The fake gloss about RI
-
1/5/2007
I've lived here all my life. The economy hasn't been good in my lifetime. I'm fourty now. The local economy used to depend on jobs from military contractors(ie General Dynamics ect) But since the end of the Cold War those jobs have steadily moved south where cost of labor is cheaper or disappeared entirely. In there place were low wage burger flipper/Walmart minimum wage type jobs. The cost of living is as high here as any in the country save San Francisco and New York City. At least those places have a diverse economic base to lure business to there areas. Providence and the rest of Rhode Island has basically become a bedroom community for exiled Massachusetts residents priced of of the Boston real estate market. This in turn has driven up property values at an astronical rate. Plan to make 30 thousand a year if you want to rent a decent one bedroom apartment anywhere in the state not just in Providence. Also plan on having a high demand skill like nursing or something high tech because those are the only real good jobs left here. If you're lucky enough to be related to a local politician you can snag a coveted teacher, police or firefighter job with a lifetime guarantee due to union protection. Taxes, especially property taxes are punitively high. The few large companies that have come here have been given tax amnesty by the Governor to lure them here. Basically it costs more to make something here in RI than almost anywhere else in the country, so why would a business want to come here due to the factors I have mentioned above. Tourism is one bright spot, but that's dependent on the larger national economy. This isn't Vermont where people will always come to ski or watch leaves change color no matter how bad the economy is. Ive about had it myself and am looking to get out soon. So unless you work in Boston and don't mind commuting or have a high demand skill and can write your own job ticket I'd stay away from Rhode Island.
RAYMOND | Warwick, RI