Yup it does feel that way. It is cheaper than Boston for sure but when hunting for apartments I find way to many in Providence that when looking at the price alone, makes me think I might as well look in Boston.

I don’t find this to be misleading, rent has gone way up in my 3 years here.

One of the reasons I will be moving, I don’t think what providence is asking for is fair for what is offered in job market, infrastructure and public transit (will miss the amazing food tho)

Yeah, but most of it is in areas where people are scared to live. (Deep Ellum, NE Dallas, Park Row… locals are still weary about Bishop Arts)

The total rent may be cheaper, but the price per square foot has to be higher. I couldn’t justify paying $1500 a month for a 500 sq ft apartment in a bad area with no view, and no washer/dryer. I was making $15/hr in 2020-mid 2021 so even if I could justify it, I couldn’t afford it. It was cheaper to stay in an abusive relationship, unfortunately.

I do miss gated complexes and parking garages though.

Providence is extremely affordable compared to both Boston and NYC which it’s in the middle of. Just saying something is expensive with little context like this article seems misleading

so then what’s the benefit of leaving large parts of the city zoned only for single family units?

Have you ever heard the expression "it's not what you say, but how you say it"?

The only thing that will help bring rent prices down, just like inflation in every industry, is price controls. You underestimate the sheer greed of unregulated capitalism.

Not to mention New York is a few hours in the opposite direction. The northeast in general is just wicked expensive – with the possible exception of Philly, which somehow has Providence or lesser prices in many neighborhoods/suburbs despite being a major metro area situated directly between NY and DC.

Dallas has way more new construction.

Wait it’s more expensive than Dallas? It was way easier to find something affordable here. I spent a year looking for a place in Dallas. 🥲

These numbers are probably a bit misleading since they are using what appears to be city limits. Providence CITY is actually a VERY small land area - only 20 sq miles.

Scottsdale (also on this list by us) is 183 sq miles. Oakland is 78. DC is 70 sq miles.

You can live less than 5 mins away from downtown and not live in PVD.

Not saying housing prices aren’t high, increases, etc - but not sure this is the best way to look at it.

Doesn't every place? It's for people who don't like to think.

Exactly

As opposed to not making any more housing at all, which will definitely help rent?

Right there? Providence is cheap compared to Boston.

Some people have strong reservations around cutting very long hair. In my experience it was due to culture and in my culture long hair is very valued.

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Providence needs to abolish R-1 zoning. There is no legitimate reason why 2 & 3-family units shouldn't be able to be built anywhere in the city that currently allows single family houses.

Edit: I just looked at the current map and it's crazy how much R-1 there is directly adjacent to all 3 big universities.. https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/22.09.07-Official-Zoning-Maps-2.pdf

Boston is right there my dude

I just moved here too - 23M- I found its easiest to strike a convo with someone at a bar around the jewelery district area. I've been to GPub and Sarto so far

For those of us that live here it feels like the most expensive city.

Sweet thanks for the tips!

>so with the pandemic, I have not cut my hair in the past nearly 3 years

Been three years for me, too. Thanks for the idea ❤️

Why did they give you a hard time about cutting your hair?