.....America’s
original 13 colonies to declare independence from British rule. “The
Ocean State,” as it has been dubbed for its ample share of
shoreline, presents a one-of-a-kind way of life.
Those relocating to Rhode Island have 39 cities and towns to choose
from. The state capital and largest city, Providence, is home to
approximately 180,000 people and serves as the economic, cultural
and political hub of Rhode Island. Warwick, Cranston and Pawtucket
are all popular.....
.....residential areas as well. Rhode Island’s landscape is largely
defined by the Narragansett Bay, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that
reaches far into the center of the state and is home to three large
islands.
House hunters may
choose from more modest, modern single-family homes in Providence,
the palatial mansions and estates on Bellevue Avenue in Newport or
quaint seaside dwellings in the East Bay or West Bay. Housing is
quite affordable and the choices plentiful ranging from $40,000 to
more than $500,000 for three-bedroom homes. Of course, luxury homes
are also available for prices ranging from $1.2 million to almost $9
million.
Aquidneck, the most prevalent and well-known island, is home to
historic Newport, a popular tourist destination which features
sprawling oceanfront estates, seasonal yacht races and jazz
festivals. The neighboring island of Conanicut is home to the
popular resort town, Jamestown and located near the center of the
bay is Prudence, the smallest of the three islands. If Narragansett
is an arm then Greenwich Bay, Providence River and Mount Hope Bay
are its fingers, as well as the dozens of coves and inlets of rivers
and streams surrounding the bay.
About
12 miles south of the mainland, secluded Block Island is known for
its windswept land and rugged bluffs. The gently rolling hills of
the west and northwest include Jerimoth Hill, the state's highest
point at only 812 feet. The Scituate Reservoir is the largest inland
body of water. Even though Rhode Island is highly urbanized, more
than half the state is lush forest, and with all that water, no
resident of Rhode Island is more than a half hour’s scenic drive to
the shore. It is this balanced combination of metropolitan progress
and unspoiled nature that gives this little state such a big
personality.
The
minute size of this state makes for a robust culture of diverse
people from all walks of life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
as of 2005, the state’s population of 1.2 million makes it the
second most densely populated in the nation. From their distinct
accents to their signature local dishes, Rhode Islanders have a
style all their own. The largest percentage of residents in the
state is of Italian descent, many of which live in Providence. In
fact, Rhode Island has a higher percentage of both people of Italian
and Portuguese heritage than any other state in the country. Other
prominent ancestry groups are Irish, French and English.
Yet
another distinction claimed by Rhode Island is its reputation for
being the place the textile industry got its start. The first water
mill was invented in Pawtucket by a man named Samuel Slater. This
mill, which was powered by the Blackstone River, started America’s
Industrial Revolution and brought wealth to the Ocean State. Today
the state is known for crafting silverware and fine jewelry as well
as electronics, metal and plastic. Boat and ship construction is
another important industry in Rhode Island. Others work in health,
medicine and marine science. Some regions subsist on agriculture,
fishing ports and tourism, which generates over $1 billion of the
state’s revenue each year.
Scholars in Rhode Island can choose from several continuing
education facilities, including the University of Road Island in
Kingston and Rhode Island College in Providence. The state also
takes pride in its award-winning public school districts and special
needs educational facilities.
Recreational opportunities abound in the state of Rhode Island.
Yachting, fishing, boating and swimming are among the most popular
pastimes. Endless miles of unspoiled beaches and picturesque parks
provide an outdoor enthusiast with a year-round playground of
activities. There is no shortage of indoor entertainment, either.
Shopping, museums, art galleries, theaters and exciting nightclubs
are within easy reach no matter where you live in Rhode Island.
With
an excellent transportation infrastructure, statewide low crime rate
and four brilliant seasons of natural beauty to enjoy, Rhode
Island’s population continues to thrive. Rhode Island is an ideal
place to raise children, spend your retirement, and everything in
between.
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