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East Providence

Quality of Life
Known as the "gateway to the East Bay," East Providence is called home by over 48,000 people. A great place to raise a family, East Providence is a city with a proud past, strong present and confident future. With a strong commitment to economic growth and sense of community, East Providence is a great location to live and make a living. Located between the urban center of Rhode Island and the rural southeastern area of Massachusetts, the city has access to sea, air and land transportation. With roughly 50,000 residents, the area benefits from its location as well as its pool of well educated, dedicated workers.  Manufacturing and healthcare industries are the primary employers, followed closely by financial, wholesale and technology industries.

Parks and Recreation
With a variety of recreational activities, East Providence's Department of Parks and Recreation offers 15 neighborhood parks and playgrounds, 20 ball fields, 17 outdoor basketball courts, 5 tennis courts, 9 soccer and football fields, Agawam/Mello Softball Complex, Hunt's Mills Recreation Area, Rose Larisa Memorial Park, the Blackstone Valley Bikeway and more. The city offers programs for people of all ages including: youth and adult sports leagues, pre-school art and fitness classes and senior art and fitness classes. The city offers special needs programs that allow participants to attend local restaurants, line dancing, movies, cafes, day camps and more!

Arts and Culture
One of East Providence's attractions - Crescent Park's full-sized, hundred-year-old carousel - is a "State Symbol of Folk Art." Dining in the East Providence area is diverse. Select a cuisine from a range of options like Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Continental and more! Proximity to metropolitan Providence means you can enjoy all of the big city's amenities like the Roger Williams Zoo or the award-winning Trinity Repertory Theater, which puts on 8 shows a season. Every year, residents participate in Heritage Fest, an annual event with musical acts from across the country. The city puts on summer concerts throughout the season.

Education
The East Providence Public School District has nine elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school and a career and technical center for adult education. With a variety of extracurricular activities, after-school programs, summer camps and more, these schools encourage social growth as well as academic. Supporting a philosophy that every child deserves a high-quality education from dedicated teaching professionals who foster a flame for lifelong learning in our children, the East Providence School District is committed to preparing students for a changing world.

Economy
Commercial industries and services have long been a major part of the local economy. The city, past and present, has been an attractive location for businesses because of its proximity to interstate highways, rail systems and the Port at Providence. With programs and initiatives to promote existing and new businesses, the city is poised for even greater economic growth.

Warwick

Quality of Life
Located in the heart of Rhode Island, Warwick is the ideal place to raise a family or own a business. Warwick is Rhode Island's second largest city, comprised of more than 30 villages, each with its own cultural identity and historic sites. Also Rhode Island's "Retail Capital," Warwick offers a variety of shopping opportunities including two malls and Pontiac Mills, home to many antique shops and local artisans. Being at the center of Rhode Island and only 45 minutes from Boston, Warwick acts as a regional transportation center.

History
Founded in 1642, Warwick has a rich history. Site of the first shot fired in the American Revolution, the City was home to many famous figures including George Washington's second in command - Nathaniel Greene. From seeing the Oakland Beach amusement park before the hurricane of 1938 to life at the Old Spring Green School, Warwick's history is sure to enchant anyone with historical curiosity. Benefiting from local waterpower, Warwick entered the Industrial Revolution manufacturing textiles. The "Fruit of the Loom" company was founded here. Today, Warwick is the "Crossroads of Southern New England," giving access to a major airport, the interstate highway networks and a rail system ready to take the city into the future.

Economy
In addition to being a transportation hub, the city is also the state' commercial and retail center. The city relies on the retail industry, but we make sure the economy stays diverse and strong by fostering positive business-to-business relationships and preparing for factoring of the local interstate connections into our civic development plans. A transportation hub, Warwick is within a ten-mile radius of 300,000 people, 75 miles of 8.7 million people and 300 miles of 45 million people.

Parks and Recreation
Warwick boasts over 850 square miles of recreational areas and parklands. With 56 ball fields, 39 tennis courts, 32 basketball courts, 8 parks, 7 beaches, 53 playgrounds, bike paths, trails, 2 ice-skating rinks and one Olympic-sized swimming pool. In addition, the city boasts 39 miles of coastline, 6 coves, 5 city-owned docks, 12 marinas and more moorings and boat slips than any other city in Rhode Island. The Department of Parks and Recreation maintains these facilities as well as provides community centers with programs for all-ages including jewelry making, swim lessons, skate lessons, youth and adult leagues and much more!

