Moving to RI very soon!!

Submitted by lezzy723 t3_yx3xnb in providence

Hi all,

I just recently accepted a job in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and don't really have much time to do research on good/safe neighborhoods to find an apartment in. I'm not from the area and coming out to tour apartments is probably not likely. I was wondering if this community might have an idea of what apartment complexes or rental property management groups to avoid!

My budget is between the $1500 - $1800 range and some of the places I've seen have nice apartments/townhomes, but really inconsistent reviews. To give an idea of some places I've considered, I've been looking at The Residences at Brentwood and Shorewood Apartments in North Providence, Wayland Manor in East Providence, and Bullocks Point Townhomes in Riverside.

I'd love to get opinions on what apartments some of you live in or have lived in and why they are good/bad since my move is pretty sudden and I don't have much time to lock down a place to live.

Thanks!!

EDIT: Wow I am so grateful for all of your incredible advice and responses! I truly appreciate all the genuine feedback I have received in these comments. You all have helped calm my nerves about relocating to Providence and got me excited to move here! Thank you all so much.

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Comments

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Negative_Current_124 t1_iwn35qh wrote

This is a very common misconception, but Wayland Manor is on the East SIDE of Providence, not in East Providence, which is a completely different city. Wayland Manor is - far and away - in the best area on your list. Lots of convenience (shopping, things to do, etc.) within walking/biking distance. And, it's a beautiful old neighborhood developed during the streetcar period. I hope this helps.

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ApolloKid t1_iwn67ko wrote

>Wayland Manor

2nd this -- This is a great neighborhood with lots to do in walking distance. If I lived in Providence this is where I'd want to be

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orm518 t1_iwnec4z wrote

Wayland Square is a little older than my scene, I live over by my preference the Hope/Summit/Rochambeau little village/business district, but second or third the notion that Wayland Manor is the best location on OP’s list.

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biddeford1 t1_iwobj48 wrote

Agree with this - Wayland square is an absolutely lovely place to live with lots of green space and shops/restaurants and a short drive to Pawtucket!

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nodumbunny t1_iwo3gfh wrote

The Wayland Manor is a great place to live on the East Side while you're figuring out where you want to land longer term. It is the only full service apartment building in that area, and attracts a lot of people new to the area for that reason. If you like older architecture, that would be a plus.

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CiscoKind t1_iwnpt72 wrote

are you looking exclusively in RI?

attleboro is very close by and could probably be another location for housing as well.

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golden-mint t1_iwo6y79 wrote

Agreed. A family member lives in Brook Haven estates in Attleboro and they’re pretty decent apartments. I know they pay about $1400 for 2 beds 1 bath. And maintenance seems on top of things.

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lezzy723 OP t1_iwq68lw wrote

I did look into Attleboro but I guess my only concern is the tax rate in MA in comparison to RI. I'm not really sure how much of a difference it makes but everyone always tells me how expensive MA is. Do you have any thoughts on this?

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AppleseedRogue t1_iwn65f1 wrote

Rhode Islanders are almost afraid of any drive longer than 20 minutes. You can save a lot of money on rent and cost of living, if you don’t mind a commute. Warwick, East Greenwich, Coventry, all have lovely spots.

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leonpinneaple t1_iwn9hsw wrote

I moved here from the Midwest and people were and still are SHOCKED that I commute 45 minutes each way.

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milesri t1_iwn7mpj wrote

Wayland Manor is in a very good location BUT it is an old building and not in the greatest shape. Also very expensive considering it's age. It might be a good option in the short term while you're looking for something more permanent. Walkable to lots of restaurants and shops, grocery options, and nice walking paths.

One good thing about WM is it is built solidly. No trouble with noise from neighboring apartments while I was there. Noise from outside was sometimes an issue but not terrible.

Full disclosure I hated living at WM but some of it it was during the beginning of COVID and I was massively depressed so don't think I should make a blanket judgement.

Now I live down near Bullock's Point. Nice neighborhood but you'd need to drive a lot more. Also with the way we drive here the commute from BP to Pawtucket could get to be a daily grind. I'm a cranky old person so can't speak to night life and such.

Welcome to Rhode Island. Drive defensively.

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ExtremeSnipe t1_iwn5owg wrote

I just signed a lease for an apartment in Cranston. It ended up at $1650 for 860sqft. I went through about two months of apartment shopping.

I viewed some in Riverside (Parkway, Winchester) and they seemed okay. But having to cross over the bridge seems like a chore. However they have many units in your range. I heard lofts can be very hit-or-miss and their prices are skyrocketing. Some in Pawtucket are fairly affordable in terms of rent but heating it (especially with rising electricity rates) is a whole different story.

I'm also moving from out of state (out of country!).

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lezzy723 OP t1_iwq6o9h wrote

>I'm also moving from out of state (out of country!).

How exciting! I guess we'll both be new to the city.

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hollibomb t1_iwncayi wrote

Are you working at hasbro? Completely off topic lol

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lezzy723 OP t1_iwq5xpj wrote

No, but my company is right around the corner from the Hasbro building. Great guess though!

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EColli93 t1_iwnrc2s wrote

I vote for Bullocks Point! So nice in summer! Close to everything but still blissfully away.

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LMZN t1_iwoezwj wrote

I live in Beneficent House in downtown Providence. It’s in that price range and includes heat, a/c, and electricity. Has on site parking and underground parking.

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nodumbunny t1_iwobasx wrote

East side is an easy commute to Pawtucket and lots in your price range. In your shoes, I might try to get a sublet or furnished room, put my stuff in storage and really have a look around. Also you should know that most of the rental housing stock around here is in two- and three-family homes ... not apartment buildings or complexes. Welcome!

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Enjoi70 t1_iwoine5 wrote

Oak Hill Pawtucket if you can find something!

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Forsaken_Badger_ t1_iwnjcjs wrote

Here is the answer- do not live in Pawtucket.

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amblack_23 t1_iwnqklr wrote

I live in Providence (new here too) and work in North Providence. North Providence is nicer. Look into Johnston, just accept the fact that driving is gonna take a cool minute wherever you live.

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hodgeybeats t1_iwq3fnw wrote

What's the appeal of North Providence and Johnston?

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amblack_23 t1_iwq593s wrote

I'm from a small town in Texas. They both are not as busy not as loud. Everywhere here to me is loud but these two are kinda set back outside the big parts of the city but still close.

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Crispy_Cap t1_iwq7lk3 wrote

I live in Riverside (city of East Providence). It’s safe and quiet - not much happening, not many amenities. Access to providence and the east bay is the main reason I moved here, and I’m quite satisfied!

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AltruisticBowl4 t1_iwvkhd4 wrote

My hot take is that getting something from an individual landlord / owner will be cheaper and likely better quality than anything from the bigger management companies—I live in a beautiful 3 bedroom on the West side for $1500 that I rent directly from the owner (who lives on the third floor). I would be thoughtful about what neighborhoods you are interested in (and I second most of what's been said here: West side is nice, Pawtucket itself nearer to Hope, Cranston and Attleboro generally) and do some zoom walk throughs with people on Craigslist!

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heloguy1234 t1_iwn2gni wrote

You can drop the exclamation points. It’s not that exciting here.

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