What the Locals Are Saying

“Downtown Providence is the center of the state. There are great restaurants, bars and entertainment just steps from my door. I can easily walk to catch a bus, train, rental car or taxi to take me anywhere I want to go.” -Gray Jones

“The noise at night doesn’t bother me – I knew what I was getting into. I like the convenience of things being in walking distance. The beggars, although sad, can be really annoying. This time of year isn’t so bad, but during spring/summer you get asked for money, smokes or ‘gas money’ at every block. More entertainment venues would be nice. (I don’t count bars/restaurants in this category.) Another grocery store option would be nice.”  -Kevin Bowden

“My favorite thing about living Downtown is its compactness, walkability and access to public transpor- tation. Within a few blocks are some of my favorite restaurants, unique and interesting shops and boutiques, my dentist, barber, dry cleaner and bank, and great events at AS220, PPAC, RISD and the Conven- tion Center. From Downtown I can jump on a RIPTA bus to get virtually anywhere in the state or take the commuter rail or Amtrak to Boston in about an hour, or New York in three. My biggest concern is the over-abundance of surface parking lots that make the city less vibrant and dynamic. If we could replace those underutilized lots with additional residential and mixed-use towers, downtown Providence could really flourish from increased urban residential density.”  -Brian Hull