Review of Providence, Rhode Island


East Side of Providence near Brown University
Star Rating - 3/23/2008
Providence . . . an old city reborn
The national media is abuzz! MSN named Providence to its list of top ten places in America to live, calling it the “most improved city” in the nation. The New York Times headline reads, "Providence Begins To See Its Future . . ." Forbes Magazine named Providence among the top 50 places in the country for business and careers. Similarly, Money Magazine named Providence as the best city in the East for young professionals because of our superb quality of life. In 2007, the National Trust named Providence one of the dozen most distinctive destinations in the US, and the list goes on and on!
In the last few years, Downtown Providence has been undergoing a striking renaissance that has added an official Arts and Entertainment District and European style to its classic New England beauty. Out-of-State real estate developers have recently discovered Providence and are currently investing more than 3 billion dollars, building high-rise hotels and condominium towers Downtown and transforming Providence's waterfront. The New York Times states, "Providence begins to see its future

Located in New England on the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, Providence, with a population of 175,000, is a small, friendly, sophisticated City full of beauty, history, good food, intellect, art and culture.

Providence . . . an old city reborn
The national media is abuzz! MSN named Providence to its list of top ten places in America to live, calling it the “most improved city” in the nation. The New York Times headline reads, "Providence Begins To See Its Future . . ." Forbes Magazine named Providence among the top 50 places in the country for business and careers. Similarly, Money Magazine named Providence as the best city in the East for young professionals because of our superb quality of life. In 2007, the National Trust named Providence one of the dozen most distinctive destinations in the US, and the list goes on and on!
In the last few years, Downtown Providence has been undergoing a striking renaissance that has added an official Arts and Entertainment District and European style to its classic New England beauty. Out-of-State real estate developers have recently discovered Providence and are currently investing more than 3 billion dollars, building high-rise hotels and condominium towers Downtown and transforming Providence's waterfront. The New York Times states, "Providence begins to see its future

The East Side of Providence has direct access to Interstate 95, which can quickly take you to some of the Rhode Island's beautiful ocean spots, or on to Boston, one-hour north, or New York City, three-hours south. The States small size makes it convenient to live in the culturally rich Capital City and work just about anywhere in the State with no more than a thirty-minute drive to work. The average commute to work in Rhode Island is only fifteen minutes. In fact, many East Side residents walk to work!

Brown University
The East Side, with 20% of Providence's population, is home to Ivy League, Brown University, founded in 1764, and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and the thriving artistic and intellectual community they attract.

Providence . . . an old city reborn
The national media is abuzz! MSN named Providence to its list of top ten places in America to live, calling it the “most improved city” in the nation. The New York Times headline reads, "Providence Begins To See Its Future . . ." Forbes Magazine named Providence among the top 50 places in the country for business and careers. Similarly, Money Magazine named Providence as the best city in the East for young professionals because of our superb quality of life. In 2007, the National Trust named Providence one of the dozen most distinctive destinations in the US, and the list goes on and on!
In the last few years, Downtown Providence has been undergoing a striking renaissance that has added an official Arts and Entertainment District and European style to its classic New England beauty. Out-of-State real estate developers have recently discovered Providence and are currently investing more than 3 billion dollars, building high-rise hotels and condominium towers Downtown and transforming Providence's waterfront. The New York Times states, "Providence begins to see its future

The East Side of Providence has direct access to Interstate 95, which can quickly take you to some of the Rhode Island's beautiful ocean spots, or on to Boston, one-hour north, or New York City, three-hours south. The States small size makes it convenient to live in the culturally rich Capital City and work just about anywhere in the State with no more than a thirty-minute drive to work. The average commute to work in Rhode Island is only fifteen minutes. In fact, many East Side residents walk to work!

Roger Williams, A famous religious freedoms advocate, founded Providence in 1636, when he purchased the land from the Narragansett Indian tribe. A statue of Roger Williams in Prospect Park, in the East Side's College Hill neighborhood, commands a breathtaking view of the Rhode Island Statehouse and Downtown. Many stately, refurbished Colonial and Federal period mansions can be found in and around Brown University and College Hill. Benefit Street is a visual treat of New England architectural beauty, complete with 19th-century-style streetlights; here you will also find historic churches (Baptist and Unitarian), the Providence Art Club, RISD Museum along with many other cultural and historic points of interest.

