I live right by the river which marks the border between downtown and the college hill neighborhood, and it’s amazing! This area is so full of life, art, and the bustle of downtown’s many restaurants and shops but is still quiet enough for much-needed rest after night shifts. They recently renovated the riverbank that runs up through the middle of the city, and there is a beautiful green space with a beer garden and a great running path. I love exploring the incredible restaurants, cafes, and bars all within walking distance of my apartment, particularly our beautiful cobblestone Westminster which is Downcity’s main street. We can walk to grab a drink or tapas at Palo or meander downtown to our favorite bookstore, Symposium. Some people call Providence the “Creative Capital” and it’s easy to see why when you walk the streets of this part of the city - the murals are incredible, theaters like the PPAC and the Trinity Rep show plays and musicals galore, and there are tons of little artisan shops. The Rhode Island School of Design is also sneakily one of the most prominent art/design schools in the country and its museum houses Picasso, Degas and more which is accessible weekly on their free admission days. It’s such a fabulous area, and we’re still only about 10 minutes from the hospital!

Emily Jaimarena
Class of 2025

I've lived off Broadway in Federal Hill since moving to Providence and have loved every moment. I live in a lovely historic home steps away from everything I could ever need, and my low rent allows me to enjoy everything Rhode Island has to offer. The West End and Federal Hill neighborhoods located west of Downcity are vibrant neighborhoods with a rich history undergoing an exciting revival. You have everything you need within walking distance of your home and a 5 minute drive from the hospital. You can spend Sunday evenings listening to live jazz and sipping on a craft cocktail at the Courtland Club or swing by local favorites like Julians, Bayberry Beer Hall, or Slow Rhode for dinner on any night of the week. For a special occasion you can snag a reservation at Big King, a Japanese influenced hyper seasonal restaurant recently nominated for a James Beard Award. If you head up to iconic Atwell's avenue, you'll find yourself in Little Italy where you can gorge yourself on fresh pasta, tasty gelato, and pastries. The West End is also home to Urban Greens, a Co-Op grocery store, that carries delicious fresh products from Rhode Island, including freshly caught seafood. Some of my co-residents tease me for my love of my neighborhood, but after two years some of them have seen the light and joined me on my side of town.

Michael Tucci
Class of 2021

When I have a free weekend, I try to wake up early and try to get in some exercise at my gym. I always stop at the store and grab some pre-cut fruit and Kombucha on tap. Post-workout, I call a couple of residents and grab brunch at a few of my favorite restaurants on the West Side including Julian’s, Nick’s on Broadway, the Grange or classic West Side Diner. On a lazy Saturday, usually end up at the mall for a mid-afternoon stroll or going to watch a movie. Returning home would text friends for plans for the evening which usually include dinner at our one of our favorite breweries, drinks on the water at Hot Club or dancing at the Salon.

Alexis Thompson
Chief Resident, 2020-2021

Where Do Residents Live?

Outdoor Activities

Art life permeates every aspect of the community. The state has one of the country’s premier art programs, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Of note, the RISD museum is one of the most revered art collections in New England and people come from all over the world to visit. The country’s greatest chefs train here as well at the culinary institute of Johnson and Wales University. Persimmon Restaurant, a local favorite, is a James Beard nominated restaurant. Oberlin was selected by Bon Appetit Magazine as the country’s 7th best restaurant. Because of the rich cultural diversity, you can try food from all over the world from Vietnam to Korea to Haiti to Italy. On weekends, you can take a trip down to Newport to marvel at the beautiful architecture of the mansions or visit Thames Glass for your chance at glassblowing. Every year, traveling Broadway comes through Providence performing at the Providence Performing Arts Theater featuring such musical favorites as Wicked, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, the Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. So on your time off, you will have plenty of activities to engage in!

Good Night Lights is a local tradition that began with a simple gesture: Long-time hospital “resident cartoonist” Steve Brosnihan wanted to wish the children of Hasbro Children’s Hospital a good night as he rode home on his bicycle after an evening at the hospital.

From a spot near India Point Park, Steve paused to illuminate the headlight of his bicycle toward the hospital’s awaiting patients. 

After realizing that the gesture was a much-appreciated way of letting hospital patients know that someone is thinking about them, Steve began recruiting local businesses to participate.

Since then, restaurants, hotels, Brown University, police departments and an assisted-living community have joined in at 8:30 p.m. each night, making “Good Night Lights” one of area’s fastest-growing traditions.

Since Good Night Lights began, hospital patients have embraced the tradition, and still gather by the windows of Hasbro Children’s Hospital to flash lights back at Providence and neighboring East Providence. 

Everyone is invited to participate in this special tradition!