https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:46:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447363 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:05:29 +0000 Aliceinflipflops 447363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like you'll always have a pediatrician in walking distance - how convenient! :)</p> <p>The armory district is great, unfortunately schools there are not, which is the main reason we looked elsewhere. It does have a little "grittier" vibe than the east side. It's a neighborhood that is gentrifying right now - great neighborhood association, lots of young people moving in and making things awesome, but had been the "rougher part of town" for many years earlier. When we tell older RI/Providence natives where we live we get some gasps here and there. I would definitely keep an open mind while looking for apartments, but considering where you're coming from (and the awesome apartments you seem to be finding on the east side!) it sounds like the east side might be right for you. Another place you might want to look is the Oak Hill neighborhood in Pawtucket. It borders the east side so you have easy access to all the same amenities, but with lower taxes in Pawtucket you can sometimes find even cheaper rent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447341 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:54:39 +0000 Silva 447341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Aliceinflipflops: Thanks- this is so helpful! I've just been cruising Craigslist, and seem to be able to find apartments for 1000 or less that have what we are looking for (2 bedrooms + an office space or third bedroom, washer/dryer). In Burlington we have a tiny 2-bedroom for that cost, but we've been rent controlled for 4-years, and everything we look at here is at least 1200 and often not as nice as what I seem to be finding on CL. </p> <p>My husband will be training to be a pediatrician- I'm glad you like yours! Its also helpful to hear that the armory district would be a reasonable place to look for rentals- I've been only looking on the east side because of my cousin's recommendation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447335 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:46:28 +0000 Aliceinflipflops 447335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I kind of feel like comparing Providence to NYC is like comparing apples to feral cats - they are two very, very different living environments. @oliviaoblivia pretty much hits the nail on the head with her "overgrown town" response, but one with a lot of the amenities (food, art, culture) my husband and I knew we would miss when we left NY.</p> <p>We rented on the west side/armory district when we came in June and are buying on the east side, right off Hope Street. I knew rental prices were *much* lower than what we were paying in NY (we pay 1/2 of what we were paying for 3x the space) but I'm surprised to hear they are lower than VT as well! The west side was great but I love the east side and I'm so excited to move there, not only will we be able to walk to great parks, restaurants, libraries, and more, but also to our pediatrician! One of my favorite parts of "city life" is rarely getting in my car.</p> <p>I hate lessons in patience and acceptance, all too familiar with that from the job application process we had to go through to make this move happen. Good luck as you make your decision and wait for the results, happy to share any information I can as your progress with the move! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447329 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:43:01 +0000 MrsKoala 447329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work in Springfield and live in CT and I would say that Enfield, CT isn't really a place that has what you are looking for (good restaurants, things to do, etc). If you were to live in CT, I would suggest going a bit further down south but that might be too far from Springfield. I would definitely endorse the Northampton/Amherst area as many PP's have recommended. I think that is definitely closer to the type of area that you want. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447327 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:41:25 +0000 chrispygal 447327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We love Burlington, VT! I agree that the Hope Artist's Village area and/or East Side would have the perfect vibe. It will be a bit more congested than Burlington/Western, MA but it's definitely not big city life. I don't like big cities either and we come to Providence all the time and hardly ever go to Boston unless we have to! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447322 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:37:13 +0000 Silva 447322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: Ha! Similar paths, for sure! The worst part is, even if we make our decision it just means we are listing it first for the Match program- the rest is up to the programs decision about how to rank applicants!</p> <p>This whole process is a lesson in patience and acceptance- probably good for me, as a person who likes to plan everything months (or years) in advance! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447320 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:34:06 +0000 oliviaoblivia 447320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: Providence is more like an overgrown town than a city. Oddly enough my parents are both native New Yorkers that hated city living, went to grad school in Western Mass, then doctoral programs in Burlington VT, and settled in Providence.