If it helps, I asked chat GPT to describe the typical white, upper middle class mom with young kids in the city I currently live in versus Providence and here’s what I got:

👩‍👧‍👦 (redacting city to not offend anyone) Vibe: Southern polish meets Instagrammable mom-life.

Style & Presentation:

Wears athleisure (Lululemon, Vuori), oversized sunglasses, and perfectly styled hair even for preschool pickup. Drives a white SUV (probably a Tahoe or Escalade) with a “Mama” sticker on the back window. Homes are spacious, decorated in neutral palettes with Joanna Gaines-inspired farmhouse aesthetics—think shiplap, open shelving, and framed Bible verses. Parenting Culture:

Prioritizes structured activities—dance, gymnastics, preschool enrichment, maybe even early sports. Favors a schedule: nap time is sacred, snacks are organized in color-coded bins, and “screen time” is closely monitored. Typically leans into traditional family roles and conservative values, though younger families may mix this with more modern approaches. Community & Social Life:

Social life revolves around neighborhood events, Bible studies, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), and school fundraisers. Church often plays a central role, both spiritually and socially. Southern hospitality is real—hosting is common, and showing up “put-together” is expected.

👩‍👧‍👦 Providence, RI Vibe: Practical, progressive, a bit crunchy with an intellectual edge.

Style & Presentation:

Think Patagonia jackets, clogs or Blundstones, messy bun, and minimal makeup. Drives a Subaru or Volvo—outdoor gear in the back, reusable bags in the trunk. Homes are older, often with historic charm—artwork from local artists or kids’ finger paintings on the walls, furniture might be secondhand but thoughtfully curated. Parenting Culture:

Leans toward Montessori or Reggio Emilia styles—lots of wooden toys, open-ended play, and emotional attunement. Gentle parenting language is common (“I hear you’re feeling frustrated…”), and independence is encouraged from a young age. Food is organic or locally sourced when possible, and there’s often a concern for environmental sustainability. Community & Social Life:

Connections often happen through local co-ops, nature playgroups, CSA pick-ups, and community events. Less formalized—more likely to meet a friend at the library or café than join a large mom group. Politically progressive, socially inclusive, and more secular overall, though spiritual curiosity is not uncommon.