Yeah, if the savings help you pay for private services that's a whole other situation. I misunderstood your post as looking for a stronger service in Warwick/Cranston etc. I'm just trying to be honest that you're likely to continue to be frustrated down here with the likes of RIDE. There are some extremely highly regarded programs in EP, i think, and near Pt Judith that are private and designed for IEP students. Out of the districts you mentioned, Cranston West has the best reputation for gen ed by far.

The best answer is MA. Seriously (even if its just into Attleboro or Seekonk). The schools are far better run, overall, and MA doesn't mismanage them nearly as much (along with every other service at the state level). There's a reason that MA ranks highest and RI rank drops massively despite the proximity. The disparity also makes it to where many talented teachers flee for job openings in MA (just like everyone else who commutes out of state) because the state is just overall less combative and has a functioning pension system.

I am the first to argue that the schools here are more than fine for an average kid, but it sounds like you've identified very specific needs in your child and you're far more likely to get good policy decisions if you don't cross the border.

The one exception I will say is that there are some extremely specialized private schools for IEPs in state, but they are going to be 50k+.

There are plenty of people who live below or at this income in Providence or Woonsocket and presumably bought before 2020. I know plenty of people who bought a house in the low-to-mid 200s on one (reasonable) income in areas like Cranston and Warwick as recently as 2020 and plenty who did FHA where they needed very little money down.

It's easy to look at things now and cast blame, but the kids look pretty old from the thumbnail and I doubt the family figured they'd ever be in this position back then since it's not like they lived in a notably HCOL state.

There isn't. Last time I went to a proper dance club here was a decade ago and I am fairly certain that was gentrified into Plant City. There wasn't a huge scene back then and there seems to be less of one now (from what I hear).

I mean, to be fair, even the roommate costs are pretty untenable. For years, it was easy to find a one roommate situation for ~600ish per person and wages were manageable. This was in a desirable enough neighborhood. Now, that same living situation is 1k minimum in an undesirable neighborhood. I see people looking for roommates in a run down 4 bedroom at 800/per person. Yeah, that works for college kids, but most of those people don't want to be living with a 40 year old. It also weirdly doesn't get any better if you move out of the city unless you move into rural Connecticut (or maybe Fall River?).

I honestly have no idea how hourly wage workers do it-- how many bedrooms can you fit into 1 house to lower costs? I have absolutely no idea how middle class single parents do it because you'd need to make close to 6 figures to afford a 2 bedroom and $250/mo utilities.

I can't really fault anyone complaining when it's a lot more than tightening the belt and cutting back.

She seems old enough that maybe you could talk to her about her preferences or visit your local school with her. Waiting a few months is probably okay, but if she's checking out maybe you can involve her in some after school programming outside of BVP that will encourage her to enjoy learning again.

I know that the cities like Providence have intramural leagues and after school programming at a number of non profits (mostly older kids). Maybe there are activities she could get involved with outside of school that would still allow her to socialize with a diverse group of kids her age.

I wish you the best! It's great that you are involved and that she feels comfortable talking to you about school fit.

From a purely educational stand point, Lincoln, hands down.

Lincoln will most likely have a more stable, happier staff than a charter because the work life balance is much better. The teachers are more likely older and more experienced and more likely to stay as a presence in the school as your daughter ages (due to less turnover).

I would also talk to your daughter about how she feels about the school culture. A lot of charters have a heavy emphasis on compliance and college as a goal-- its just a different type of environment. There's nothing wrong with this, but they're very focused on numbers (since its the bread and butter of how charters market). For some kids, this feels kind of restrictive or might reduce intrinsic motivation to simply enjoy whatever their passions are.

I have no idea what the culture like is at Lincoln, but public schools (especially well achieving ones) don't usually have the pressure to prove anything. Charters have a certain pressure to compete for funds, students, and often expansion like a business.

Whatever you decide I hope your daughter finds a good fit. I went to an extremely diverse district in my old state and it's unfortunate how few schools have that diversity in RI.

Theres a Second Time Around Sports (i think)in Cranston if you're looking for something used, but I have no experience there.

Hey Op, most people seem to have the whole quality of life thing covered, so I will cover the other aspects.

I am not in healthcare, but many of my friends are and in New England I was told by a doctor that you "can't extend your arms without hitting another doctor" and that, all things considered, the wages were lower here despite the cost of living because there are a lot of healthcare jobs and schools out here.

I'm not sure how nursing pay compares to Indiana, but I do know that a lot of RI nurses complain about the pay being low relative to MA. Lately, I see MA nurses complain because the cost of living is still so high in MA and they pay way lower than other areas like CA at similar rents. So, take of it what you will. I'm not sure how far you will need to commute to feel that your pay is commensurate with your cost of living, but I have to imagine 30 minutes to truly be in another pay rate.

