Moving to Providence, RI

Providence At-A-Glance

So, you’re considering moving to Providence? The capital of Rhode Island has been around since 1636, so that’s a city with a lot of history, one of the oldest in New England. But this is also where old meets new in a cool way. And, with just under 190,000 people, the city is neither too big nor too small. That’s just enough to make it lively, but still feel friendly. You won’t get lost in the crowd here, that’s for sure.

Here’s something fun: Providence is home to a 9-foot-tall artificial termite — the Big Blue Bug — and a 12-foot-high concrete obelisk embedded with over 1,000 guns — the Gun Totem. Weird attractions aside, Brown University is here too, and this Ivy League institution brings a lot of smart people and neat ideas to the city. Plus, each neighborhood in Providence has its own story and vibe, from the old-time charm of College Hill to the buzzing and active Federal Hill.

Great for Foodies and Outdoorsy Folks

Living in Providence, RI, is a unique experience that does a good job of blending its historical charm with a lively and contemporary spirit. Of all the mid sized cities in the U.S. Providence makes the top 10 for diversity, so you’ll have little trouble fitting in and feeling accepted here.

Another thing that Providence is big in is food. So big, that it ranks NUMBER ONE among the most restaurant-dense cities in the U.S., with everything from Italian eateries in Federal Hill to innovative restaurants downtown, not to mention the ever-present donut shops. Oh, and the local seafood is a must-try — fresh lobsters and clams are a New England specialty, after all.

Outdoorsy types thrive here too. With a zoo, botanical center and plenty of space for picnics and leisurely walks, Roger Williams Park is a local favorite. And if you like cycling or jogging, the East Bay Bike Path offers scenic views along Narragansett Bay. It is also a great winter vacation destination for cold-weather lovers, balancing travel costs and hassles with local costs, attractions and the amount of cold-weather activities available.

Providence Job Market Bounced Back

Providence is a good city to start a career as far as professional opportunities go, with the third-fastest job growth in the U.S. (adjusted for population growth). Since the tough times of 2020, Providence has been steadily regaining jobs. From a low point in April 2020, the city has added back over 144,000 jobs by September 2023, showing how hard it worked to bounce back fully after a tough couple of years.

Providence supports businesses and people alike, and the Offices of Economic Development and Economic Opportunity have several programs to make the magic happen​​. There’s the First Source List, a program that helps job-ready residents find work with local employers​​, and the PVD Self-Employment Program, which provides unemployed and under-employed residents with the needed training and support to start their own businesses. 

The cost of living in Providence, RI, is 13% higher than the national average. And, the latest data from Census.gov (2017-2021) put the median household income in Providence at 19% lower than the national median value. Much of this discrepancy stems from the high percentage of residents living in poverty, the ones that the city is now trying hard to get back on track through various programs.

Unemployment rate: 3.0 percent (as of September 2023)

Average weekly wages for all industries in the Providence area: $1,277 (Q1 2023)

Providence Has a Competitive Real Estate Market

Providence stands out in the real estate scene, but not in the usual ways. While nationwide about 64.6% of people own their homes, in Providence, it’s around 40%. That’s significantly lower than both the Rhode Island average of 62.3% and the national figure.

Here’s what’s happening with house prices: The median value of a home in Providence is about $248,900. This slots in between the Rhode Island average of $292,600 and the U.S. median of $244,900. So, while Providence’s homes are ever so slightly pricier than the average U.S. home, they’re still more affordable than many other places in the small Rhode Island.

Renting in Providence? It’s pretty on par with the rest of the state, with a median gross rent of $1,098. That’s almost identical to Rhode Island’s average and slightly below the U.S. median of $1,163.

With a much lower rate of homeownership and a competitive market, it’s a mix of opportunities for buyers and challenges for those dreaming of owning a home.

Providence Neighborhoods To Consider for Your Move

Providence in Rhode Island is not your usual big city. It’s pretty cozy, just over 20 square miles, way smaller than nearby giants like New York City or Boston. In this little city, every neighborhood has its style — check out some of the best areas to see what they’re all about:

College Hill. Home to Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), it’s always buzzing with students. Housing here is snapped up fast, but it’s worth it for the lively Thayer Street scene, full of diverse restaurants and the cool Avon Cinema.

Blackstone and Hope. These neighborhoods are favorites for families and working pros. Blackstone leads the city in homeownership, offering beautiful views and pricey living. Hope, on the other hand, is great for renters, mixing charm with quieter streets. Key spots? The lovely Blackstone Boulevard for walks, and Hope Street’s cool shops and tasty eats.

Fox Point. Popular for its more affordable rents, it brings a mix of history from way back in the 1600s together with hip vibes from all the college students roaming around the quirky shops and restaurants on Wickenden Street. It’s close to downtown but has its unique flavor, with the scenic India Point Park and the East Bay Bike Path nearby.

