Providence....and proximity to Boston...a question. (Newport: homes, employment)

[Tiger Beer]

I've been reading as a regular theme that one of Providence's major plusses is that of its proximity to Boston.

But...Providence, in photos, looks like it has more than enough to keep someone quite busy.

What is that pulls people to Boston and important for its proximity? Is it just for sporting events alone? Or is there a lot more to it?

[Jenkins86]

Providence is more like a really great big town to live in. Boston is a major city. For instance, outside of a big event in downtown Providence, the streets are are not even close to crowded, and can be down right empty on weekend days. Not so in Boston, where people are almost always around.

[scdreamer]

When I lived in Providence, I commuted up to Boston for work for a couple of years. There are lots more employment opportunities in Boston, but I still preferred living in Providence as it is such a user-friendly city with plenty to do.

[Rnrboy]

These guys nailed it. If you like small cities with tons of stuff to do, you'll love Providence. If you like big cities with tons of stuff to do, you'll love Boston.

Personally I prefer Providence much more because I'm not a big city guy.

[tuteishungry]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

I've been reading as a regular theme that one of Providence's major plusses is that of its proximity to Boston.

But...Providence, in photos, looks like it has more than enough to keep someone quite busy.

What is that pulls people to Boston and important for its proximity? Is it just for sporting events alone? Or is there a lot more to it?

I live closer to Providence than Boston and I would rather drive to Boston than Prov because its classier and more upbeat. Prov is like a run down, ghetto, sleazy Boston. Check out the night-life in Boston Friday night and check out the night-life in Prov. You'll notice a huge difference.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by tuteishungry

Check out the night-life in Boston Friday night and check out the night-life in Prov. You'll notice a huge difference.

Eh, depends on where you go in Boston/Prov. There are plenty of good options in Providence (obviously not quite like Boston). In fact, Providence is really second only to Boston in terms of New England nightlife (though New Haven can be fun downtown).

Many Rhode Islanders often take Providence for granted as it really is so close to Boston yet can't compete in most ways.

Providence's East Side is gorgeous and active year round. Beautiful homes and structures line the quintessential New England streets. Downtown Providence is undergoing a major transformation (see: the IWAY) and has seen progress since the early 90s. It's a wonderful area and a gem of a downtown. Federal Hill is nice too... probably more of an authentic little Italy than Boston's North End. There are run down spots to avoid, but it's a great city and one that can CERTAINLY keep you entertained on its own. Don't confuse it with a large Boston suburb because it's a very independent city that happens to be in Boston's orbit.

The proximity to Boston is great for making it a fun, affordable urban alternative to Boston. It has world class institutions and excellent nightlife, dining (again second to Boston only in New England), etc. It's also only 3 hours from New York City and near the coast (check out Newport RI too).