1073 replies to this topic

[Liamlunchtray]

Garris, on Mar 2 2005, 11:55 AM, said:

Hehe...  I'm not so sure how much I appreciated this as a student :-).  I've heard the J&W students are the worst of the bunch. 

- Garris

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have found the J&W, PC, and Brown kids all to be pretty much equal offenders. The J&W and Brown students were generally just extremely loud. Lots of parties, lots of yelling, horn honking, etc.  The kids over near PC were probably worse though. The really liked peeing in our front yard, peeing from their porches, in general peeing everywhere. Who knew there was a lack of sanitary facilities withing city limits     They were also really into having 30 or 40 drunken kids blocking the street and yelling obscenities if you tried to drive through/around them, not to mention the constant barrage of really loud fireworks. It's too bad, I loved our apartment over there and in the daytime it was great, but come nightfall the students would come out...

I must admit that being a townie for far too long has probably soured me on the student population. Its always a love/hate thing - I love that they bring energy and livelyhood to the city, but I hate that they dont seem to have much respect for their surroundings or for the city itself.  (Granted Im painting with very broad strokes here - there are certainly students who are a fantastic asset to the city) The other very important message for students - Just because you can drive your Excursion with ease in the midwest, doesnt mean it will fit here. Maybe a civic would be a better car to bring to school  

Liam
(Apologizes in advance for his generalizations)

[Emily]

Cotuit, on Mar 2 2005, 10:09 AM, said:

I have a 2 bedroom on Federal Hill for $750 (nothing included), your budget needs are realistic. You should be able to find a place in any of those neighbourhoods with parking included (my place on Federal Hill includes parking, but I don't have a car). Brown has campus parking, you should be able to get a permit, but you need to pay for it. Anything on the East Side (Wayland, Hope, Fox Point) is easy walking or bussing distance to Brown. Street parking is a nightmare. Brown should have a way to help you locate a roommate if you want to go that route. Are you able to rent out your place in Chicago to help your income?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'll primarily be working at Butler Psychiatric Hospital, as well as Rhode Island and Memorial Hospitals.  Parking at those locations is set up for me.  Safety (esp for home parking) is a definite concern since I may be needing to come and go (alone) at odd hours.

My sister will probably live in my condo in Chicago for the year.  She's just out of college and will pay my assessments while I'm gone, but I don't have the heart to charge her for much more than that!  Having her rent my place is such a plus as far as maintenance and security go.

Your Federal Hill places sounds great!  How far do you have to drive to get to a "real" grocery store?

[eltron]

Emily, on Mar 2 2005, 01:44 PM, said:

How far do you have to drive to get to a "real" grocery store?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

About 35 seconds. No joke.

There is a large, very well stocked and modern Shaw's that has recently opened at Eagle Square that is extraordinarily convenient from Federal Hill and the Armory.

There is also a Super Stop in Shop in Elmwood that is about a 5 minute drive if that is your preference.

[Cotuit]

The trolley also goes to the grocery store in Eagle Square, so if you are just picking up a few things, that's a great way to get there.

In the neighbourhoods we are recommending for you, safety isn't a giant concern, no different than Chicago. I assume living in Chicago you are city-smart.

[Emily]

Cotuit, on Mar 2 2005, 02:10 PM, said:

In the neighbourhoods we are recommending for you, safety isn't a giant concern, no different than Chicago. I assume living in Chicago you are city-smart.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

City-smart enough to know that I don't want to have to walk two blocks from a parking lot to my "garden" level apartment with groceries in my hands at midnight  
THx

[scheffler]

Hey guys... I am one of those Bostonians looking to move to Providence.      I am in love with the downcity area, especially considering all of the renovation and new construction going on- should be a really good investment. But the three family houses are still pretty cheap and could help pay a mortgage, so I have some thinking to do. The map was extremely helpfull, but does anyone have any idea where eagle park is?

[raypacia]

Yes, my grandfather grew up there.  If you look on a map, it's the neighborhood right where Douglas Ave. and Admiral St. interesect.  It's not far from Providence Collge and easy to get to 146/95 from there.  As far as I can tell, the neighborhood is still trying to come back.  Lots of duplexes.

[eltron]

scheffler, on Mar 2 2005, 05:33 PM, said:

Hey guys... I am one of those Bostonians looking to move to Providence.      I am in love with the downcity area, especially considering all of the renovation and new construction going on- should be a really good investment. But the three family houses are still pretty cheap and could help pay a mortgage, so I have some thinking to do. The map was extremely helpfull, but does anyone have any idea where eagle park is?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good idea, Scheffler...

I believe that interestingly, Eagle Park has nothing to do with Eagle Square is, but is rather past Mount Pleasent toward North Providence. Not really a "hip" neighborhood like Fed. Hill, the Armory, or even Elmwood, but could for all I know be a nice neighborhood. I would steer clear however, if you are looking more urban in character.

[Garris]

Emily, on Mar 2 2005, 11:44 AM, said:

I'll primarily be working at Butler Psychiatric Hospital, as well as Rhode Island and Memorial Hospitals. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Emily, strongly consider Wayland Square based upon where you'll be working.  Butler Hospital is connected to Wayland Square directly by the 40-line bus (it's about 5 minutes directly) and my sister (who occasionally volunteers there) will occasionally walk it or jog there.  Rhode Island Hospital (where I work) is 15 minutes "door to floor" from here driving, and Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket is just a quick blast down Blackstone Bvd from Wayland Sq, again, about 15-20 minutes.  

