallery
Best of British
Valentine's
JL Combs
Bobbles and Lace
Urban Elements
French Lessons
John Farley Clothiers
Talbots
Dyno Records
Soak
Lively Kids
Children's Orchard
The Black Dog
Life is Good
MK Winstons
Kaya
Partridge in a Bear Tree
Winfrey's
Ireland on the Square
Annie's
Brass Lyon
Sisters We Three
Smitten
Lizology
Ganesh Imports
Wishbasket
Red Bird
Bird Watcher
Etc.
Consignment shops/vintage clothing:
Modern Millie
Gentry's
Pandora's Box
ReNew Revolution
Little Bit of Naples
Pets:
Pawsitively Best Friends
The Natural Dog
Village Pet Shop
Toys:
Eureka!
The Dragon's Nest
Bookstores:
The Book Rack
Jaberwocky
Antiques:
Oldies Marketplace
Flukes Finds and Friends
Etc.
Wine and Cheese, sandwiches, specialty foods:
Joppa Fine Foods
Grand Trunk Old World Market
The Natural Grocer
Fowles
Tendercrop Farms
Stonewall Kitchen
Liquor, wine and craft beer:
Leary's
New England Wine and Spirits
Port Wine and Spirits
Arts/Music:
Theater in The Open
Custom House Maritime Museum
The Firehouse
Many Galleries
The Newburyport Art Association
The Musical Suite
Piel Craftsmen
The Artists Playground
Gyms/Yoga:
Latitude
Metro Rock
Fuel
Planet Fitness
Natural High
Vanguard Key Clubs
Repose
Yoga Center
Many salons like Interlocks and Inn Street Barber Shop
This does not even count Salisbury, Amesbury, Portsmouth, NH-super close!
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