About Homes in Providence
What can we say about Providence, RI that has not been said already? Lets start with the obvious. It is the Capital and the most populous city in Rhode Island. It is truly the epicenter of this small state. It has a very interesting history starting in 1636 with Roger Williams who was a religious exile from Massachusetts. Therefore Providence was the first truly tolerant place in the modern world! On the city crest you will see the phrase ‘What Cheer’ which is what the Narragansett Indians said to Williams upon his arrival in Providence. It was a kind of modern day ‘What Up?’. Providence became very industrial in time and was an area of great Yankee wealth because of the industrial revolution which began in nearby Pawtucket. Of course manufacturing faded and so did Providence. Those who remember the City in the 70’s will tell you of a grim and desolate downtown and generally a place where clearly the best days were behind. However it is hard to keep a good people down and Providence has seen tremendous revitalization. Like much of Rhode Island it has not completely adjusted to post-manufacturing New England but it has a real identity and a vibrant feel to it.
It seems to me that Providence benefits from a couple of things. Firstly, it has a natural charm that is hard to characterize. Difficult to put a finger on it but present none the less….Secondly, it is a great size. I think that people are really beginning to appreciate the value of small cities. Providence is nestled between Boston and New York just in case you need to get international. There is very little congestion but is big enough to water, feed and intrigue you. I doubt you will be bored here and I know you will feel at ease. Providence has New England charm but is not like Boston at all. This is hard to explain but so true – you know when you are in Providence. It is a sleepy, proud backwater edging into a new world where it will ultimately, I believe, gain national and perhaps even international recognition but it is not there yet and it is an interesting place right now because of it. There are glimpses of the future everywhere. Pockets of change in neighborhoods; the old rubbing against the new and it all actually coincides well together. Providence offers city flavor without total gridlock; culture without too much fuss and a pragmatic but laid back Southern New England outlook on things.
As I write this the bubble has burst and owning a home (or more houses) makes real sense. Providence has great housing stock and great neighborhoods and the prices are once again very affordable. This is a place worth living in and it is far more affordable than the larger North East Cities. There is plenty to do and see and you might find that you will enjoy New York more on the weekends than you did when you lived there…..