Arts and Culture
With its more than 30 villages, many with their own annual festivals or parades, there's always something happening in Warwick. Annual events include: Gaspee Days (an event marking the first shot fired in the American Revolution), an Easter egg hunt, summer concerts, dog shows and more. There are a variety of historical sites dating back to the 1600s as well as tours of our smaller villages. The Warwick Museum of Art offers art education courses, exhibitions and readings from prominent figures in local and national art communities. For a romantic getaway, check out our ancient lighthouses located along our miles of beautiful coastline.

Education
The mission of the Warwick Public Schools is to work cooperatively with families and the community to provide challenging learning environments that enable all students to develop skills and knowledge necessary to become self-directed, life-long learners, highly responsible citizens and contributors to a technological and diverse society. 20 elementary schools compliment the three junior high schools, three high schools and a career & technical center. The schools boast a wide range of extracurricular activities and after-school programs including: regionally recognized athletics, theater, band, debate and much more. Warwick Public Schools also administers an Adult Learning Center that is housed at the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center facility. The center offers GED preparation, English as a Second Language instruction, and vocational training for adult learners.

Newport

Quality of Life
Home to approximately 27,000 people, Newport, the city-by-the-sea is a thriving community with a history of elegance and dignity. A variety of mansions from the late 1800s grace the cityscape with a unique aesthetic quality. The "birthplace of the Navy," Newport shared the distinction of being one of the five settlements most important in the colonies alongside Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charlestown. Today, Newport is a bustling metropolis with retail, service and health care industries employing most of the citizens. The city acts as a summer getaway for many - John F. Kennedy was married to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in Newport's St. Mary's Church. Enjoy our cosmopolitan atmosphere, scenic beauty and advanced social climate and see why Newport is known as "America's First Resort." Given Newport's reputation as a high-class summer vacation destination, it is ironic that the town has the largest number of low-income housing in the entire State.

History
Frustrated with political intervention of their religious beliefs, early settlers in the Boston area decided to move to Rhode Island and begin a colony that didn't persecute for religious beliefs. Ann Hutchinson and her group of settlers from Boston purchased Aquidneck Island from the natives living on the land. Already cultivated by the natives, the land was fertile and ready for development. Along with Baptists, Quakers and Jews also flocked to Rhode Island. Originally an agricultural outpost, Newport quickly became a thriving seaport. Benefiting from the booming rum, fish, textile and other valuable goods trade, the 17th century meant exponential growth for this scenic port. Quakers established themselves as some of the finest craftsmen in the area, like the Townsend and Goddard families, who specialized in extraordinarily fine furniture. As one of the five main ports of colonial America, Newport expanded greatly. A building boom in the 1760s left Newport with a number of historic houses and landmarks, like Trinity Church, the Colony House, Redwood Library and the Brick Market. Occupied by the British from 1776 to 1779, Newport's economy suffered, but once the British were driven out, Newport had to rebuild itself. Newport had managed to be bypassed by industrialization and in the 19th century, the city had to rebuild itself and its image. Benefiting from a nostalgic aesthetic quality, the city managed to establish a reputation as a summer resort and Mecca for an influential group of artists, scientists, educators, architects, theologians and landscape designers because of the city's picturesque qualities. Many elite families from around the nation migrated to Newport and built mansions, many of which are major tourist attractions.

Perhaps Newport's most interesting history comes after World War II. After struggling to save many of Newport's historic structures, Newport's citizens began to draw tourists to town with the area's rich heritage. Stereotyped as a playground for the fabulously well to do, Newport is a vacation spot and home to many people of astonishing wealth.

Parks and Recreation
The Newport Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to: providing an integrated municipal support system to balance the demands of the tourism economy, integrating municipal services and programs with residential and commercial needs, and providing support for community-wide special events. The city offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Public beaches, harbors and sports activities are just some of what this vibrant town has to offer. With 35 public parks, open space is key to the aesthetics of the city. The city boasts a public beach, a recreation center, a sports complex, a skateboard park, an off-leash dog park and more! The Department organizes a number of seasonal activities, such as: camps, classes and sports leagues for youths and adults. Sailing is a regional favorite and Newport has a variety of aquatic recreational opportunities from sailing schools to guided tours to scuba diving.

