Living in Rhode Island
Are you considering a career with Lifespan? In addition to contemplating the position, our generous benefits package, work environment, locations, and services, have you thought about life in Rhode Island? We believe Rhode Island is a great place to live, work, and play.
What You Will Find in Rhode Island
Known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island has 400 miles of coastline. It is located in southeastern New England. Despite its small size, it is rich in history and dotted with national historic landmarks. Did you know that in spite of its name, Rhode Island is not an island?
One of Rhode Island’s biggest industries is tourism, which gives residents year-round access to many attractions and benefits, including:
- A vibrant urban center in Providence, with world-class arts, museums and culture, , including WaterFire Providence
- 13 colleges and universities offering four-year degrees
- A wide range of ethnic and family-friendly restaurants
- Providence Children’s Museum
- Roger Williams Park Zoo
- Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)
- Live music events including the Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival
- Newport Mansions and the Green Animals Topiary Garden
- Farmers markets with fresh produce, meats, breads, and more
- Beaches and state parks, walking, hiking, and bike paths.
The Best Part about Living in Rhode Island?
The answer is "community."
Rhode Islanders take pride in our state, are known for our strong ties to family, and we extend a warm welcome to new residents. You’ll find easy access to retail stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, discount stores, banks, entertainment, houses of worship for all faiths, schools, community groups, libraries, and so much more.
Many Things to Do. All Close By.
Our charming suburbs and small towns are convenient to everything within the state. There are a total of 39 towns and cities in Rhode Island. The most populated are Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and East Providence.
Fun Facts about Rhode Island
- The Rhode Island population is 1,093,734 (US Census Bureau, July 1, 2022).
- The state capital is Providence.
- The official state appetizer is “calamari,” so declared on June 27, 2014. Calamari is the Italian word for squid and Rhode Island is the first state to adopt an official appetizer.
- Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state.
- The state motto is Hope.
- The state tree is the red maple.
- The state flower is the violet.
- The state bird is the Rhode Island red.
Providence, Rhode Island's Population
| Race/Ethnicity | Percent of Total Population |
|---|---|
| White | 50.6% |
| Black or African-American | 15.8% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0.7% |
| Asian | 6.1% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 0.2% |
| Two or more races or ethnicities | 10.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 42.9% |
| White, not Hispanic or Latino | 34.1% |
Rhode Island's Climate
A common saying in Rhode Island when describing the weather is, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.” Our weather changes quickly, no matter the season. The year-round average high temperature in the summer is 83° and the average high in the winter is 37°. The mean year-round temperature is 52°, the hottest month is July, and the coldest is January.
Getting around Rhode Island
You are never more than an hour away from anything you need. The average time it takes Rhode Islanders to get from home to work (by car or bus) is 25 minutes each day. Rhode Island is one of those places where it’s much easier to get around if you have access to a car. Lifespan provides free parking to its employees with free shuttle service to and from its staff parking lots.
Train: There are three Amtrak stations in Rhode Island, in Kingston, Providence, and Westerly, with Acela and northeast regional service from Boston to New York City and then onward to Washington, DC, with connections to other cities.
Bus: The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) manages the public bus system throughout the state.
Air: Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, centrally located in Warwick, has more than 100 daily nonstop flights and hundreds of connecting flight options.
Relocation Assistance
We can’t wait for you to join us at Lifespan and become part of our Rhode Island community. Do you need assistance with relocating? Lifespan can help! We offer up to $7,500 in relocating expenses. (Amount is based on distance moved.)