West Coaster going East? - input requested - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieseldude · #1 02-06-2003, 04:53 PM

Hi all,

Just doing some prelimenary investigation here and would like input from the collected wisdom here.

There's a slight chance the wife and I could be moving to Providence, Rhode Island area from our current home just outside Seattle.

Wondering if anyone has made a simliar move (or from East Coast to the West), and could offer insights both cultural and from a quality-of-life standpoint. Seems like Little Rhody is a charming little place and we've always thought we might like the New England area. I'm an ametuer historian and can see spending much time recreating in visiting musems and the like. We really like the Pacific NW, but extremly depressed job market AND high cost of living don't make a favorable combination - part of the reason this move sounds somewhat lucrative (wife getting a signifigant raise with what seems to be a lower cost of living).

For you New Englanders: how far to decent skiing/outdoor sports (rock-climbing, back-packing camping, etc). What's the tech job-market like?

Any input greatly appreciated!

Regards,
- Ryan

rickg · #2 02-06-2003, 05:39 PM

TRAITOR!!

Just kidding. I don't blame you. I still have steady work, for now. I made a good choice 7 years ago and got away from shops that do Boeing work. It's paying off now. But if it falls apart, I'll be looking elsewhere. I'm tired of western Washington weather anyhow. I'd like a good excuse to move to a bit more sunshine and less slugs. But back east? That'd be a bit much for me. Best of luck to you!

Liz Cintolo · #3 02-07-2003, 06:05 AM

Hi!
Have lived in RI since 1968, but have never spent appreciable time in the NW, so I can't give you comparisons.
You ask about job markets... what is your field?
Central Ma. offers decent day-skiing (2000ft) and is about an hour off. If you want Killington and Mt. Snow, it's a 4 hour ride.
History abounds! So do bad drivers.
It's a lovely, lively little city. People who are not from here might think it stuffy. It's a college town in a college state that has some of the worst academic scores in the nation. The best mayor who's reigned in Providence is now at the Ft. Devens Brig in NJ serving 5 years for corruption charges. We're the state of oxy-morons:-)
You can e-mail or IM through the forum and I'm happy to answer specific questions. Good luck!

dieseldude · #4 02-07-2003, 10:55 AM

Thanks for the responses so far!

Lots of views and not many replys - c'mon now guys, I know we've got a good number of New Englander members! Any of you spent anytime in Seattle, Portland, even SF areas? Impressions compared to home? Be frank and honest please

Thanks again,
- Ryan

Peyton300TD · #5 02-07-2003, 11:37 AM

providence is BEAUTIFUL. as a historian i think you will love it. they have a nice canal festival each year with music and flames. i love rhode island, it's just too cold though.

eric

Holson Adi · #6 02-07-2003, 01:21 PM

I really like Providence, even though I've only been there a couple of times.

It is snowing outside today.. a lot of snow!

I was just thinking about it again... I would hate to trade snow for anything else!

I really like it!

But as for salt.. I can live without it on the roads.

I'm surprised that they haven't salted the roads yet. It looks so much better that they haven't.....

Triffin · #7 02-07-2003, 05:32 PM

Dieseldude ..

Probably not many posters familiar with both RI and Seattle
to give opinions comparing the two .. I grew up in a
small coastal community in RI and never really spent much
time in Providence though there was quite a re-development
boom during the late 1990s in the city .. There are/were a lot
of tech jobs on the RTE 128 corridor south of Boston; which
would in my opinion represent a bear of a commute from RI .. but
then I don't like sitting on highways

.. We have four well
defined seasons here .. Summers can be hot and humid near the
coast .. the Falls are beautiful and linger along the coast due
to the warming influence of the water .. we pay for that in the
Spring though as we experience the opposite effect in the coastal
areas when the wind switches onshore while the water is still
cold .. Winters ( you spend in Florida ) .. I'm not a big fan
of New England Winters .. usually too cold and too long .. but
great if you enjoy skiing as there are numerous ski venues
within 2-4 hour drive from the Providence-Boston metro area ..
Plenty of cultural/historical locations throughout the northeast ..
Mountains and the Appalachian trial run through MA/VT/NH and ME ..
RI and Cape Cod have some of the nicest unspoiled beaches in the
country .. lots of sailing/boating everywhere ..

Jim in Ct .. Holson .. one for you :p