Also worth mentioning that an in person field like nursing has some quality of life elements to it. MA overall has way better unions and workers protections than Indiana. Rhode Island now has a giant monopoly merger for all of its healthcare so I don't know how people feel about that currently in nursing.

When you're here, talk to nurses. And not just the older ones with homes they bought in 1982, but the younger ones who are still renting and current on CoL.

Saying PVD is cheap relative to those cities is like saying a car is affordable relative to a lambo, high end tesla, and Land rover. Those cities you listed are all world class cities which are well known world wide as destinations for their job opportunities, natural wonders, etc.

I love it here, but I've lived in several places that are similar Town and Gowns and none of them are on the world stage either or economic powerhouses, but they are still significantly cheaper these days.

I'm not sure what you mean by the outskirts of the city. Oakhill? South Providence? Feel free to dm me and I can provide more context if you aren't familiar with the area. Areas north of Roger Williams park (edge of Cranston), some parts of Chalkstone, Federal Hill, Olneyville, and Broad Street (edge of Cranston) are all known to be notoriously loud especially in the summer. I would even suggest spending time around Fox Point as I lived there many moons ago and had disrupted sleep between the construction and close together houses (loud neighbors building next door/yard next door fought a lot). There are far more bars and fun businesses around there these days and it's a great place to spend time, I just hated living so close to all of that noise and I've seen some similar complaints on here from people who are sensitive to noise.

I'm not saying it can't happen I'm just saying that is really below market for a 2 bedroom and I'd caution you to do your due diligence on those places or you might end up in another unbearable situation or with a slumlord. Last week I saw a drawing of an apartment at 1550 get multiple emails-- no address and it was a sketch. It's worth mentioning that the $1500 2 bedroom places, if they aren't a scam, are probably in higher crime neighborhoods so that's something to keep in mind if that's something you are uncomfortable with. I had a friend who rented a 3 bedroom for over 2k and had a lot of stress with her kids because of a number of shootings in her neighborhood.

These are not new renos either at those prices-- your average old multifamily is getting turned into condos or posted for 2300 in Providence. Complete dumps I was paying infested with mice in fox point a few years back were reposted at double a year ago. Modern units are 2500+.

So, what I mean about overlapping leases is that I had a few months notice on my last place. I started searching right away and had time on my hands. I lost multiple apartments I applied for simply due to competition and got a place I really liked and paid on two leases for two months in order to get the place I wanted at a good price.

Anyways, I don't mean to sound pessimistic, I've just lived here almost a decade and were undergoing unprecedented gentrification. Prices aren't that far behind Boston and your best bet is to know someone or post on Reddit when the time comes or Nextdoor. Think about your "must have" list at the end of the day and what you're willing to budge on. Feel free to dm me specific spots as I know the city very well.

If you're getting divorced are you at least getting income from the sale of your old residence? Maybe check out a condo (but they're still up massively over a year ago).

As gross as the $2300 house payment is, that's around the average list price for a 2 bedroom these days (2200ish) which is why that mortgage seems more appealing.

Hey OP, you said you've been hunting early are you finding many leads currently out there meeting your criteria? That's probably your best gauge, but rent went up like 17% y.o.y. so plan accordingly.

The last time I saw $1500 being typical for a 2 bedroom was around 2017. I did see this on occasion a year ago (1600ish listing) and the small landlords tended to be aware it was below market and either filled it the first viewing or were open to multiple viewings and ended up having a line of 30 people on the weekend and it was more of a lottery to get. I do know people paying way below market like a 3 bedroom for $800, but those people tend to have a relationship with the owners and have just stayed at the place for a decade at decade ago prices. The vast majority of places go on the market near market rate, which according to zillow is around 2200 for the entire city. Also keep in mind that utilities have been running very high. Before the rate hikes last year, a 2 bedroom could run you close to $200 just for gas and electric in the winter (with gas heat). I had oil heat in 2014 and our 2 bedroom heating was something like 2k way back then, so I was thrilled to be splitting costs at those rates. Also budget commuting costs to get an idea of the full picture because all of those ancillary costs like gas or the train can rack up quickly.

1 bedrooms will be more manageable, but are still clocking in at more like 1700. I actually glanced for a friend recently and at just a cursory glance I was pretty horrified to see even Warwick and Cranston area looking for around 1700+ for nothing special.

Are you willing to do a studio or a loft? I understand the desire of a flex space in your home, but you may have to give somewhere on your desire to live alone so I would think about whether you'd increase the budget or decrease the space if it comes to it-- it's good you're looking into less desirable towns like Johnston. If you're willing to overlap leases for a good space you will have more options, but that can be costly.

Thanks for your honesty!