Arts and Culture
With such a rich heritage, Newport has a multitude of cultural and social activities and events for people of all ages. The "birthplace of the Navy," a summer playground for the American elite and the yachting capital of the world, Newport offers ocean-side mansions, museums, and historical sites such as forts, lighthouses and churches. The city's cobblestone wharves are lined with art galleries featuring everything from nautical photography to landscape painting and sculptures. With seven playhouses, theater is always a popular attraction. Locals enjoy an exciting nightlife with live musical acts from across the county. There's something to do in Newport year-round - the City along with organizations like the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County are constantly hosting events. The city-by-the-sea celebrates Haunted Newport in October, Winter Festival in February, Irish Heritage Month in March, Victorian Christmas Feasts in the ballroom of the mansions, and much more! In the summer, Newport hosts a number of food-festivals, comedy shows, outdoor music festivals, boat shows and a fragrant floral party.
Featuring some of New England's signature dishes, Newport's dining is world-class. But it isn't limited to clam chowder and lobster; Newport's cuisine is as diverse as its residents, providing options for Irish, French, Italian and other ethnic cuisines.

Economy
The Navy has always influenced the economy in Newport. After the removal of several installations in the 1970s, Newport maintains a strong naval economic presence through the Naval War College, the Naval Education and Training Center, and the Naval Underwater Systems research center. Retail and service industries are huge in Newport, being the summer vacation resort that it is. Local transportation options include Logan International Airport and the Port of Providence. The Port at Newport offers docks suitable for barge or small ship transportation. Supported by a well-educated workforce, the Newport economy is thriving and is projected to continue experiencing steady growth.

Education
With eight public schools and approximately 3,000 students, the Newport Public School District is developing a program for fewer, newer schools. The city also offers two adult education centers. Art education is an important factor in the growth of each child and Newport keeps this a priority, offering programs in art, music, theater and dance. . A history dating back to 1843, public education has always been a priority to Newport's citizens. The school system holds the philosophy that art education is not adjunct to reading, writing and arithmetic, but rather an integral part of what makes a student a contributing member of an enlightened society. Salve Regina University is located in Newport. A traditional, Catholic institution, Salve Regina has provided higher education to men and women since 1947.

Cranston

Quality of Life
One of the major commercial and industrial centers of Rhode Island, with over 80,000 residents, Cranston is a successful and growing community. Come to Cranston and see why "We're on the Move!" With the introduction of streetcars and automobiles in the 1900s, Cranston became the premier suburb of Providence. A tight-knit community, the city provides top quality municipal services, education and recreational opportunities. The location right next to Providence means you'll have the charm of a small town with the convenience of having big city amenities right down the street. Manufacturing and industry are the major employers of the area, specializing in the production of jewelry, food, combined metals and machinery.

History
Originally part of Providence, the City of Cranston separated in 1754 and was a center of industrial development in Rhode Island because of its location along the Pawtuxet River. With a number of historic villages, like the Pawtuxet Village, Cranston has a rich history. Pawtuxet Village was one of the first settlements in Rhode Island. Pawtuxet cove was a major port at the time of the Revolutionary War and in the 19th century, the local falls provided power for the emerging textile industry. Pawtuxet was known as a fine summer resort, comparable to Newport, drawing tourism to the primarily industrial area. In the 20th century, the introduction of the streetcar and automobile meant urban sprawl. The City of Providence expanded and people spread to the suburban Cranston.

Economy
Manufacturing is the primary employer in Cranston, with roughly 6,000 workers. Retail, public service and health care industries also contribute to the local economy. Proximity to Providence and its port allows easy sea trade. The network of local highways connects to Cranston via I-295 in the formerly rural West Cranston. That area is budding quickly - West Cranston has recently undergone rapid residential, commercial and industrial growth.

