Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
If you’ve been dreaming of living in a location with a rich history, delectable cuisine, and numerous cultural attractions, moving to LGBT Providence, Rhode Island, could be a dream come true for you!
As one of the country’s oldest cities, the city is known as the Creative Capital and Renaissance City. The city was founded in 1636 by religious exile Roger Williams from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Williams named the city after “God’s merciful Providence.” Rennaissance City was a pioneer in the textile and jewelry industries but is now renowned for its medical sector and educational institutions. When you move to Providence, you’ll notice there’s always something exciting and fun to do around every corner. It’s one of the country’s favorite small cities, with stunning waterfront parks, museums, historic architecture, and world-class dining.
Providence is a vibrant city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive city for work, play, and family. If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Providence, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Like Honolulu, Long Beach, Milwaukee, Tampa and other mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles – which is why a gay realtor in Providence is worth their weight in gold as they can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
However, this somewhat camouflaged LGBT scene doesn’t mean that you should be nervous about making the move to this beautiful city. Most people are friendly towards the LGBTQ community, and you will find services, shops, and establishments proudly serving our community.
Think of this article as a queer Providence relocation guide that will help you understand what you’re getting yourself into when moving to this beautiful city. If you need a more nightlife and travel-focused guide detailing all the LGBT clubs, parties, and more, check out our Gay Providence Guide!
Leave all your preconceptions at the door, because (spoiler alert) moving to LGBT Providence is not what you think!
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Providence
- Does Providence Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Providence An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Providence
- Annual LGBT Events In Providence
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Providence
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Providence
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Providence
- Finding Gay Realtors In Providence Rhode Island
Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Providence
Although Rhode Island is the country’s smallest state, residents will tell you that it is full of history, charm, and beautiful scenery. This is especially true in Providence, its capital, which many deem to be a poorly appreciated art, food, and entertainment destination.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Providence, be it entertaining clubs, charming coffee shops, or boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
The Climate
Providence has fantastic weather. The average temperature from April to October is between 58 – 83 degrees, making for pleasant springs, summers, and autumns. Furthermore, with an overall mean of 200 sunny days annually, you shouldn’t have to worry about many rainy days in the city.
Providence, like the rest of New England, experiences winter snow, with a mean snowfall of 35 inches and average winter temperatures of 19 degrees. Overall, Providence is ideal for you if you’re searching for an East Coast city with pleasant weather year-round!
Public Transportation
You might question how to move around Providence. While driving yourself is ideal, the metro also has reasonably priced public transportation options. The bus service of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) allows you to get around the city. You can use the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) rail service to travel from Providence to TF Green Airport and Boston. You can use the Amtrak station to travel to New York City, Washington DC, or Philadelphia.
Outdoor Exploration
Looking for outdoor activities in Providence? Outdoor recreation opportunities are endless in the city. You’re welcome to visit the massive Roger Williams Park, named after the founder of Rhode Island, enjoy quality time at the Botanical Center, paddleboat on the water, hike or bike the trails, or head over to the Museum of Natural History & Planetarium. Whatever you want to do, Providence will provide a multitude of options.
Thriving Food Scene
Although Providence is smaller than other cities on the East Coast, its food scene is thriving. You can start your day at West Side Diner with Stuffed Banana Berry French Toast or Hash and Eggs. You can also make a reservation for dinner at Waterman Grille and enjoy Pan-Seared Salmon, Mushroom Risotto, or Wood-Grilled Pork Chop. For some hot or cold sandwiches, head over to Hudson Street Deli. Whatever culinary experience you desire, Providence will make it happen!
Does Providence Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Even though Providence is one of the state’s smallest cities, its gay community is as vibrant as several of the bigger east coast cities. Johnson & Wales, Rhode Island Institute of Design, and Brown attract a large number of artistic, open-minded, and openly gay students, resulting in a welcoming, tolerant, and diverse community.
While Rhode Island is one of few states in New England that doesn’t legally recognize same-sex partnering, there’s a general liberal social atmosphere. Providence is the country’s first capital city with an openly gay mayor- David Cicilline.
