Woonsocket 411

Submitted by Comfortable-Dog-4333 t3_10xk98x in RhodeIsland

Hey All! My husband and I got a grant to buy a home. We have to purchase in RI as that is one of the stipulations. Our budget is not huge, and we currently live in MA. We like to be more northern RI to be closer to his family. In your opinion, where are the "good areas" in Woonsocket? We live in a city in MA now and we can handle it, but I don't want to fear for my life. Lol Second question is should we look into North Providence instead? Sure, Cumberland, Scituate, Burrillville, Lincoln, Smithfield would be nicer, but we might not be able to afford it so trying to figure out the best option if we had to move to Woonsocket. What should avoid? Thanks so much! Xoxo

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MonicaPVD t1_j7u37w9 wrote

Take some time this weekend to drive through the city. The contrast between neighborhoods is stark and obvious. Woony has some run down neighborhoods that reflect pervasive poverty, and some leafy beautiful neighborhoods with magnificent homes, mostly bordering the surrounding suburbs, and some nice neighborhoods in between. It won't take you very long to figure out where you might want to own. North Providence will be more expensive for a comparable home, as it is basically an extension of the overheated Providence housing market due to its immediate proximity.

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KeepYrGlitterDry t1_j7u3ae1 wrote

Paradis Ave used to have a bad reputation years ago, not sure how it is now. I always found that strange because it didn't obviously look like the most run down area in Woonsocket.

From what I remember, the northern parts bordering MA are nice, same with area bordering North Smithfield.

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CoffeeMilkSteaks t1_j7ub9wk wrote

I grew up in East Woonsocket and its a very nice area. The North End is a nice area too. Prices in North Providence are going to be higher then Woonsocket for a comparable home due to being close to Providence. I wouldn't rule out any of those cities you mentioned. The prices might be higher in general but you might be able to still find something that will fit your needs.

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canibringmydog t1_j7ubh9r wrote

We live in the Blackstone part of Woonsocket - and we love it. Some of these homes are selling for dang near a 500k tho.

I also really like Lincoln and North Smithfield.

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stosyfir t1_j7ughtc wrote

Just make sure you check any properties you look at if they take FHA loan purchases - IIRC that's all RIH offers and some properties can't be bought with them.

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Sparkleshart t1_j81c2n9 wrote

Woonsocket and North Providence are wildly different. NP is very much a suburb of providence, whereas Woonsocket is…Woonsocket. If you have/want children, the NP school system is ranked significantly higher. It’s also in great proximity to PVD and everything you’d want to do in the city - I’ve rarely paid more than $10 for an Uber on the weekend.

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Comfortable-Dog-4333 OP t1_j81e36o wrote

Thanks for your insight! The more people I talk to, the more they tell me that North Providence is a better choice between the two! I appreciate it.

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Sparkleshart t1_j81ge3d wrote

I grew up in NP (I’m 40) and left for about 11 years, bought a house here in 2020. It’s got issues, like anywhere else, but overall I’m happy here.

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Cash50911 t1_j7u4vwv wrote

Grant?

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Comfortable-Dog-4333 OP t1_j7uho6m wrote

If you want to use the grant, apply quick. It's going to go fast. Once the money is gone, I don't believe they will offer it again. We tried for a similar grant in MA. It was supposed to last 6 mons. And it only lasted for 2 months before it ran out.

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Mg962 t1_j7x0xva wrote

Check out bernon and east woonsocket. East wonsocket is mostly single families and bernon is multifamilies. The north end is big ole houses, most have been split into multifamilies. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me, born and raised there.

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huh_phd t1_j83zg8k wrote

Woonsocket is either very cramped or very old super large mill owner homes. What's your budget?

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