Rhode Island is the 13th state of the United States of America and it is ranked 50th largest state in terms of area. This makes it the smallest of all the states. Rhode Island is also ranked 43rd largest in terms of population. Located on the east coast of America, Rhode Island borders just two states, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The state capital is Providence which is actually the state’s largest city as well. Other major cities within Rhode Island are Warwick, Cranston and Pawtucket.

Rhode Island has a standard continental climate meaning it has hot summers and cold winters, although summers tend to be relatively wet. The average summer temperature is 28 degrees while the average winter temperatures are a very chilly -7 degrees.

There are many things to see and do in Rhode Island including the Water fire displays, the water park with its fun slides and the winter festivals.

Rhode Island - Employment

The main industries in the state of Rhode Island include textiles, silverware and costume jewellery. The economy is mainly based around education and health care. As the unemployment rate in Rhode Island is one of the highest in the country competition for vacancies is fierce. Suitably qualified workers or those with specialist skills stand more chance of being offered a job, but employers wishing to employ persons from outside of the state or even the country at the moment are rare.

There are job shortages in both teaching and nursing, and those suitably qualified may find gaining work in these fields easier. Healthcare workers need a licence to practice within the state and so expats coming to work in Rhode Island may find additional exams or competency tests are needed to be taken before employment is offered.

There are many abandoned factories due to the decline in the textile industry and now many of these are being converted into offices or apartments. For those looking to start a business or looking to invest in an area that is currently on the rise in Rhode Island, then this may be the right way to go.

Rhode Island – Property

The city of Providence in Rhode Island is one of the oldest cities in the US. The city is filled with historic districts and even though there has been extensive regeneration work the area has not been modernised beyond recognition. The Downcity district used to have a very negative image, but the regeneration work in the area has improved this a great deal. Properties in the area consist of both apartments and town houses, with many buildings having been converted in recent years. The area is popular with young professionals that work in the area and there are excellent amenities such as shops and leisure facilities. Prices are reasonably low but are expected to rise as the area becomes more popular.

The Federal Hill district has a small Italian community, as well as expats from other nations and there are many ethnic restaurants in the area. There are also Italian themed clothing and goods stores. The properties in the area are a mix of apartments and family homes and the prices are again very reasonable. Waterplace Park is another regenerated area which has much to offer a new resident, with new apartment buildings and park areas. The area attracts many tourists and residents for the fine restaurants and shops and there is a friendly atmosphere. As a result, property prices are quite high, but this is reflected in the local amenities.

The district of Benefit Street has many period buildings and these are sought after, which means they are priced higher than average and sell very quickly. The area has access to good schools so the district is ideal for those with families. There are a large number of visitors who come to the area to see some of the historical attractions so this can get quite busy, particularly during the summer months.

The city of Cranston is a fairly large urban area and has been named one of the ‘100 Best Places to Live’ in the country. This is due mainly to the number of fine neighbourhoods, an excellent school system and plenty of amenities, as well as work opportunities. Almost one third of the residents there are of Italian American heritage, and there is a growing community of expats in the area.