Providence esteems all of its citizens and visitors, and the city’s policies and laws ensure that LGBTQ people are treated equally. Since 1995, Rhode Island has prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing and public accommodations, employment, and credit. Rhode Island was the nation’s second state to include gender expression and identity in its anti-discrimination policy in 2001.
In administering its programs, services, and activities, the City of Providence does not discriminate based on color, race, religion, nationality, gender identity, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or genetic info. Those who participate in an Equal Employment Opportunity investigative process are not allowed to face retaliation.
Is Providence An Expensive City to Move To?
The cost of living in Providence is 22% higher than the U.S. average.
Housing, Utilities, and Transportation
Housing costs in the city are 39% higher than the U.S average, while utility costs are 36% higher than the country’s average. The cost of transportation, such as gas prices and bus fares, is 2% higher than the country’s average.
Food & Grocery
Grocery prices in the city are 8% higher than the country’s average.
Healthcare
Providence healthcare is 7% more expensive than the country’s evidence.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Providence
When relocating to LGBT Providence, there are a few areas you should know about as they are close to the queer community, allowing you to conventionally pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or part of town.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person manifesting a liberal neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Providence neighborhoods to discover your perfect new home, each with its own distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Providence’s diverse personalities, and remember that this city offers something for everyone – LGBTQ or not!
If it all seems a little overwhelming, you should speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more nuanced and up-to-date understanding of the best options available to you.
Most areas in this city would welcome you, but let’s take a look at the handful of the more fabulous gay areas in Providence are and talk about the Providence gayborhood where you might feel most at home!
Downtown Providence
Downtown Providence is the city’s business district, and it’s here that the marble-domed neo-classical State House can be found. There are trendy restaurants, hip brewpubs, and walking routes alongside the Providence River in this neighborhood. Each year, people light bonfires for the WaterFire art show that offers 15,000 sq. ft of unending exhibition space. Young professionals aren’t the only ones who love Downtown Providence. This vibrant neighborhood is rich in history, offers excellent amenities, and is home to some of the state’s best schools, including Classical High School. You’ll be close to great restaurants, art galleries, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the Performing Arts Center, and much more! The Residences, an exclusive property featuring private elevators and interior access to sights such as the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, is one of many fascinating condo constructions in this pleasant Providence neighborhood.
The median price of a home in this neighborhood is $560,000, with homes selling for approximately $331 per square foot. Typically, there are about 9 homes for sale in the area. The area is famous for its unique shopping and beautiful scenery. The 1928 movie palace, the Providence Performance Arts Center, that stages live gigs, is located on the east side of Canal Street.
Federal Hill
Federal Hill is where you want to be if you want to save money on rent and eat delicious food. Thanks to the neighborhood’s award-winning Italian eateries, this district is known as Rhode Island’s “Little Italy” and is a hotspot for innovative, inventive eateries.
Federal Hill is located west of DownCity, with Route 95 separating the two districts. Even though Federal Hill is a separate area, many residents will refer to “Atwells Avenue,” the neighborhood’s cultural hub, as “Federal Hill.” Atwells Avenue is home to the Northeast’s best Italian restaurants. This neighborhood, as stated earlier, is one of the city’s more affordably priced neighborhoods, and even though it is generally safe, certain areas are somewhat rough.
Thanks to its low rent, Federal Hill is a prominent housing destination for city college students. Federal Hill hosts several exceptional restaurants, including Bayberry Beer Hall, Ogie’s Trailer Park, and The Grange, as well as classic Italian spots on Atwells Ave. This neighborhood is a foodie’s dream because all of these incredible food options are so close together.
Fox Point
Fox Point, with its quirky shops, rich history, and location near Downtown is also a desirable neighborhood in the city. The neighborhood is located across the Providence River and is the most southern district on the city’s East Side.
Roger Williams Square located on Gano Street still stands today as a memorial to a vital moment in Rhode Island’s history when Williams and some religious exiles traveled from Massachusetts up Seekonk River, and landed in Fox Point. Numerous historic buildings from the 1800s can be found in this neighborhood.