- Garris

[Garris]

scheffler, on Mar 2 2005, 03:33 PM, said:

Hey guys... I am one of those Bostonians looking to move to Providence.      I am in love with the downcity area, especially considering all of the renovation and new construction going on- should be a really good investment. But the three family houses are still pretty cheap and could help pay a mortgage, so I have some thinking to do. The map was extremely helpfull, but does anyone have any idea where eagle park is?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi there!  Be aware that if it's the Downcity "core downtown" you're interested in, most of those properties are rentals.  They may go condo in about 5-6 years, but for now, there's really nothing to "buy" unless you're looking at the $600,000+ luxury condos currently there or on the drawing board.  

Everything else you've mentioned or are having mentioned to you by others are in neighborhoods ringing the city.

- Garris

[scheffler]

Garris, on Mar 2 2005, 06:07 PM, said:

Hi there!  Be aware that if it's the Downcity "core downtown" you're interested in, most of those properties are rentals.  They may go condo in about 5-6 years, but for now, there's really nothing to "buy" unless you're looking at the $600,000+ luxury condos currently there or on the drawing board. 

Everything else you've mentioned or are having mentioned to you by others are in neighborhoods ringing the city.

- Garris

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey there Garris. I hear you there, I was looking into the Grant's block project scheduled for spring 2005 completion- ironically they haven't posted any prices yet. I wouldn't be surprised if they were closer to the high 600k+ range, but I am keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that some units may sell for much less. I found a condo that I would buy immediately in Depesquale sq. if the unit came with parking... Mortgage, condo fee, parking rental, $$$$. Any idea how much the new condos on Atwells will sell for?

[Cotuit]

scheffler, on Mar 3 2005, 09:45 AM, said:

Any idea how much the new condos on Atwells will sell for?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They're both "luxury" so I assume at least $300k+, though I haven't seen any actual numbers. I would also assume 2007 before they're done. I think Grant's Block might be 2007 as well. They've demo'ed the Weybosset end of the block, but they haven't started the Westminster end.

[scheffler]

Cotuit, on Mar 3 2005, 08:50 AM, said:

They're both "luxury" so I assume at least $300k+, though I haven't seen an actual numbers. I would also assume 2007 before they're done. I think Grant's Block might be 2007 as well. They've demo'ed the Weybosset end of the block, but they haven't started the Westminster end.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, that is about 120k more than I can afford....    The good news is that there are plenty of other opportunities to be taken advantage of, perhaps I can get into the market with a mulit family and poition myself for the move to one of those condos. In any event I appeciate the inside scoop from all of the knowledgeable people in this forum.

[AriPVD]

Grant's Block will likely finish up late 2006.  Expect condos in the building to start in the mid $300s.

[eltron]

Cotuit, on Mar 3 2005, 10:50 AM, said:

They're both "luxury" so I assume at least $300k+, though I haven't seen any actual numbers. I would also assume 2007 before they're done.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Only one of these is condo - the one at Atwells and Knight Street. I've heard they are starting at $350k and up.

The Rialto furniture site is rental only with prices from $1500 - $3200 (!). I'm obviously not charging enough for my rental apartment   !

[Cotuit]

eltron, on Mar 3 2005, 11:01 AM, said:

I'm obviously not charging enough for my rental apartment  !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does yours have a fitness centre, a pool, covered parking..?  

[DCjedi7]

I Love Providence

[Emily]

Garris, on Mar 2 2005, 07:04 PM, said:

Emily, strongly consider Wayland Square based upon where you'll be working.  Butler Hospital is connected to Wayland Square directly by the 40-line bus (it's about 5 minutes directly) and my sister (who occasionally volunteers there) will occasionally walk it or jog there.  Rhode Island Hospital (where I work) is 15 minutes "door to floor" from here driving, and Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket is just a quick blast down Blackstone Bvd from Wayland Sq, again, about 15-20 minutes. 

- Garris

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I appreciate the advice.  One of the other things I'd be looking for is proximity to a good running route and I had heard that Blackstone Blvd is good for jogging.
Thanks
- Emily

[scheffler]

Happy Friday to all my Providence friends. I know there are all kinds of projects going on to renovate and construct new residential buildings. I have read about the new library and science center being built by Brown U downtown. My question is this: Are the jobs coming to Providence?   G-Tech is building its headquartes, but what else is there? Is the financial district growing and/or is the city doing enough to help the local business economy thrive? The real estate bubble could burst and an interesting articel in the Boston Globe had mentioned that homes in Boston would depreciate in value 52% (1st on the list) aand 39% in the Providence area (5th). With all of these condos being built will Providence have the jobs for the people they are trying to attract?

[Cotuit]

scheffler, on Mar 4 2005, 12:02 PM, said:

I have read about the new library and science center being built by Brown U downtown.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually, that is Rhode Island School of Design.

scheffler, on Mar 4 2005, 12:02 PM, said:

My question is this: Are the jobs coming to Providence?  G-Tech is building its headquartes, but what else is there? Is the financial district growing and/or is the city doing enough to help the local business economy thrive? The real estate bubble could burst and an interesting articel in the Boston Globe had mentioned that homes in Boston would depreciate in value 52% (1st on the list) aand 39% in the Providence area (5th). With all of these condos being built will Providence have the jobs for the people they are trying to attract?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is something we've been discussing. There are several barriers to companies wanting to locate here. Our taxes, our history of corruption, and our bad schools among them. I think as Downtown fills with talented people who are commuting to Boston everyday, companies will realize that there is a large talent pool here, and start to think about coming.

There a few things happening on the job front. The job situation in Rhode Island is pretty good. Citizens will be expanding it's workforce here. Bank of America has said they will expand their workforce here. GTECH obviously.

There's a fear of being the first out of the gate in building speculative office space. You could build something and have no tenents. As soon as someone jumps and successfully rents out a new building, we'll see others follow, same as what is happening with residential development now. Buff Chase took the leap of faith, and it paid off, now others are following.