Riverside, Rumford, East Providence...what's the difference?

Riverside, Rumford & East Providence...what's the difference?  Well, as someone who's been a life long Rhode Islander I can tell you each village has it's own personality.

Riverside is the southern most village in East Providence.  Riverside's neighbor to the southeast is Barrington and Narragansett Bay is along our western coastline.  Riverside has beach access and converted summer cabins as part of it's landscape.  We have the Loof Carosel from the heyday of Crescent Park not to mention Blount's Clam Shack for great seafood by the water in Rose Larisa Park.  We also have the East Bay Bike Path with goes along by the water into Barrington and Haines Park.  In the summer there is a farmers market every Wednesday from 2-6 at the marina side of Haines Park. Riverside has one 9 hole golf course named Silver Spring on Pawtucket Ave.  Area children and adults also know Silver Springs as being the best place for sledding in the winter.  

East Providence is the capital city of the 3 villages.  It is a combination of suburban neighborhoods, and a urban setting with stores and restaurants with the hustle and bustle expected of a city.  East Providence Senior High School is in the center of it all.  "Go Townies!!"  EPHS is made up of a high school and a vocational school.  My graduating class was rather large compared to most high schools.  We had close to 600 seniors back in the day (1982).  I'm looking forward to my 30th class reunion this October 2012.  Many of us worked our first job somewhere in East Providence.  Whether it was at the old Friendly's Restaurant, Gregg's Restaurant or one of the grocery stores in town.  East Providence is home to our city hall on Taunton Ave and Pierce Field where the 4th of July firework show takes place.  East Providence Heritage Festival is held every year at Pierce Field.  It's a wonderful 3-4 day event celebrating the ethnic melting pot that makes up East Providence.

Rumford is our village to the north and borders Pawtucket, RI.  Rumford is a nice, quiet suburb with family friendly neighborhoods and parks.  Roger Williams originally settled at the intersection of Roger Williams & Wilson Avenues before moving on into Providence. Rumford also sports 2 golf courses.  The Wannamoisett Country Club and The Agawam Hunt Country Club which is the older of the 2 clubs built in 1897. One of the best places to go in the summertime is the Sunshine Creamery on North Broadway.  People will come from all around to get their favorite house made ice cream.  There is usually a wait in line, but it's well worth it.  Stop by and grab yourself a cone, park yourself at one of the many picnic tables and enjoy a warm summer evening in Rumford.

So, there you are.  Here's a snippet of the differences between Riverside, Rumford & East Providence, RI.  Contact me if you are thinking of moving to either of these area's.  Whether you are looking for city living or quiet suburban living East Providence, Riverside or Rumford will fit your needs.