Fox Point is a safe and walkable district. However, thanks to its location to affordable rents and local universities, this area has a higher majority of college students than Blackstone. Wickenden Street in the neighborhood has a variety of shops and quirky restaurants, and is likely one of the neighborhood’s most well-known destinations.
This neighborhood is a widely known hangout for college students because it has it all from coffee shops to art studios. India Point Park, located in the neighborhood, extends along the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and is the launching point of the East Bay Bike Path.
Blackstone and Hope
The Blackstone and Hope districts, which make up a large part of the city’s East Side, are situated in the north of the city. These are primarily residential areas, with Blackstone holding the greatest homeownership rate in Providence.
Because of their distinctive architecture, beautiful landscaping, convenience, walkability, and safety, Blackstone and Hope are some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city. Even so, Blackstone is in the list of Providence’s most expensive neighborhoods. With plenty of multi-family dwellings on peaceful side streets, Hope is somewhat more renter-friendly.
Blackstone Boulevard, a picturesque 1.6-mile walkable path built in 1894, is one of the neighborhoods most popular attractions. On good days, the Boulevard, lined with majestic homes, is a top location, with a farmers market and free outdoor concert series during the summer. The Swan Point Cemetery located in this neighborhood is also home to horror and science fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft’s gravestone.
If you’re looking for some retail therapy or something to eat in the area, Hope Street, the separating boundary between the two districts, is your best bet. It’s lined with highly-rated restaurants and cute shops.
Annual LGBT Events In Providence
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Providence plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
Providence Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Now in its 19th year, this fabulous LGBT Film Festival takes place every year in August and celebrates diversity, identity, and discovery. Taking place as part of the wider Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) visitors are invited to attend and sample a diverse sampling of over 40 international and domestic films made by and for members of the LGBTQ community. Ranging from romantic comedies, and journeys of discovery, to concerns affecting the trans community, the Providence Gay & Lesbian Film Festival also includes an emphasis on growing social and political issues for LGBTQ youth, the trans community, and diversity.
Rhode Island AIDS Walk for Life
Started by AIDS Project Rhode Island in the mid-1980s—part of a wave of grassroots fundraisers held across the USA that helped to raise money to help provide care and support to individuals suffering during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, when they were often without insurance, access to services, and/or dying alone because their families and communities had rejected them. Today things are certainly a lot better – but we cannot rest easy yet. Every year, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. get HIV, and continued stigma against people living with the virus, gaps in education, and lack of connection to care and support services present enormous challenges. Show your Pride, and do what you can to fundraise and support such a worthy cause in our community by taking part in the annual AIDS Run/Walk for Life in Rhode Island – taking place at the beginning of June every year.
Providence’s Pride celebration, which includes an exceptional and stunningly unique Illuminated Night Parade, that draws people from across Rhode Island and beyond. This is New England’s only illuminated night Pride parade, so instead of celebrating your Pride in the hot sun during the day, you can let your true colors shine bright in the night with a glittery spectacle of floats, performing artists, marching groups, supportive businesses, and energetic spectators. Then there is the energetic Pridefest which goes from strength to strength each year. More entertainment, more vendors, and more activities for both the young and old. These two signature events, plus smaller events including epic block parties run across the month of June combine to make this one of the world’s best destinations for LGBT Pride celebrations. Gay Providence has sent out an open invitation that everyone is welcome here, and we can promise you the energy in this vividly visible LGBT+ city is utterly infectious.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Providence
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it’s critical that you support such groups in any way you can use so that they can reach out and aid others in the community. You might even need their assistance right or at some point in the future – and no matter what, every queer person has benefited from their tireless work to achieve the progress and rights we have today. Here are some outstanding community LGBT organizations in Providence.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
Youth Pride, Inc. is committed to meeting the specific needs of youth and young adults affected by their gender identity/expression and sexual orientation, as well as working to eliminate homophobic and transphobic climates where they live, play, and work. Youth Pride Inc. is the only organization in Rhode Island committed to serving LGBTQIA+ youth aged 23 and under. The organization is primarily a drop-in center, which means that youth are motivated to use their space which feels more comfy and respectful to them.
