East Side Providence         

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Living on the East Side of Providence.....how would we describe the experience? What is it like to live here? This will be a very "personal" relocation guide, but Chris and I have lived here for 20 years collectively and would not want to live anywhere else.  We love it here.  I am from Baltimore, and Chris from St. Joseph Mo., via Bermuda of all places, and have lived in many areas, including NYC and Westport CT, (me), Los Angeles (me) and Vermont (Chris) Washington, DC (Chris) Wyoming (Chris) and Shreveport, LA (Chris) and yet we both are firmly rooted here in Providence. Transplants, yes.  Rooted now, yes, and firmly.

First of all, the East Side of Providence is has one of the most well preserved historic districts in the country, so it is visually pleasing. Here you will see many styles of homes, from Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, Queen Anne, Bungalow, and the unique Providence architecture form, the triple decker Multi-Family. There is an active community of preservationists in Providence that set standards, and it is evident in the beauty of the environment, especially in the College Hill Neighborhood, which is a local Historic District.  So if seeing beautiful architecture as you walk or drive about the East Side appeals to you then you are in the right setting. Having so much history also contributes to one feeling rooted and grounded in a sense of place.  Not a bad thing, and you may find yourself living in one of those fine properties.

The city and community is small enough that you feel as though you can be a part of the community very quickly.  Providence, despite being a city, is a small place.  You will find people saying to you when they remark on how uncanny it was that they "ran into someone", "well, that's Providence".  That's a good feeling though.  People know you.  They remember your name.  In what other urban area can you find that?

The possibilities for intellectual thought and creativity are endless.  Here we have Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design and they impact the East Side of Providence in a unique and delightful way.  As you see students with multicolored hair and wearing over the knee leather boots in the dead of summer, you know you have stumbled close to RISD. Brown can invade the entire East Side in September with the opening of the Van Winkle Gates and you will notice how the city comes alive once the students are back in town, and how you miss them when they leave for the summer.  They are part of an intricate fabric woven on the East Side.  You will become part of it too and add your own thread.

If you chose to join in and are not already enrolled at one of those two fine institutions, you will find that you can take many continuing education classes at Brown and RISD and rediscover a part of your prior self, learn and just have fun. Classes are very accessible and you will find many new friends in these programs.  This is a part of Providence not to be missed. Ivy League and one of the Best Art Schools in the country --- a winning combination. RISD even offers culinary tours of our famous Federal Hill.

And speaking of restaurants, well, what can we say?  If you want world class, then you have it all here, look no further. With Johnson and Wales the breeding ground for fabulous chefs and superior service, Providence has so much to offer.  In a "cook-off" with Boston, Providence ranked higher for having better restaurants.  This will not disappoint you.  Just go to Al Forno or Mills Tavern or XO and email me and tell me what you think.

Now on to Nature.

Did we say nearby beaches?  How many can we count? Being from Baltimore and living in a city, "near the water", the beach was still 3 hours away!  Here you can, in 45 short minutes be on the sandy beach, completely set up, umbrella and all.  Never mind the water is very cool until about July, the beaches present some of the most picturesque and beautiful in all of the country and it is completely accessible.  Another not to be missed feature if you live on the East Side (close to all beaches) part of Providence. Or you may find yourself on the bike path which leaves from India Point, just past Wickenden Street, all the way down to Bristol.  Or take your turn at Sailing lessons, also at India Point Park.

There is so much more.

Outdoor festivals like Waterfire have gained national recognition.  Rhode Island School of Design has several Art Shows and Sales on Benefit Street.  Chris and I have vowed to buy one inexpensive student or alumni piece of artwork a year and over time build up a collection.  For history buffs and the love of houses, there is the annual, not to be missed Festival of Historic Houses hosted by the Providence Preservation Society and many fine walking tours of Benefit Street. There is the RISD museum with a fine collection of art, the Providence Athaenum with a fine collection of rare books, and the John Brown house tour and then sit on the lawn listen to one of the Concerts Under the Elms.  Or you could find yourself deep in discussion outdoor at Starbucks in Wayland Square, or roaming around Thayer Street perusing in the Brown Bookstore, cafes and shops or antiquing on Wickenden Street. The possibilities are endless.

What we have enjoyed most here are the friends we have made.  When I said that we could get involved easily with community activities and causes, I really meant it.  That's not totally it, because you don't need to be involved with a "cause" to be involved with the community here.  You will find people open, accessible, and proud of Providence and their "Little Rhodie" State.  I cannot think of a better place to live.  I know in my heart of hearts, that you will not help but to feel the same.

For more information on the distinct character of all the East Side, click on these neighborhoods: College Hill, Blackstone, Wayland, Foxpoint, and Summit and see which one is for you.  To evaluate the East Side Market see this Market Analysis.

For more information on the East Side, you can always Contact US.