What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Providence, RI?

Rhode Island has the unique title of being the smallest yet most densely populated state in the U.S. Covering an area of only 48 miles lengthwise and 37 miles widthwise, Rhode Island was the first of the 13 colonies to renounce British rule. Patriotism runs deep in this small but mighty state.

Nicknamed the Ocean State, RI is known for its gorgeous sandy shores, historic seaside colonial towns. One such town is the state’s capital, Providence. Founded in the mid-1600s, Providence is one of the oldest cities in the entire United States.

If you’re looking for a city with a quaint New England vibe that still manages to keep up with the times, then Providence just might be a good fit for you. Thoughtfully planned urban areas mix beautifully with the original infrastructure and architecture of Colonial America.

Although Providence is a densely populated city, it has a real small-town feel. There are several pros to living in this small big city including its convenient and central location, its rich history, and outstanding schools. Living in New England comes with a few cons to consider. The high cost of living, dense population, and high poverty rate might make you think twice before moving to Providence, Rhode Island.

Take a look to see if Providence is somewhere you could see yourself living!

Amazingly enough, anywhere in the state of RI is a 45-minute drive from Providence. There aren’t that many states in the U.S. that can say the same! Boston is about 30 minutes away and New York City is only a three-hour car ride!

Residents who have relocated from big cities where owning a car isn’t always a necessity, are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to get around Providence. Owning a car is great, but public transportation in Providence is easy and affordable.

The city boasts an Amtrak station that can take you to NYC, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C. While Providence isn’t necessarily considered a bedroom community for outlying cities, public transportation certainly makes commuting a whole lot easier.

Referred to as RISD by locals, this prominent school offers career pathways for graphic design, photography, fashion design, and architecture. An unsung mecca of pop culture in America, RISD graduates include such celebrities as actors James Franco, Seth Macfarlane, and famed illustrator Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji).

Historic Thayer Street is often crawling with students from RSID, making it one of the most visually arresting parts of the city. From the outfits to the temporary art installations, this stretch of road often looks like something out of a fantasy novel.

Brown University, one of eight Ivy League schools, is the seventh oldest university in the entire United States and calls Providence home. Brown was around before the American Revolution and is today one of the leading research institutions in the whole country. The university was also the first of its ilk to accept undergraduates no matter their religious affiliation.

With admission being extremely competitive and selective, Providence families are often prepping their children as early as elementary school for a potential career as an Ivy Leaguer. As a result, private and charter schools are more prominent than public schools in Providence.

The cost of living is slightly higher in Providence than in the rest of the country. Around 19% higher to be exact. While it might not be as expensive as other urban areas in New England — think Boston or NYC — basic amenities in Providence are going to cost a little bit more than other areas.

Locals would tell you that finding an affordable place to live won’t be tricky— if you know where to look. The problem is knowing exactly where to look and which real estate agents will have your best interests in mind.

Plus, there’s the high heating bill every winter to consider. The winters in Providence are notoriously brutal, so you’ll want to crank the heat. Don’t be surprised if your heating bill skyrockets come the summer months.

The average rate of poverty across American cities is around 10-13% of residents. In Providence, around 20% of the population is living in poverty. The under-funded communities in Providence are mainly concentrated in South Providence neighborhoods. 78% of those living below the poverty line are people of color.

Though city officials are working to undo some of the disparity of the last several decades, the city has a long way to go when it comes to racial disparities in economic opportunity.