Rhode Island Pride is the biggest LGBTQIA+ non-profit in the state, serving Rhode Island and other neighboring states. The organization unites the LGBTQIA+ community in the state to celebrate their diverse heritage, raise awareness and educate on issues, foster inclusion, and celebrate equality victories.
The organization creates open and inviting events where everyone in the community is welcome, offering a safe environment where people are free to celebrate their identities and relationships. The organization also produces the Rhode Island Annual PrideFest Celebration and Illuminated Night Parade. Rhode Island Pride is dedicated to assisting, boosting, and partnering with community organizations that serve the LGBTQIA+ community.
TGI Network of Rhode Island, founded in 2011, is the only organization statewide that supports and advocates for the TGI community in the state and other surrounding areas. Their mission is to provide advocacy, support, and education to the transgender, gender diverse, and intersex communities in Rhode Island and surrounding areas.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Providence
After moving to LGBT Providence, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Providence you can invest in with your pink dollars…
Owned by a lovely lesbian couple, this pizzeria has been a Providence institution since 1989, serving up a reliable staple of thin-crust pizzas which are the best in the state.
Cedez Tarot provides psychic readings and also has a store full of handcrafted spiritual items such as protection mists, bath soaks, and Palo Santo, all of which are ethically sourced. If you’re unfamiliar to spirituality and don’t know where to begin, Mercedez’s website has all the answers you seek.
Located close to the gay bars of Providence, this local institution is the perfect place for a pre or post-drinking snack. Wonderfully golden fries covered in zany, delicious, & frisky ingredients. Think pulled pork, wasabi cucumber slaw and barbie-que drizzle (Lil’ Mama) or Philly Cheesesteak with cheddar cheese sauce (Cat’L Call). For something extra weird try their S’Moresome fries with melted chocolate, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
Lilian Asterfield is a lesbian-owned business with unique fashion and handcrafted accessories. The business is home to the necktie ruffle scarf and features Edwardian chic, modern vintage belts, jewelry, neckwear, brooches, and hats.
A gay cocktail bar with a somewhat ambiguous equestrian theme and a great selection of craft beer. The highlight for us however was the long bar for socializing and fun backyard seating to mix, mingle and chat well into the night.
We specifically wanted to draw attention to this incredible EDM night organized every Wednesday with a local trans DJ. The most chill and safest weekday destination to drink dance and have fun with a super friendly crowd. We guarantee you will find nothing but positive vibes here – and absolutely everyone is welcome. The only downside is they don’t take place on the weekend. This is the hottest EDM night in Providence.
Another gay-owned establishment, this American bistro inspired by French cafes is stylish, elegant and perfect for a memorable meal in the Providence downtown area.
A queer owed erotic boutique in Providence that understands the need to not only celebrate the diversity of all sexualities and sexual expressions but also actively honor and cultivate them. Their focus is on having conversations with clients, not adhering to sales pitches or blindly following trends. The team at Mister Sister recognizes that each client’s body comes with different ability sets and therefore carries products designed with limited mobility in mind. They approach sex and sexuality issues, not as dysfunctions or problems that need to be fixed but rather interpret them as skills to be learned or a craft to be refined.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Providence
Providence is an LGBTQ-friendly city and there’s no doubt about that. The city offers a variety of activities, a welcoming community, and so much more!
Keep in mind that life is what you make it, and wherever you choose to begin your new life in gay Providence, we hope you find the openness and security you deserve. The surest way to discover LGBT Providence is always going to be living in a gay-friendly neighborhood by frequenting local LGBT businesses and events and joining queer community groups and sports teams.
We promise that if you follow these steps, your transition to LGBT Providence will be easier, and you’ll rapidly meet like-minded people to build your new chosen family here.
Finding Gay Realtors In Providence Rhode Island
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Providence is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes. Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home. That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face. Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be difficult to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Providence, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral. You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Providence to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more. Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
