Rhode Island City Earns Spot Among Top Family-Friendly Places to Live
Gather the family and pack the bags, as one Rhode Island city has earned a prestigious place on Fortune's 2024 list of the 50 best places to live for families. This recognition highlights the city's excellent colleges, robust employment opportunities, and vibrant arts and nightlife scene.
Fortune's list particularly praises Providence for its support resources for multigenerational families. With a population of 193,252, the city offers a wide range of healthcare options, including 26 above-average nursing homes and several well-regarded hospitals.
Education stands out as a cornerstone of Providence's appeal. The city is home to a diverse array of universities, such as Brown University, Providence College, and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This wealth of higher education institutions ensures that students have access to top-tier learning opportunities.
Providence's community is strengthened by its thriving arts scene and a calendar full of diverse events. Known as "The Renaissance City," Providence boasts cultural gems like the RISD Museum and the century-old Providence Performing Arts Center, which hosts plays, musicals, and concerts.
The city's vibrant LGBTQ+ community is another highlight, with several notable gay bars, including Mirabar, the third oldest gay bar in the U.S. Providence also honors its Black heritage through initiatives like the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society's exhibit on Black entrepreneurs and the Early Black History Walking Tour, featuring many Black-owned restaurants.
Joining Providence on Fortune's list are other notable cities such as Somerville, Massachusetts, and Stamford, Connecticut. Providence's blend of educational excellence, cultural vibrancy, and strong community support make it a standout destination for families.
Additional Reporting by Marissa Sebastiao
Inside the All-New Level99 Location in the Providence Place Mall
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
Welcome to Your New Humble Abode: A Providence Shopping Mall
Gallery Credit: Kari Jakobsen
Inside Huge Historic Providence Home With Indoor Swings
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall