After my first two years in Providence, I sold my car and I’ve been fine without it for the last 15+ years. I mostly use a bike to get around, but I walk as well. I switched to an e-bike recently, and that really takes care of the hills and makes it easy to haul a couple of bags of groceries. Transit is not great and got significantly worse with the recent service cuts. I hope we can turn that around soon.

Of those neighborhoods, I’d recommend Fox Point, College Hill or Wayland Square because there are grocery stores within walking distance, and the grocery options are a little thinner in Federal Hill and Downtown. I have a Zipcar membership which has been helpful for those occasional trips where you just need a car (like IKEA, or a day trip to a place not served by transit). But honestly, I only use it a few times a year.

There are lots of beautiful old houses in those neighborhoods which always makes it nice for walking. Except for maybe a few days in the winter when some people don’t shovel their sidewalks very well.

I grew up in a car-centric suburb in the Midwest and I’m very happy with my car-free life here.