All things good
Comfortably fitting into the picturesque East Side neighborhoods are a variety of fabulous small bistros and cafes. Providence is home to the renowned Johnson & Wales culinary and hospitality University, which fuels the City's world-class culinary scene.
East Side residents not only enjoy fine food, but also have a healthy appetite for the visual arts and design. RISD student artists and graduates are featured in street fairs on Benefit Street and at the RISD Artists Store. The RISD Museum, Gallery Nights, Providence Art Club and many other venues, give the East Side Community constant exposure to new trends in art and design, and regular opportunities to buy "artist studio direct"!
Providence tops the list of American Cities that are most appealing to telecommuters and those at the forefront of the new "creative economy". The East Side is a hub, attracting creative individuals whose work allows them the freedom to live most anywhere they choose. Providence, with its exceptional quality-of-life, appeals to this growing group of dynamic individuals. When the need arises to leave town, either for business or pleasure, T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is just a 10-minute drive from the East Side.

Downtown Providence, where three rivers now run, is reminiscent of Venice, complete with romantic gondola rides, river walks, quaint arched bridges, and a waterside amphitheater at Waterplace Park that is the frequent site of cultural events and scenes from the TV show "Providence". Providence Place Mall, containing an array of national retailers including Nordstrom's and an IMAX Cinema, is located right across the street from Waterplace Park. Downtown Providence also boasts the country's first indoor shopping mall, circa 1827, the unique multi-level Arcade, is home to small shops and restaurants. A few blocks down from the Arcade is "PPAC", the Providence Performing Arts Center, where many shows are booked throughout the year. Just down Washington Street from the Providence Biltmore Hotel is the renowned Trinity Repertory, which has a busy schedule of critically acclaimed plays. South Main Street and Thayer Street contain the Cable Car and Avon Cinemas respectively, which show a range of movies but specialize in art house and foreign films.


Located in New England on the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, Providence, with a population of 1
Chris | Providence, RI
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You must be a local politician or an area businessman with something to gain by this review. The treatment of people in any area should be #1. People make the place and there isn't enough consideration or regard for others here. I agree with the actual inanimate objects, buildings, and places. There may be some architecture and good shots in terms of photography. But your list doesn't even get into the morale of the people here which is very low. Road rage on the streets where people tailgate to run you off the road, drivers in a hurry; no directionals--more to beat the person near them. Unemployment is horrible, political corruption, poorly mismanaged state #2 in the country..Many single parents, and women here. Chivalry is dead because the liberal values and politics prevail. You want to be involved; better make sure you don't mind being the "man" or the giver. It is the truth. Is this everyone's experience? Hopefully not--But you will hear many of the same kinds of accounts. I have been asked, Is it the weather? No, the weather doesn't cause people to be inconsiderate of others. There are only pockets of goodwill towards others here. You don't have to be here for years to learn quick. Manners or patience out in public. No. It is whoever can cut you off or run to the register first at checkout. And most of the time, they will not acknowledge your there. The disconnect on the streets and the distrust of others in public is at an all time low. Are there pockets of good people? Sure. However, when women around you can't find a respectful, decent person and seem to compete with other women in the confusion to find this very basic treatment..There's just something wrong here when that is the tone. Women have turned on other women here because of it. I see it all of the time. Friendships suffer when the morale is low. Don't break down on the side of the road as a woman. As many men visiting here have told me, they can't believe to see people drive by and not help. I tell them, that's how it is. It's gritty. If you're a student here...Well yes, you will have a different view. There are supports here with your college peers and you can lose yourself in your studies. However, if you come here for a good support system emotionally; seek a church. It is very much to each his/her own. Family environment? No. I have lived here for 30 years. You can find some neighboring communities with more of a friendly vibe. I can't wait to leave. If you're looking for someone to hold the door or make friendly conversation; it happens--but not overall. Let the truth be told. You can have all the restaurants you want or shops..But if people aren't courteous to others, I believe you have nothing--but an emotionally sick area.
Kristen | North Providence, RI | Report Abuse
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