Providence is the capital and the most populous city in Rhode Island, and one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the estimated second or third largest city in the new England region.
From Benefit Street's "Mile of History" on the East Side to festive Federal Hill, Rhode Island's own "Little Italy," the capital city of Providence is known and loved for its abundance of historic and cultural attractions. Three-and-a-half centuries of history are alive and well on the streets of Providence, as evident in the scores of immaculately preserved Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian houses located throughout the city. The Rhode Island State House,Arcade, John Brown House andthe Meeting House of the First Baptist Church in America are among the many historic buildings which are open to the public year-round.
Parks with rolling green hills, a botanical center that's an oasis of green in the dead of winter, Riverwalks with kayaks and gondolas sharing space - Providence has plenty to catch your eye and keep your attention.
Nationally recognized for its outstanding design, WaterPlace Park is the focal point of Providence's revitalized downtown. This four-acre urban park surrounding a tidal basin
features an amphitheater, landscaped terraces, boat landings, a clock tower, and a multi-use building. The river area is edged by pedestrian walkways, complete with park benches, trees and flowering plants. A series of Venice inspired bridges connects downtown Providence to the city's historic East Side. From here you can ride a water taxi down Providence's redesigned rivers, stroll the scenic riverwalk, or just sit in the gazebo and enjoy the view. WaterPlace Park is also the site of special events such as outdoor concerts.
As for ambiance and charm, Providence is unmatched. Providence's vast and well-preserved historic architecture is like no other in the country. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places - the only major city to be so designated. Water taxes, gondolas, kayaks and canoes ply the rivers that cut a swath through the city's shiny financial district to Narragansett Bay.
One of the city’s most popular events is WaterFire, a multi-sensory art installation, highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence.Held from May to October, WaterFire has drawn tens of thousands of people in a single evening.
Cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's premier urban parks, Roger Williams Park was designed by Horace Cleveland, one of the same landscape architects that created New York's Central Park. With more than 430 acres, the Park is comprised of waterways, walks, outdoor gardens, a Carousel Village, Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, and the park's crown jewel, Roger Williams Park Zoo. The Carousel Village features a vintage carousel, pony rides, a themed miniature golf course and kiddie go-boats. The Tennis Center has Rhode Island's only clay courts available for public use. The boathouse has paddle-boats and mini-speed boats. Just opened to the public in March 2007 is the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, the largest public indoor display gardens in New England. Lush and lovely, the Conservatory and greenhouses encompass approximately 12,000 square feet of gardens.
A tiny jewel of a park on Providence's East Side, Prospect Terrace is the burial place of Rhode Island Founder Roger Williams and has arguably the best view of the city.
An 18-acre city park overlooking the head of Narragansett Bay, India Point Park's facilities include a soccer field, playground equipment, and a jogging/bike path connecting Providence to the East Bay Bike Path. Also located at the park is the Community Boating Center, which offers recreational boating and lessons.
Eight colleges and universities have campuses in the Providence/Warwick area, making a lasting intellectual impact on the region's aura of academia, artistry, acceptance, and amiability.
Brown University - Providence's resident Ivy League university is nestled high upon historic College Hill on the city's east side, serving as a bastion of high intellect and hip hot-spots. Founded in 1764 and moved to its current location in 1770, Brown is world renowned as an intellectual mecca.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $268,300
Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $330,626; Detached houses: $338,469; Townhouses or other attached units: $407,793; In 2-unit structures: $299,370; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $329,135; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $284,695
Demographics
Population in July 2008: 171,557. Providence covers 18.5 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 115 feet above sea level. Area code: 401
Weather
Providence, RI climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 82.60 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 20.30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Providence is 46.45 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 4.43 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
laces - the only major city to be so designated. Water taxes, gondolas, kayaks and canoes ply the rivers that cut a swath through the city's shiny financial district to Narragansett Bay.