Located right by the water and between major metropolitan areas like Boston, New Haven, and New York City, this New England small city in the region has plenty to offer for all lifestyles and is often called the creative capital. When you move to Providence, you will notice that even though you are in a big city, it still has a charming small-town feel that makes living in providence appealing to many residents. As one of the oldest cities in New England, Providence can be a great place for people who value community.
If you are relocating from out of state, there will be a substantial amount of planning involved in order to make the move feasible. In this guide, we’ll go over the basic things to know before moving to Providence move, from factoring in the costs of living to finding a Providence moving company and creating realistic expectations for your move.
What You Need to Know Before Moving to Providence
Have an Estimate of the Cost of Living
If you’re moving to Providence from a high-cost-of-living city such as New York City or San Francisco, you’ll enjoy the savings that you’ll get renting or buying property in Providence, and you may notice the difference compared to places that are far above the national average. However, if you’re coming from a city or town with a generally low cost of living, be prepared to spend a bit more on expenses like housing, utilities, and entertainment, and you might not benefit from such a dramatic price change.
The median rent in Providence is $1,482, and the median home price is $485,243, although there are some expensive neighborhoods and some more affordable parts of the city, including areas with easy access to everyday services. Costs of utilities and groceries also need to be considered. If you’re coming from a city that has mild winters and summers, factor in that you’ll need to use air conditioning in the summer and the heater in the winter, as Providence has distinct seasons where fall can be crisp and summer can feel warm, and this weather can make your energy bill more expensive.
Getting around Providence is quite convenient compared to many other cities in the country, which is helpful if you will be commuting to nearby areas. There is public transportation available, the city is car and bike-friendly, and much of it is walkable, so you can rely on public transit, a short ride, or a quick walk to reach what you need.
Providence has various neighborhoods, and you’ll be able to find shops, schools, parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment without having to go too far, especially in popular areas that often include a local favorite or two. This is especially appealing if access to education is important to you.
Know the Job Market
If you work remotely and aren’t planning to look for a new job when you move, this doesn’t necessarily apply. However, if you’re going to be on the job hunt, make sure to explore the job market and industries prior to moving if you are interested in new opportunities.
The top industries in Rhode Island include tourism, manufacturing, fishing, agriculture, and the service industry, and healthcare employers such as the lifespan health system are also significant. Some of the most popular jobs include software engineer, project manager, and operations manager. These roles attract young professionals and contribute to a diverse local economy. If you work in an industry that isn’t as common in Rhode Island, your job search could take longer than expected. There can be a shortage of roles in some specialized fields as more people compete for the same openings. On the other hand, in certain sectors there may be a large number of opportunities.
Find the Right Neighborhood
Compared to many other metropolitan areas, Providence is relatively safe, and many people appreciate this safety when choosing where to live. Within the city, you’ll find that there are a variety of charming neighborhoods that suit different needs, especially for newcomers who are still getting to know the area. As you search for your new home, do research on neighborhoods within the city to see if they offer the qualities you prefer for your lifestyle or family.
Some of Providence’s nicest neighborhoods include:
- Downtown Providence
- Fox Point
- Elmhurst
- Blackstone
- Federal Hill
- Mount Hope
Many people are drawn to the east side near the providence river, where some of the most affluent neighborhoods, historic streets, and private schools are located, while others look just outside the city in east providence for a quieter setting.
Providence has something for everyone, whether you’re a student on a tight budget looking for an apartment near campus or a new parent looking for a quiet suburban neighborhood close to schools. Some parts of the city to the east are lively at night with dining, galleries, and public art, while quieter streets make it easier to meet neighbors and imagine a new life here.
Start Planning & Packing
Give yourself plenty of time (at least a couple of months) to arrange your move. One of the most time-consuming aspects of the moving process is packing, and it never seems like there’s that much furniture until you start putting things in boxes and sorting through clothing and other belongings. Getting a head start on packing will save you stress once you get closer to the moving date. Even if you haven’t finalized where your new home will be, you can start getting rid of items or furniture you don’t need and decluttering, which can make the transition easier for you and your friends who may be helping.
Along with packing, arranging the paperwork for your move is also an essential step. Make a list of all the different services, bills, and mail you receive to your current address, because you will need to update all of these to keep your records complete. Consider that you’ll also need to update your driver’s license after you move and are settling into your new home.
Book a Moving Company
Booking Isaac’s Moving & Storage is an important step that you do not want to rush, because you are trusting a professional team with your home and your plans on moving day. Researching movers can be tedious, but choosing Isaac’s means working with a company that is reliable and treats your items with care throughout your relocation. As you are starting to declutter and pack, it is a good time to contact Isaac’s Moving & Storage to set a date, since our schedule can fill up quickly during peak moving season. If you need short-term or long-term storage services, we can coordinate those at the same time, which keeps everything organized and simplifies your move. Clear and consistent communication with your move coordinator at Isaac’s helps everything happen smoothly on the day of your move.
Simplify Your Move With Isaac’s Moving & Storage
Isaac’s Moving & Storage has offices around the country, including Providence, and is here to help with your local or long-distance moving services. Our movers receive the most extensive training in the industry, and more than half of our business comes from referrals. We make customer satisfaction our priority and handle every move with care.
Let Isaac’s Moving & Storage help you have a stress-free move. Contact us today to get a free estimate.
