Providence RI Moving Companies

Providence, Rhode Island

With a thriving arts district, a commitment to historical preservation and a stylish nightlife, Providence, Rhode Island offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors and residents alike. The Federal Hill neighborhood is brimming with restaurants, galleries and specialty stores. Still, there is much more to the city than its entertainment and nightlife; Providence houses affluent neighborhoods, miles of beautiful coastline and the potential for economic prosperity. Located in the smallest state in the nation, Providence provides residence centralized location, small-town feel and big-city opportunity.

History:
When the British Sugar Act levied heavy taxes on sugar and molasses, influencing Providence’s distilleries, rum and slave trade, Rhode Island played a foremost role in seeking independence from Britain. The resulting American Revolutionary War brought troops to the area and created more trade interruptions. Following the war, Samuel Slater is credited with shifting the economy focus of Providence from maritime to manufacturing and for the next 100 years, the city prospered in textile and jewelry manufacturing. In 1900, Providence became the capital of Rhode Island, however the Great Depression brought more hardship and economic decline to the area. A few years later, as life seemed to be improving, The New England Hurricane of 1938 flooded nearly all of the downtown area. As reconstruction was in process, organized crime gained a strong hold in the city of Providence. From the 1950s well into the 1970s, Providence was known as the heart of the New England Mafia. However, a positive turnaround for the city came between 1975 and 1980, when millions of community development dollars poured into the city. Today, Providence continues to be a city on the move and takes pride in being accepted as one of the most progressive cities in the northeastern U.S.

Economy:
Providence is a major commercial, industrial and financial hub for New England, with an economy based on service enterprises and manufacturing. The city is a key supplier of silverware and jewelry to the U.S. and Europe. Providence is home to four multibillion-dollar financial institutions, along with many other smaller companies. Tourism and conventions are budding industries; however, they have not yet become major economic contributors. As the capital of Rhode Island, Providence supports a number of government-related jobs. Excellent transportation facilities, including the Port of Providence, make Providence a major industrial hub. The principal waterborne commodities handled at the port are scrapping metal, automobiles, petroleum products and conventional and containerized general cargo. Rhode Island boasts the highest number of trained workers per square mile in the nation. The city’s labor force is described as mature, educated, efficient and willing to work at reasonable wages. The fastest-growing occupations are professional and technical workers in new industries; opportunities are expanding in the service and financial sectors, as well as in hospitality. The city looks forward to continued growth of technological fields.

Tourism:
Providence is just another day at the beach. The State of Rhode Island is packed with 400 miles of coastline and 20 percent of the country’s historic landmarks. Providence’s distinguished restaurants, award-winning theatre and vivacious arts scene is enhanced by the city’s sophisticated river-walk. Block Island’s natural beauty beckons you to unwind. Whether you choose the area’s pristine beaches, magnificent coastal bikeway, footsteps through history in Blackstone Valley or shopping, you will have a thrill exploring every corner of this cozy city. Of course, the state has numerous ocean beaches with great surf and miles of stunning vistas. Doze off listening to the waves, take time to build a sandcastle, walk the warm sand combing for seashells, or spend some time fishing into the open water. The nightlife in Rhode Island is filled with energy and vibrancies. Stop in one of the local sport bars or trendy nightspots for a few cold-ones, or enjoy one of the city’s many seafood-heavy eating spots—don’t forget your bib.

Colleges/Universities:

• Rhode Island College
• Brown University
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Johnson & Wales University

Interesting Facts:

• The world's largest bug is on the roof of New England Pest Control in Providence. It's a big blue termite, 58 feet long and 928 times actual termite size
• The smallest state has the longest official name, the "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations"
• Many protests against the British tax on tea were made in Rhode Island. One man dashed around Providence crossing out the word "tea" on every sign he found.