public transportation here is nothing like bostons unfortunately

I thought you were moving to Michigan?

Pawtucket just by the border of lippit park / oak hill yes? It’s cheaper but not that much cheaper. East side is closer to Brookline / sville / Watertown vibe (pre t extension!). Public transport isn’t great (t is better even tho the t is still lacking in context).

Providence can feel very black and white. Anything on the east side within a 20 min walk of brown is basically extended college housing lol, and it very rapidly stops feeling like a city. When I visit my friends in Boston, I’m always surprised how habitable city blocks (that have food, bars, etc. And aren’t just super tall office buildings) seem to go on for forever, where everything feels contained and small here. I personally like it, but it might not be what you’re looking for. The transit is only by bus, and can be annoying at times - the buses can run really late as the day goes on. Pawtucket is 1000% too far to still feel like you’re living in the city - I’m halfway between Pawtucket and downtown and it feels like urban ish suburbs, haha

If Somerville or Brookline were in RI, they would be expensive.

Somerville and Brookline would be better towns to live in than Providence itself, IMHO.

Sorry, I don’t think this area is a good fit for you based on your description. I’m from here but lived around the Boston area for 10 years during and after college, including Somerville for 3+ years. I like Providence better than anywhere I lived up there (which is why I moved back) but if you’re looking for a like-for-like comparison, this ain’t it.

Pawtucket is a run-down old mill town with a lot of great restaurants and breweries and a cool art scene, but it doesn’t really feel like a city. The only transit here is the bus system (which is fine, but often unreliable) and the commuter rail which isn’t very useful for getting around within RI. If you like the feel of Brookline and Somerville, I would suggest living in Brookline or Somerville. You won’t find what you’re looking for here.

No

RI is a very small state. One can drive across the state in a hour. So most of the surrounding towns are very close to downtown Providence. Most are within 15-20 minutes. None of them are as large as Providence, or offer quite what Providence does, but several are densely populated, or have neighborhoods that are densely populated, so they feel more urban than suburban. However, within each town or city there are areas that aren’t as safe. You can go through prior posts to read about these areas.

It’s hard to give an answer without an idea of your price points.

Pawtucket will not feel like an extension of PVD.

I’d suggest looking at some coastal areas. Bristol, Pawtuxet Village, east Greenwich, etc. They are nicer areas and not cheap, but cheaper than the East Side generally.

They aren’t cities but walkable with things to do and within 10-20 min of PVD.

I’d also look closely at PVD. There are areas of the East Aide that aren’t as expensive and still walkable. Hope Village, for example.

Also if Brookline is an option for you, where exactly in PVD isn’t affordable????

I think suburbs of Boston and suburbs of Providence are much different. Boston is (obviously) larger and has waaaay more work opportunities so the “suburbs” spread goes a bit further out than here. I grew up with family in Brookline and LOVED the area and even though it’s quiet, it still feels like more of a city in my opinion.

Pawtucket is a quick drive into Providence. But you can’t catch a train or really take transportation, so it feels less accessible. When I’m in Brookline or Somerville, I still feel a part of the city. I guess that’s subjective, but to me it feels like a separate town. Some fun stuff to do but in no means a city or busting city suburb environment. If you’re looking for somewhat cheaper prices and a quieter experience, go for it.

Lots of Providence tends to feel like a big town with the look of a city. I like that, because it’s less hustle and bustle, more convenience (I like to drive lol). But lots of people get bored. I say this to everyone, but you really need to take a drive or even stay a few days and explore different neighborhoods and see how it feels. That’s how I figured out where I wanted to live. I love living here but I know so many people who it just isn’t for.

We are facing steep rent increases here. Besides the fact moving here would add to that housing crisis, I can't promise you will find the rents here affordable in a year or two. It costs a lot of money to move, I'd look for a cheaper state.

I wouldn't do Pawtucket. I moved here from Somerville. I like the walkability of Providence. I don't have many issues with the buses in general. I would just do East Side or Armory area.

Pawtucket is a dump