Is Providence, RI, a Good Place to Live?

What’s It Like to Live in Providence?

Providence, Rhode Island, is a creative college town perfect for those who want to live in a quirky town up north. As one of the third most populous cities in New England, Providence has plenty to offer its residents that makes it an exciting place to call home. Whether you’re a student, a foodie, or an artist, Providence has something for you.

Facts to Know About Providence

Founded in 1636 by unorthodox preacher and religious dissenter Roger Williams, Providence was the first permanent settlement in Rhode Island, one of the original 13 British colonies in America. Rhode Island’s coastal location made it a major seaport, and Providence became a manufacturing center leading the U.S. in jewelry and wool production by the end of the 1800s. However, industries began leaving the city in the 1970s and artists moved in, creating a cultural boom that earned Providence the nickname of “The Renaissance City.”

• Population: About 191,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. It is the most populated city in Rhode Island and the third most populated city in New England, after Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Special landmarks: Providence Performing Arts Center, Rhode Island State House, Providence Athenaeum, Brown University.
• Historic implications: Providence became a major seaport in the American colonies, so Great Britain’s Sugar Act of 1764 and Tea Act of 1773 threatened the livelihoods of the colonists. The resentment these laws built against Great Britain led to Rhode Island becoming the first American colony to declare independence on May 4, 1776. Providence later became a major supplier to the Continental and French armies during the Revolutionary War.
• Universities: Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, and Rhode Island School of Design are notable universities in Providence.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Providence, RI

Pro: Cultural attractions

Residents love that there’s always something going on in Providence. Between the numerous museums, parks, and arts centers, residents are never bored. Attractions are also scattered throughout the city instead of being concentrated in one area, so there’s always something to do near you.

One resident on Niche.com said that Providence doesn’t get the recognition it deserves: “Providence is often overshadowed by other cities in the Northeast, but this is a thriving city with plenty to do, good museums, and an extremely diverse food scene. The RISD Museum is definitely worth stopping at.”

Another resident summed up Providence’s culture perfectly: “There is a lot of diversity around which means there is always a new culture to interact with. It’s very easy to make friends, and if you like art, Providence is full of local talent with displays all over Downtown.”

Con: Limited public transit

While Rhode Island has a public transportation system called RIPTA, the Providence system is concentrated around Downtown Providence and doesn’t extend to the more suburban neighborhoods, discouraging many residents from using RIPTA.

Residents are frustrated by the inaccessibility of public transportation. One resident said, “Public transportation is not nearly as usable as it’s advertised to be.” Because RIPTA doesn’t extend to primarily residential areas, it isn’t a reliable commute option for residents who live outside the city center.

Pro: Plenty within driving distance

While Providence lacks extensive public transportation, you can experience the best of Providence without having to drive far. Providence’s small size means that everything is within reach, which residents love.

One resident said, “You can experience a lot within a short driving distance. Boston is just as far as the Newport beaches, so you can do either within a reasonable commute.”

Providence also has an extensive highway system that connects the entire city to the rest of Rhode Island. This connectivity eases commutes without the use of public transportation.

Con: Clutter

Providence residents love their city, but they want the City of Providence to take more steps to keep their home clean.

One resident said, “I would like to see the city put more effort and money into making all of Providence a cleaner, nicer city, which I believe would make people a lot happier and maybe have some more respect for what the city has given them if it can be maintained.”

Pro: Great neighborhoods

Providence neighborhoods are known for their historic streets and proximity to everything the city has to offer. Places to live in Providence offer renters a peaceful environment with green spaces throughout.

Three popular neighborhoods in Providence are:

• College Hill: An upscale cultural hub centered around Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.
• Mount Hope: A historic suburb north of College Hill bisected by U.S. 1.
• Blackstone: A residential area along the Seekonk River known for its city parks.

Things to Do in Providence

While Providence offers a quieter alternative to other major cities in New England, it’s not lacking in things to do. Regardless of what you’re looking for, Providence has something for you.

• Outdoor activities: Take a walk through Roger Williams Park and take in the 28 pieces of art throughout the park. Roger Williams Park often hosts community events, especially around the holidays.
• Cultural attractions: If you have an affinity for the arts, catch a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit student art galleries at the Rhode Island School of Design. For the scientific visitor, Roger Williams Park is home to the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. Sculptures on the rivers in Downtown Providence are also frequently set ablaze during the city’s famous WaterFire festivals.
• Dining: Providence offers a wide variety of cuisines, and publications like Forbes have acknowledged the city’s food scene. Italian, seafood, and casual dining are staples of Providence, and local favorites, like Los Andes in Elmhurst or Cassarino’s Restaurant in Federal Hill, are scattered all throughout the city.

Ready to make the move?

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