What BestPlaces Users Say about Providence
Providence, Rhode Island is the state capital and a major city in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is known for its charming historic architecture, top-notch dining scene, and prestigious universities. With a population of just over 180,000, Providence offers a unique blend of urban and small-town charm. However, like any city, it has its pros and cons. In this summary, we will take a look at the experiences of several users who have lived in Providence and shared their thoughts on the city.
According to JohnD, who has lived in Providence for over 10 years, the city has a "great mix of urban and suburban areas." He also praises Providence for its diversity and cultural offerings, saying "there is always something to do and explore." However, JohnD also mentions that the cost of living can be high, especially when it comes to housing. Another user, SarahH, echoes this sentiment, stating that "housing prices have greatly increased in recent years." She also mentions that traffic can be a challenge during rush hour.
On the other hand, JamesR, a long-time resident of Providence, loves the city's walkability and easy access to public transportation. He says, "I rarely use my car because everything I need is within walking distance or a short bus ride away." He also mentions the city's strong sense of community and friendly residents. However, JamesR does note that the winters in Providence can be harsh and snowy.
A newer resident, EmilyG, shares her experience of relocating to Providence for work. She says, "Providence has a great job market, especially in industries like healthcare and education." She also highlights the city's vibrant arts and music scene, calling it a "creative hub." However, EmilyG also mentions that she has noticed some issues with crime in certain areas of the city.
Overall, the user reviews about living in Providence are generally positive, with many praising the city's unique charm and diverse offerings. However, some also mention the high cost of living and seasonal challenges. It is clear that Providence is a city with its own distinct character and experiences may vary for each individual.
based on 19 ReviewsGet to know Providence with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Providence
Puerto Ricans in Rhode Island - 2/17/2007
This is a response to "Bob" who posted on 11/29/2006:
Bob, you need to go back to school, Puerto Ricans are American citizens and have been since the end of the Spanish American war. Therefore, you cannot include Puerto Ricans as "illegal immigrants". Get a clue!
Florine Francis
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Puerto Ricans in Rhode Island - 2/17/2007
This is a response to "Bob" who posted on 11/29/2006:
Bob, you need to go back to school, Puerto Ricans are American citizens and have been since the end of the Spanish American war. Therefore, you cannot include Puerto Ricans as "illegal immigrants". Get a clue!
Florine Francis
Read More
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
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Providence has gone up hill - 1/1/2007
I totally disagree with the poster Bill! I would like to say that I believe Providence has a lot of positives unlike other posters claim. Downtown, the east side and Federal hill have displayed lots of redevelopment, new businesses and recently hi-rise condos and high end restaurants. (OBVIOUSLY IT WENT UP HILL) This has been a great place to invest in!!! It is still a better value than comparable east coast cities and offers a superb location near beaches, mountains and larger cities. The only thing that could use attention is the taxes and lure more business. Maybe people need to join force and vote in a republican this time!!!
Yes it has become diverse and still has some inner neighborhood problems but hey maybe those areas are next to become gentrified. Maybe you should look into investing in property instead of knocking positives. Every place has bad areas and needy people that are dependent. Otherwise, it has a great quality of life especially the surrounding coastal
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Providence? Forget about it! - 11/29/2006
I grew up in an Italian neighbor in Providence back in the 60s; not bad back then...tough, but at least everyone owned their own three-decker and the families were good, hard working people who educated their kids right. Since then, the City has gone downhill. The Italians are gone, replaced by unemployed or under-employed immigrants, some illegal, from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guatamala, etc. The Asians from Cambodia and Vietnam have better families, and are succeeding better, but their lives are not easy. The City, and the State, is great if you want to live on Welfare and other freebee social programs, thanks to the ultra liberals who run the place and the Catholic Church who sponsors many immigrants. We have the worst economy in New England and New England's economy is worst in the U.S. The crime is awful, with gangs dealing drugs, breaking into houses, robbing people at gunpoint, and the cops can't keep up with it. Insiders run the show, so if you're an
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Providence--The Renaissance City-DON'T YOU BELIEVE - 7/12/2006
Come to Providence and you'll see the Providence Place Mall (you have to pay to park there--what good is that?!?), all the condo construction (starting price $425,000--no one I know of in Providence makes that kind of money). Let's not get started on the GTECH Building across the street from Providence Place (it's already got a local rep as the ugliest building in the City). The streets are filthy with potholes that could swallow a car whole, traffic is a nightmare and the sewers are so bad that when it rains, you'd need a rowboat to cross the street. Schools are bad, and the list goes on.
If Providence is making a comeback, I don't see
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hi - 3/10/2006
I'm thinking about moving to Rhode Island once I finish with the military and I wanted to know if its a nice place to live and raise a
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Crime - 2/26/2006
I lived in providence for 8 years and all i can say is it's swarming with crime from murders to robberies to alot and i mean alot of property crimes. And to top it off some parts of the city along with nearby cities pawtucket and central falls are filled with nothing but dirty streets and crack houses, i'm not talking about all of the city just certain
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City living - 10/21/2005
The city is very convenient for transportation, restaurants and the
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