Providence is one of the oldest cities in the entire United States, and it serves as the capital and most populous city in Rhode Island. It has a relatively low population that is still under 200,000. However, the metropolitan area is much bigger. It has over one and a half million people. This makes it the third-largest metropolitan area in the New England region, after Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts.
Providence used to be known for being one of the biggest cities in the United States for manufacturing. Now it has shifted toward the service industry due to the amount of hospitals and institutions for higher education that are here. It has become known for being a creative and education-focused city. Brown University is located in Providence and it is the biggest employer in the entire city. Anywhere near Brown is one of the best places in Providence because it is full of fun things to do. Rhode Island Hospital is the second biggest employer. Average rent prices in Providence re a little above the national average, but costs of groceries, transportation, etc. are close to the national average.
Providence has tons of fun places to go and attractions to see. People enjoy seeing the artwork going on at Rhode Island School of Design and catching shows at Providence Performing Arts Center. The city is home to tons of great theater. They also enjoy going to the Water Place Park and Riverfront Walk. Many of the best places to live in Providence are close to the water. Rhode Islanders love coffee, which is why there are more coffee and donut shops per capita in Providence than in any other city in the United States.
The cold winter temperatures lend themselves very well to winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Highs are usually in the low 40's in winter and the high 80's in summer. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides low-cost bus services that go throughout the city. Providence is largely a driving city, but the bus system makes plenty of stops throughout the city, making it a viable option for most people.
If you're looking to find the best places to live in Providence, you might be wondering just how to go about doing that. The best places to live in Providence can easily be found using AreaVibes. We allow you to adjust your metrics and search different areas using the criteria that matters to you, like crime rates, job opportunities, local housing prices, nearby amenities, and many others. Find out of Providence is the place for you!