Parks and Recreation
The City offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, boasting an incredible 25 ball fields, 19 basketball courts, 13 soccer fields, 11 softball fields, 24 tennis courts, 34 tot parks, 7 walking tracks, one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in America, a bike path and a public stadium. Maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation, these facilities are available for public use. The City offers aerobics courses, bowling, volleyball leagues and basketball leagues in the fall/winter season. In summer, they offer swimming, dance and tennis programs as well as a sports camp and playground program for children ages 6-11. Annual events, concerts, contests, tournaments and more are just some of what keeps residents of Cranston "On the Move!"

Education
The Cranston Public Schools network consists of 26 public schools with roughly 11,200 students. Dedicated to ensuring each child receives a top quality education, the curriculum of the district is reviewed every 5 years. With 26 schools, its difficult to maintain a standard of excellence throughout the district, but Cranston manages to stay on top of everything, bringing schools up to par when they begin to fall below standards. Encouraging social, academic, vocational and cultural growth, Cranston teachers are state-accredited professionals. The district encourages professional growth for its employees as well.

Arts and Culture
Originally the home of local industrialists, this is the best know historic structure in the city. Local legend has it that Sprague Mansion is haunted. Amasa Sprague was found bludgeoned on the side of the road near his home one morning in 1843 and it is said that an astral presence occasionally manifests itself in Sprague Mansion. Once one of Cranston's industrial centers, the Joy Homestead is now one of Cranston's historical treasures.

Mulligan's Island Golf and Entertainment Center is located in Cranston and offers fun for the whole family. Their 60-stall driving range was voted Best in Rhode Island. Boasting a 36-hole "adventure" mini-golf course, 10-station batting cage, 9-hole par 3 golf course, 18-hole pitch 'n putt course, individual and group instruction, batting lessons, pro shop and tiki hut ice cream shop, Mulligan's Island provides an enjoyable, safe and fun experience for people of all ages.

Central Falls

Quality of Life
Situated between the communities of Pawtucket and the towns of Cumberland and Lincoln, Central Falls is home to 18,000 residents who are spread across a tiny 1.5 square miles. "Ripley's Believe It or Not" has recorded Central Falls as being the smallest most densely populated town in the nation. An old industrial town, many of Central Falls' historic mills are still used today by businesses along the Blackstone River. Central Falls, "A city with a bright future" is undergoing massive renovations as part of a plan to draw in tourists traveling along Blackstone River.

Education
With 8 public schools serving 3,600 students, the Central Falls School District works with the community to support high standards for both faculty and students. The faculty is highly qualified and well prepared to ensure that all students achieve at high standards and the school system is conducive to preparing students for successful and productive lives.

Parks and Recreation
The Central Falls Department of Parks and Recreation has a number of recreational facilities that offer youth, adult and school sports leagues, summer camps, and more. Many of the city's municipal playgrounds offer free lunches, arts and crafts, games and field trips. The city's sports complexes offer leagues and host festivals and special events. Summer concerts, sports clinics, tournaments, a field day, Halloween and Christmas events are just some of what Central Falls has to offer.

Arts and Culture
Being part of the Blackstone Valley, Central Falls has access to a wide variety of cultural and social activities. Nearby in Cumberland you can find Diamond Hill Vineyards, a 200-year-old vineyard and 33-acre vineyard and orchards, the site includes tours, wine & cheese tasting, a gift shop, and facilities for special functions. Lincoln, Central Falls' neighbor offers fun activities for people off all ages and interests, including a Greyhound Track.

Adjacent to City Hall, the official symbol of Central Falls, Cogswell Clock Tower, stands in Jenks Park atop Dexter's Ledge. Originally an Indian lookout during King Philip's War (1675-1676), this site is an interesting historical attraction. Scene of the conflict between the National Guard and the United Textile Workers in 1934, Moshassuck Cemetery has invaluable historical significance.

Economy
With over half of the residents employed by the several large manufacturing plants, Central Falls relies mainly on that industry. The local economy is stabilized by the diversity of the products they manufacture. Retail and service industries are also contributors. Elizabeth Webbing Mills and OSRAM Sylvania are two of the major employers.

Pawtucket

Quality of Life
With roughly 73,000 residents, the City of Pawtucket has a vibrant economy and a rich history. Founded in 1671, Pawtucket was a center of the textile industry. Although the textile industry is no longer dominant, there is still some textile manufacturing operations. Now with 300 diversified industries, Pawtucket makes everything from lace to silverware. The City has roughly 30,000 housing units, 300 industries with 1,000 commercial and service establishments, and convenient proximity to Interstate 95.

