Feb 2023 Move

Submitted by execdad t3_z9xqg2 in providence

Hey everyone, I'm considering moving to Providence in February timeframe. I'm a 40+, recently divorced gay guy looking at the downtown area, and open to suggestions.

I prefer not to need a vehicle, so walking or bike proximity to groceries and services (dry cleaners, bars/restaurants, banks, etc.) is important. To that end, I'd like to be able to walk or bike to work. I'll work near Ship & Eddy streets if that helps add some context.

I've seen a lot of other posts that talk about Federal Hill and Fox Point and see the bridge from Fox Point that would put me close to work, but are they generally gay-friendly? Safety is pretty important to me since I'll have no bearings for the first few weeks/months.

Places I've seen online that have caught my eye -
The Westminster Lofts(https://www.apartments.com/westminster-lofts-providence-ri/pwwslnt/) and Nightingale (https://www.apartments.com/nightingale-providence-ri/cfbpxfg/)

I'm making a trip up in January to spend a week and do some tours. I would greatly appreciate any insights on where I should focus my search.

And if you have a bar recommendation, maybe I can buy you a beer to say thanks!

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CocaineSlippers t1_iyj8klw wrote

Providence has a vibrant LGBTQ community, you'll feel comfortable here

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execdad OP t1_iyjhzx4 wrote

I've read that Downtown is pretty friendly, and it looks like several of the gay bars are in the Downtown area. I'm completely open to locations outside of downtown, but also just thinking about keeping things within walking distance so I don't rack up a ton of Uber fees.

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CocaineSlippers t1_iyjmg81 wrote

Check out Dark Lady, The Alley Cat, Stable, Etc. I live downtown and my girlfriend and I frequent a lot of the gay bars/clubs despite being straight because the vibes are cool.

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execdad OP t1_iyk9zhk wrote

That’s awesome to hear. I will put them on the list!

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TShandy t1_iyjgbh9 wrote

Lived in Fox Point for years, walk quite a bit around the neighborhood. It's safe and pedestrian friendly. There are a number of queer owned businesses and AFAIK, it's a welcoming place for gay people.

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execdad OP t1_iyji4lj wrote

Do you walk over the bridge much? Is it safe to walk from downtown to Fox Point?

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TShandy t1_iyjnqco wrote

Just walked down to the bridge today, worst part was climbing back up the hill! In my experience, it's quite safe. To add, that walk (Fox Point to the ped bridge) is through or around Brown's campus, so crime-wise, it's as safe as it gets.

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FunLife64 t1_iyki1ah wrote

The most dangerous part is the wind. Literally it’s always windy there.

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zebrawithflowers t1_iyjnmb2 wrote

What time of day are you thinking? I'm assuming that since you mentioned bars, you might walk home late at night.

As a 51yo woman, I might not walk it alone between 10pm and 4am, but maybe I would. If I were a man, I'd probably have no qualms doing so.

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execdad OP t1_iyk9nda wrote

Yeah I wouldn’t be out too late. Maybe 12/1230 coming home from the bars. I don’t mind ubering but I’d rather walk it off if I can!

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FunLife64 t1_iyji606 wrote

Basically the roughest areas in Rhode Island and interactions with gays would be like encountering Roland Schitt.

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execdad OP t1_iyk9iik wrote

Hahahaha that made me literally laugh out loud.

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ProvBroker t1_iyj87s6 wrote

I manage a couple of units downcity (one on Washington, one on Westminster) that you might be interested in. If you DM me we can exchange info and I can send you links/pics/walkthroughs

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jbs918 t1_iyk9lvu wrote

Not sure where you're moving from, but I moved to New England from Dallas, TX. I was in the Worcester, MA, area for 2 years and have lived in East Providence for over a year. My general take is that people in NE don't care about your sexuality. For context, I'm a 40 yo queer white male.

Having said that, downtown Providence can be a little rough at night depending on what's happening. There was a weekend festival going on and I was downtown having a good time. I told a guy on the sidewalk that he was hot and he assaulted me.

As mentioned previously, Stable, Alley Cat/Dark Lady, and Eagle are the main queer bars in PVD. All are within walking distance of each other and have friendly vibes. There is also EGO, but it's more for the folks in their 20s. There are also a couple of places specifically for extracurricular activities.

Not sure I would live here without a vehicle, but I guess if you're only staying downtown that could be fine. There is so much of New England to explore with a vehicle. Make your way out to Provincetown.

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FunLife64 t1_iykig1y wrote

No offense but cat calling a random stranger walking by is not the smartest move. And can be perceived as sexual harassment.

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jbs918 t1_iykp21j wrote

No offense taken. Thanks for the advice.

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Dextrous456 t1_iykqnzf wrote

I have a single gay friend about your age who lives on Arnold St in Fox Point. He walks home from the downtown bars quite often, using the pedestrian bridge. I would say that the Atwells Ave part of Federal Hill has had more issues, because of a few bars there. Those issues may have been solved. It's a lot gayer as you go towards Broadway and towards the Armory neighborhood. The distance to your job is still walkable from west of I-95, but it's not as convenient as downtown or Fox Point would be.

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nygrl811 t1_iykrkck wrote

Jewelery District/Fox Point would be my suggestion as well. A good friend lives in the Jewelery District (near where you indicate your job will be) and she loves the neighborhood. And she doesn't drive. That area in general is walkable and has a lot of bus lines for when you want to go farther afield.

Welcome, I hope you love it here!!

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execdad OP t1_iyndf49 wrote

Thanks for the info, and looking forward to it!

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