</p> <p>Good luck with your decision! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447313 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:26:16 +0000 Silva 447313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for your input everyone- it is really helpful.</p> <p>I feel more drawn to Providence, and the cost of living seems pretty affordable (we'll only have my husband's resident's salary- which isn't great!). I think I just feel nervous because I don't think of myself as a "city person"- and my last attempt at city living (in college) was a bit of a disaster. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447312 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:25:15 +0000 Silva 447312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: Thanks for your input! Both of these residency programs really seem to have a lot to offer! Those parties sound fun!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447305 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:21:03 +0000 Silva 447305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: I think this is a good point. We live in the Burlington, VT area right now, and both grew up rurally in Vermont...not really city people! But Providence seems to have a lot to offer, and its only for three years. It doesn't seem like a big city kind of city.<br /> I lived in NYC for 1 1/2 years and was miserable.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447301 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:19:50 +0000 Silva 447301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Aliceinflipflops: the rental costs seem very affordable- we will not be looking to buy, because we will only be there for three years. But we currently live in Vermont, and the rental prices in Providence seem really low compared to here...<br /> lots of beautiful old buildings with wood floors! I have a cousin who lives there, and she suggested we look at the Hope Street Community? Mostly we've been looking at what I think is the East Side to get general ideas about cost of living. </p> <p>I would love to chat with you more about it! I'm not a city person at all, so Providence makes me a little nervous, but also excited... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447297 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:16:55 +0000 chrispygal 447297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I grew up about 20 minutes from Providence (but in MA) and went to school out in Western MA. For me, the clear choice is Providence. Western MA is nice, and the Northampton area is very "earthy" but there is so much more that the Providence area has to offer. First, the restaurants are FAR better here in Providence than in Western MA. In Western MA you can find some good spots, but OMG there is an abundance of FRESH, local, delicious food here in Providence. Some of the best I've ever had. Farmers Markets, especially the ones on the east side of Providence are amazing. They even have one that comes to downtown Providence during the summer, and I hit it every Friday on my lunch break. There is a Winter's Farmers Market for the off season too, and they even carry local, fresh seafood. </p> <p>Providence is also near Boston, NYC, and many delightful wineries in CT. Even better is that you can drive to about 2 dozen beaches in less than an hour. Don't forget about Newport, Block Island, and Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard. You are maybe a 2-3 hour drive from Maine and NH and there are TONS of spot locally to be active. Running trails, biking trails, parks, etc. It really is an incredible area with so much to offer. I lived for 4 years out in Western, MA and while it's pretty, there is so much more here to take advantage of - especially for a SAHM. In Western, MA you are pretty much a couple hours from everything and I hated being that far away from the coast.</p> <p>Good luck with your decision! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447270 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:53:55 +0000 MamaMoose 447270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I grew up in the northern suburbs of Boston and of those two options I would pick Providence. I think that as a stay at home mom coming to a place where you don't know anyone you'll really appreciate having the resources that a larger city has to offer. Northampton is certainly beautiful but I would worry about feeling a little isolated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447256 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:41:46 +0000 oliviaoblivia 447256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Aliceinflipflops: As a native Rhode Islander, I'm sitting here with a big smile about your post! I'm so glad you are enjoying RI. I'm looking forward to the day I can move back home.</p> <p>@Silva: I second absolutely everything Aliceinflipflops said. Providence is a great, affordable, cultural, vibrant little city. It's super easy to get from PVD to anywhere else in the world you'd want to go (not that you'd want to leave.)<br /> If the job market was stronger for my industry, I'd be there in a heartbeat.