DownCity. Perfect for those who love city life: action, top-notch restaurants, shops and theaters. Living in DownCity means easy access to everything urban but be ready for higher rent and a lively non-stop atmosphere.

Federal Hill. Of all the places in Providence, this is where the foodies hang out most. Known as Little Italy, it’s got amazing Italian food and fun new places to try. It is on the affordable side, but some parts can be a bit rough.

Slow Traffic, Fast Feet and Bikes

Traffic in Providence? It’s a bit of a headache. Commuters here spend around 112 hours a year driving, and a good chunk of that, 37 hours, is stuck in traffic jams. But here’s a silver lining: with Providence and Rhode Island being so small, travel time to work averages about 24 minutes, shorter than the nearly 27 minutes nationwide.

Walking around Providence is a breeze, meaning most errands don’t need a car, especially in neighborhoods like Fox Point, Federal Hill and College Hill. Biking’s good too, with a score of 61. Public transport, though not perfect everywhere, does the job well in downtown areas.

Flying in or out? T.F. Green Airport in nearby Warwick is only a 10-minute drive from Providence. It’s been voted the 3rd best airport in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers in 2023 — small but mighty and super convenient. Plus, Amtrak and MBTA rail services are right downtown, making travel a cinch.

Providence Education Gets Better with Age

The Providence Public School District (PPSD), serving over 21,000 students in 37 schools, has its challenges, as testing shows their schools are in the bottom half of public schools in Rhode Island. And when it’s time for college, about 55% of grads move on to higher education, trailing behind cities like Boston and New York.

Now, for the brighter side. Providence truly shines in higher education. The city is home to eight colleges and universities. Among them, Brown University stands out for its stellar undergraduate teaching. Providence College and RISD are also among the top players. All these institutions deeply impact the city, culturally and economically, as students from across the globe come to Providence, drawn by the schools’ renown.

Experience a Kaleidoscope of Seasons

There’s no real “rainy season” or “dry spell” in Providence — rain just comes and goes all year round. And snow? Well, it usually starts saying hello by late November, but sometimes it plays hard to get until January. Since each season here brings its very own wardrobe playbook, let’s take a peek inside:

Winter = Layers, layers, layers. You’ll want long-sleeved shirts, cozy sweaters and a good coat, maybe medium to heavy. Don’t forget your gloves.

Spring and Fall are all about balance. Long sleeves or light sweaters work great. A raincoat is a smart move and an umbrella is your best friend. Top it off with a light jacket, and you’re good to go.

Summer is an easy-breezy time. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are your go-to’s. Evenings might get a little breezy, so a windbreaker or light sweater can come in handy. And hey, don’t forget your bathing suit — it’s summer, after all.

Summer average (June – Aug): 81℉ high, 63℉ low

Winter average (Dec – Feb): 41℉ high, 24℉ low

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Providence

Living in Providence, RI, you get as much time as you want to experience WaterFire without a huge crowd. This iconic art installation lights up the river with over 80 bonfires that truly create a magical experience, drawing in a million visitors annually.

WaterFire aside, here are ten other awesome things to experience in and around Providence:

1. Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest in the country, covering 40 acres and offering encounters with over 160 species from around the world, like red pandas and giraffes. The perfect choice for a family day out​.
2. Another perfect day for families can be spent at the Providence Children’s Museum. Engaging young minds with hands-on activities in exhibits like the Innovation Lab and Thinkspace, it is ideal for children aged 4 and above.
3. Turn up the romance and cruise along the waterways by gondola. It’s a great way to see the cityscape and learn about its history as well as its modern-day sights​​.
4. Explore Rhode Island State House. It is an architectural marvel and the center of Rhode Island’s government​​.
5. Swan Point Cemetery is an intriguing place with historical significance, including the grave of H.P. Lovecraft​​.
6. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the RISD Museum, associated with the Rhode Island School of Design. The creative works showcased here span various cultures and the museum offers activities to inspire creativity in kids and adults alike​.
7. Tackle the East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5-mile trail perfect for family biking or walking while enjoying waterfront views.
8. The Providence Rink is a prime spot for ice skating and ice bumper cars in winter. The remaining three seasons, it’s all about roller skating, roller disco, roller hockey and movie nights.​
9. Nearby Newport is renowned for its sailing scene, so water sports enthusiasts​​ should definitely give it a try in spring. It’s only 34 miles away, taking about 40 minutes by car outside peak hours. You can also travel by ferry.
10. Any football fans in the house? Gillette Stadium is easily accessible from Providence for New England Patriots games, with convenient rail service on game days.