The next time you're driving from New York to Boston on I-95, you should make a little detour in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to visit the Old Slater Mill national historic landmark. It's the site of what is considered to be the first successful water-powered textile spinning mill in America. -Walt Mossberg
Pawtucket benefits more than most from its proximity to Providence (10 minutes) and Boston (45 minutes). While Pawtucket can be charming on its own its greatest strength is easy access to the ocean, cities, culture, entertainment, colleges/universities and everything else just a short bike or ride away. All this proximity makes a small city feel much larger with the easy access to all these big city amenities.
Here's a note from a local about living in Pawtucket:
If you don't like urban living, and suburban areas that are very close to urban areas, (think Oakland/Berkeley East Bay I-80 corridor,) you will not like it. Although Pawtucket is a smaller city, (population 72k,) the Providence inner metropolitan area, (Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Attleboro MA,) has a population of over 600k. It doesn't sound like a lot, but RI, as most of the I-95 corridor from north of Boston to Richmond, VA, is one of the most densely populated areas in the entire country.
For more reviews of Pawtucket from locals check out: The Buzz**
If you’re counting on the city proper to provide you with all your cultural and commercial experiences you’ll be disappointed. There is an arts and entertainment thing going on here but ultimately you’ll need to get in your car and drive to get a full dose of culture, outdoor lifestyle, and city experiences.
Here's a pov of a local who thinks proximity overcomes lack of activities within the city proper: Tbh pawtucket is more of a neighborhood. Its not like you have to plan an hour drive to go to an event in either city.This is what makes RI great. You can go to a artisan flea market in Newport in the morning, have brunch in Narragansett, visit a meuseum or art gallery in Providence and finish off with dinner in Woonsocket and still come back to the City for any nightly events or a club meeting.
There isn’t a ton to do here but there are nice suburban neighborhoods, like East Ave and Central Ave, made up primarily of pre-World War II homes. Many who want to dodge the rising costs of Providence, or insane costs of Boston (longer commute), but live in a good home, have chosen Pawtucket as their escape valve.
If you want to see what's happening in Pawtucket check out the calendar of events: https://www.pawtuckettimes.com/local-events/
Pawtucket is close to the booming tech and healthcare industries of New England which makes it economically powerful via proximity. While housing costs can move up or down a bit, the reliability of housing prices in cities with colleges and universities, plus a massive healthcare industry, provides some downside protection if the overall economy shifts as they tend to be recession proof. If you stay awhile you’ll benefit from a recently started $400m development on the waterfront that includes: a new multi-use stadium for a professional soccer team, expanded waterfront, workforce housing, hotel and commercial office space. A burgeoning economy within reach, lower housing prices + downside protection = smart choice.
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pawtucket as a place to live? instead of providence
The Oak Hill neighborhood of Pawtucket is basically the East Side of Providence without Providence taxes. Homes are affordable and nice and Providence is easily accessible by bike or bus. Hope Artiste Village/the Met is right near Oak Hill. Lippett Park (technically providence but it's close) hosts the summer farmers market while Hope Artiste Village hosts a winter's farmers market. Best of both worlds. Jordan's Jungle is underrated and a decent yoga studio there too. All the shops on Hope St are super close and downtown is a 10min bus ride.
Oak Hill is the neighborhood bordered by Alfred Stone Rd/Pleasant St, Hillside Ave and Pawtucket Ave. The northern parts starts to get a little worse for the wear north of Charles Shea High School but honestly, all the way to 95 is still decent depending on the specific street. Give a look on zillow for how affordable homes in the neighborhood are.
Pawtucket is primarily a family/bedroom community that “feeds” Providence, or even Boston for the adventurous commuters. If you’re young and single or a couple and you want to live near some degree of commercial area then you’re probably downtown. There are some apartment and condo options here and bars and restaurants within walking distance. The big advantage Pawtucket has over Providence or even more Boston is much lower prices on housing.
