Municipality of Providence RI
Figuring largely in U.S. history, Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who was exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his belief in the separation of church and state. It is the only region that is a municipality.
As the state’s capital, it is often referred to as the Capital City. Having undergone a massive transformation in the 1980s, the city has become increasingly known for its arts scene and food, and now consistently ranks among the top tourist destinations by Travel + Leisure. Providence is comprised of 25 distinct neighborhoods that reflect its history and diversity.
The State’s Capitol Building in Smith Hill is steps away from Downtown and Federal Hill, with their multitude of theatres and restaurants. From there, the city encompasses the East Side’s six neighborhoods, known for its academic institutions and historic homes; its northern neighborhoods include many single-family communities as well as two additional colleges; its western neighborhoods, which were key to the City’s manufacturing base, is now home to multiple cultures and languages; and the southern neighborhoods that feature much of the City’s traditional triple-decker multi-family housing stock, numerous ethnic markets and is anchored by the 427-acre Roger Williams Park.