Economy
According to Pawtucket City Hall, development policies over the last twenty years have been targeted to 1) improve the quality of residential neighborhoods and the housing stock, through rehabilitation programs, 2) expand the employment opportunities through stabilizing manufacturing centers and the creation of new industrial opportunities, and 3) assistance to the commercial sector with rehabilitation loans and location incentive loans. Home to major companies like Hasbro. The redevelopment of mill buildings into residential or mixed-use space has brought some revitalization to the area. Pawtucket relies heavily on manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Parks and Recreation
Responsible for maintaining the Mineral Spring Avenue Cemetery, the city's parks and recreation facilities, athletic complexes, traffic islands, playgrounds and passive parks and gateways from I-95, the Parks and Recreation Department is certainly kept busy. They also operate the Daggett Farm and Loof Carousel in Slater Park, the Lynch ice arena and the Veterans Park pool. They provide picnic permits, concerts, sports lessons and leagues, the Tree in memorial Program, birthday parties at the Loof Carousel, bus trips, a variety of classes, festivals, a youth summer camp and much more!

Arts and Culture
Pawtucket has been becoming more proactive in retaining and attracting artists to the area. With a growing art community, the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative is one of the organizations in the city that put on exhibits as well as offers grants to the art community. The annual Pawtucket Arts Festival presents a series of visual, performance and participatory arts events.

Education
With 15 public schools and satellite locations, the Pawtucket Public School District is dedicated to providing safe places for students to learn and explore as teachers help them develop into educated and responsible young men and women. The schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities aim at inciting social, vocational, academic and cultural growth like sports leagues, chorus, dance, theater, debate, after-school programs and more.

Woonsocket

Quality of Life
The City of Woonsocket is surrounded by growing suburban communities and boasts a positive business climate. The city officials are dedicated to working with local businesses to build a strong economy. Those looking to relocate to Woonsocket will find affordable, diverse housing choices, quality health care, a well educated work force, a modern school system and access to the interstate system, which leads to a number of amenities.  There are roughly 44,000 residents and approximately 230,000 people in the general area.

Education
The cornerstone of Northern Rhode Island, Woonsocket Public Schools' goal is to prepare their students to meet twenty-first century challenges and opportunities by having quality teachers who utilize an advanced curriculum, eclectic instructional practices and cutting-edge technology. 12 public schools serve approximately 7,100 students.

Arts and Culture
As part of the revitalization of Main Street, the Stadium Theatre Renovation project has made Woonsocket the performing arts center of Northern Rhode Island. Performances in the Woonsocket area range from Ballet to Doo-Wopp. Dining options span the gamut, with Thai, Chinese, Italian, and Continental cuisines foremost. Every year, for Autumnfest, an annual 3-day celebration, locals flock from the surrounding cities. The Museum of Work and Culture is an interactive Museum operated by the Rhode Island Historical Society. It showcases the French Canadian migration to New England, their transition into becoming industrial workers and how they preserved their faith, language and customs.

Parks and Recreation
Woonsocket is home to Alysworth Park, the Blackstone Valley Bicycle Path, Cass Park and Pond, Dunn Park, Globe Park, Mt. St. Charles Ice Arena, River Island Park - which holds Riverfest each year, Vernon Park, Sylvester's Pond, Woonsocket Health and Racquet Club and World War II Memorial State Park. These facilities offer amenities including: ice skating, fishing, horseshoes, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic areas, volleyball courts, rental facilities, street hockey courts, as well as a number of aquatic activities like canoeing and kayaking.

Economy
The City is promoting a program to rejuvenate Main Street. The headquarters of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a vital partner in the Main Street 2000 effort, are located in the city in a former train depot. The corporate offices of CVS/pharmacy, a Fortune 500 company and the City's largest employer, are located in the Highland Industrial Park. CVS continues to expand both nationally and on the local level. The industrial park continues to see new business arrive each year and it benefits the entire community. Local businesses have strong relationships with the community and they work together to ensure a high quality of life is maintained.

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