<br /> On a side note, my mom is a doc at Brown (RIH) and every year throws a fabulous party for all of her students, residents, and fellows. I grew up attending these parties and now (many) years later am still friends with her co-workers kids. There was really a great community within the school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447214 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:19:58 +0000 rachiecakes 447214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Aliceinflipflops: my brother lives in Providence and feels the same way :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447206 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:16:58 +0000 Aliceinflipflops 447206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been a dedicated HB lurker since I found out I was pregnant in June, this is the first time I've been moved to post. My husband and I moved to Providence in June, we had been living in Brooklyn but knew we wanted to start a family and that we wanted to raise our kids outside of NYC. We made a list of cities that were relatively close to NYC, close to beaches, had access to outdoor activities (we have a very energetic Plott Hound who we love to take hiking), had great restaurants, art, culture, theaters, and affordable housing. Looking at our list Providence was the obvious choice, and having lived here for 6 months I can say with confidence that it is COMPLETELY the right place for us. </p> <p>Having lived in Chicago, Boston, New Orleans, Santa Barbara, and Brooklyn, I see aspects of all of my favorite cities here in Providence while at the same time it retains a culture uniquely its own. The restaurant scene is amazing - we are eating NYC quality meals at most restaurants we frequent but at 1/3 of the price - and the summer farmers markets rival those I frequented in CA. I never expected to be pregnant so soon after moving (I was actually 4 weeks pregnant when I moved - no idea) but the amazing community of supportive moms, caregivers, and friends we've found here has blown me away. Slightly wary of settling down after living a life of travel and whimsy, within 6 weeks of being in Providence I knew this was the place I wanted this baby, and any other babies we are fortunate enough to birth, to call home. We will be closing on our first house in less than a week! (Something we never could have afforded in any of the other places I've called home [with the exception of New Orleans], and something I don't know I ever could have decided with such confidence anyplace else.)</p> <p>Please let me know if you want to talk any further. I have been really fortunate to meet a lot of wonderful doctors here - some socially through residency programs, some as providers - and would be more than happy to share those perceptions with you. (As well as answering any other questions you may have.)</p> <p>Best of luck to you and your husband!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447099 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:46:39 +0000 mrs. wagon 447099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not super familiar with either location but I have friends who have either lived or gone to school in both areas and LOVED it!!! Lots of great places to eat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447078 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:40:20 +0000 rachiecakes 447078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LOVE Noho! (Northampton) It's still in the middle of nowhere but it is a great community, has lots of great shops and restaurants and I imagine would be really amazing to be a SAHM. </p> <p>Providence is awesome, too! Great public transportation, so it's easy to get to Boston or NYC via train. Tons of shops and restaurants, super shopping mall, lots of hotels. Perfect little city. The only downside is that the unemployment rate is one of the worst in the country, but if your DH has a job lined up, no worry there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447058 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:33:58 +0000 Trailmix 447058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Northhampton is AMAZING. That is actually my dream location to live in long-term with a family (but unfortunately, will never happen). You can have a rural setting but the town is big enough that there's plenty of great restaurants and shopping, plus the liberal vibe is pretty awesome (if you're into that).<br /> To be fair, Providence is great too but for me, NoHo or Amherst area is perfection! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447034 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:20:04 +0000 lemondrop 447034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My aunt and uncle live in Leverett/Amherst, (just north of Northampton/Springfield) my cousins went to a good school, great neighbors, and all spent a lot of time outdoors. I've been there a couple of times and absolutely loved it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass-providence-ri#post-447007 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:11:55 +0000 Silva 447007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've posted about this a bit before, but my husband is in the process of applying for residency programs. He still has 4 more interviews to go, but right now the top of the heap are Brown's program in Providence, RI and Baystate Hospital / Tuft's Program in Springfield Mass.</p> <p>I'm looking for some "insider" perspectives on either of these areas. If we move to either place I will be a SAHM with our baby (due in April). We like to be outdoors (hiking, particularly), and are really into food (local, sustainable food movements &amp; good restaurants!). </p> <p>I'm feeling a bit nervous about being in a new place, but excited too, and just wondering if anyone has personal experience with either of these locations.</p> <p>By the way, if he ends up at Baystate, we would probably look to rent in either Enfield, CT or Northampton, MA- or the rural areas near Springfield (So, not directly in Springfield as I haven't heard great things). </p>