I will admit that the school complex out here confuses me. I grew up in a part of the country where you just went where your family happened to live, with no charter or private options offered. My home school has a similar ranking to this niche page, but in addition to the daycare we had we also had a steady stream of ivy league admissions and ranked one of the most diverse schools in state. I will say that our district was very supportive of staff and admin and my teachers spent their entire careers there-- so it does seem like it's good you heeded that managerial warning.

I guess I'm just always trying to share that kids are pretty adaptable. I will admit we lacked some AP classes, but my friends just got credit by getting books and self studying.

Not trying to change your mind-- I sincerely hope you are happy with your district! Just trying to soothe some nerves of people my age who might not know some of the more successful graduates of lesser ranked public schools.

I would second EP especially with the desires like a yard and ease of parking.

I will say that the new builds on Wickenden and College Hill are probably at 95th percentile on rent in the city-- probably a minimum of 3k for a 2 bedroom and the new ones above Trader Joes are as high as 5,200 (according to someone's post on here). So compared to Boston it'a not bad, but if OP's husband is only getting paid as a resident, there are much better deals to be had in the city.

Just curious about why you'd consider the EP schools at best mediocre? I've never lived in the area, so I'm curious since most parents I know there/prospective parents tend to find the schools a huge selling point (especially with the new high school).

Like not as well regarded as say Barrington, but not one of the districts that gets mentioned negatively in any way.

That's good. It always gave me major claustrophobia is there and I'm not even a claustrophobic person.

Hope Street tends to do a small business saturday event coordinated between all the businesses. I went the last few years, so I'm sure it's happening again this year too. It has always been a nice event.

Unfortunately, you just missed the Good Trade market last weekend.

Boston has a lot going on,too. The Boston Women's Market has a Union Square vendor meet Sat. with apparently 30 vendors.

Sure there's a lot more going on out there, too, this is just what I know about from word of mouth.

It's expensive. Double incomes typically and for higher paying jobs, buying housing 10 years ago, etc.

The reality is that everything from utilities to housing to car insurance is on the higher end. Your job offer hopefully reflects the most likely large CoL jump if its a Back Bay offer.

OP, also keep in mind with kids that the school situation is complicated and requires a lot of research on its own BPS PPSD or all the towns inbetween. So, (depending on your preferences) you may be paying the difference into very expensive schools (New England has private school tuition on the level of private colleges).

Yeah, having read his positions, he sounds very moderate. These days, hitching yourself to the Republican party is pretty much going to guarantee failure in a state like RI because you're not going to be synonymous with moderate. Baker's the exception, not the rule nationally.

I also totally understand. I've been here for a decade and I always tell people hat politically the state is not on the same candidate quality as MA and similar states. MA just has its act together in a way we never had on a lot of levels and if you decide to stay here long term it's worth resigning to the fact that the state doesn't run all that well (ask anyone who works for the state here haha).

The other candidate in the D primary was an extremely controversial candidate despite looking good on paper (moved among many states making many negative headlines before landing here-- I still don't know why he was the education commissioner in CT. Risky loans with the city of Newark as mayor). He landed here for some time (Yale college friend of Gina), but still seemed to be a really controversial candidate who happened to be linked to a lot of negative financial/PR decisions where he was always the common denominator:

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/09/09/ri-treasurer-candidate-stefan-pryors-record-questioned-what-we-found/7992869001/

The party endorsed Diossa so I'm sure that helped and I'm sure most likely due to his popularity as the CF mayor. It's like you have an educationally qualified guy who seems to be linked to controversial decisions in every job for the last decade or a well liked guy with few qualifications who is less likely to make a large decision that poisons the well again.

I think people tend to vote D down ballot, sure, but I also think the more democratic voters of this state are also worried about electing an R. In all honesty, I'm not sure myself how much power a treasurer has to make it a partisan position.

It's actually super hard to find any information on the planters. I'm sure places like the WBNA have a good history on it, though.

I want to say that some social media site had someone referencing that the planters were installed back when that area was more of a cut through for people speeding when it was a lower income neighborhood. Less from a neighborhood quality of life standpoint and more to diffuse presumed nefarious activities.-- I have no source on this, only a rumor.

Only in recent years has the neighborhood massively gentrified-- even the change in the past 10 has been wild. Most zoning decisions over there seemed to be exclusionary back in the day, such as the neighborhood air quality being impacted by the 6-10 connector (and subsequent toxic soil), so I'd love to know more from an official source about how and why those ended up there.

Looks like they're waiting on Residency match.

But yeah a bit early to be posting this wide of a net nationally.

Can attest that people still blast through Sycamore. It's also near impossible to fit two way traffic during the winter because there is no plowing between the planters-- like near head on collisions.

I actually ripped a hole in my tire at the horribly located one at the stop sign. I had no idea as I pulled up that there was a sharp corner because nothing was planted in it for visibility.

The speed bumps around the park have really slowed down crazy speeders, though.