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Hello all. We are considering a move to the Providence area to take a job and I was hoping to get as unbiased and honest an opinion as possible on the area and state. I've lurked on the City Data forums enough to know that discussions like these can often devolve into the "pollyanna unbridled supporter" v. "worst place ever" hater. Although one person's heaven may be another person's hell, I am not interested in starting a war.
From the research we've done so far, the area seems right up our alley. We love the access to beaches/coastline, lots of neat stuff to do and areas to explore, the dining options in Providence, good public schools in places like Barrington and East Greenwich, easy access to airports and Boston, etc. I lived in Boston for 5 years, so I am used to (and don't mind) the weather (nothing better than New England fall and late spring in my mind) and the supposed rudeness (live in the deep south now, and while southern hospitality does exist, we aren't immune to rudeness). We are in a pretty isolated area now where the cost of living isn't as low as you might think. We would be OK trading a higher COL to live in an area that makes it worth it.
My main concern after doing all the investigating is the economy and unemployment. Seem like steps are being taken to address this, but actions do speak louder than words. I would have a pretty solid job, so not worried from that standpoint. I also believe that unemployment numbers can be a little tricky to interpret (for instance, we have a bit of an abuse problem with the SS Disability system - technically these people aren't unemployed, but they still live off the taxpayers).
What is the overall mindset of Rhode Islanders regarding the current economic climate? Do people see hope for the future? Is there the feeling that Gov. Chafee and the current government can turn things around? Does the average citizen feel the burden of the high unemployment rate? How is the morale of the populace?
Again, everything outside of the economic problems seems to really appeal to us. I'm open to other opinions about the state and Providence area as well.
Things definitely don't feel as bleak as they did at the height of the recession, but unemployment is still high. Outside of some urban areas in the cities, the state never looked depressed or anything. Prior to the downturn, RI had more job growth than any other NE state. We're not isolated, it's not Maine. However, I have heard RI is often the first to enter recession, and the last to pull out. It's tough to say. ALot of people have family in the state, which makes things easier during a downturn, and while there are a lot of grumps and complainers, RI'ers are more open and friendly than many other places in NE.
I think you said it yourself in your first paragraph. The mindset you'll get- positive or negative- depends on how well individuals are doing. If you have a good job and can afford a nice house in a good town, you'll do fine. Are you a doctor "sawbones"?
In my opinion, one of the main issues plaguing RI is the outdated infrastructure. I do not think RI road systems are particularly well designed to begin with and for such a small state, there is not really an excuse not to have any kind of light rail system in place besides what is connecting us to Boston and CT. Traveling by car can be a pain. The roads are often abysmal. Our public transportation system, RIPTA, is not in the best shape, either. Changing any of this will be a huge challenge and I don't know if the public in RI has the mindset to even consider such an effort. After all, RIPTA is only for the "poor people and welfare moms".
Also suggest you explore the East Bay area. Portsmouth, Tiverton, Middletown, etc. Beautiful area with great access to the beaches (and the roads are fine).
In my opinion, one of the main issues plaguing RI is the outdated infrastructure. I do not think RI road systems are particularly well designed to begin with and for such a small state, there is not really an excuse not to have any kind of light rail system in place besides what is connecting us to Boston and CT. Traveling by car can be a pain. The roads are often abysmal. Our public transportation system, RIPTA, is not in the best shape, either. Changing any of this will be a huge challenge and I don't know if the public in RI has the mindset to even consider such an effort. After all, RIPTA is only for the "poor people and welfare moms".
we had that many years ago, my great-grandfather was a UER foreman.
(United Electric Railroad). There are many transportation alternatives
and new technologies, although they are being suppressed.
We've been here about 6 months now. The people have been friendly, but the first question out of everyone's mouth is a variation of "Why the hell would you move here?" so there are some negative feelings about the state. I agree about the infrastructure, I've never seen so many flooded streets from only 1"-2" of rain.
There's a ton to do, the food is fantastic, and we're pretty close to everything in the NE.
Texan, do you agree with the negative sentiments? I've lived in a lot of places, and just about everywhere you are going to find people who are unhappy for various reasons. What did bring you to RI?
Interesting about the infrastructure. That's one area that can create jobs and you can't go wrong improving infrastructure as an investment. It takes money but is generally worth it.
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