Rhode Irish must be able to weigh in on this ...
I'm probably biased, but I think Rhode Island is an awesome place to live. The problem is finding work there, because it's a bit of a weird market and there aren't a ton of opportunities for professionals, but it sounds like the OP has that part figured out. If I could move back to RI and make the same money, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
Regionally, it's in a great location because you can get to Boston in an hour and NYC in 2.5. As Ironman said, the city itself is fantastic. Great bar and restaurant scene. There are some depressed areas around Providence (South Providence, Pawtucket, eastern Cranston), but there are a lot of nice suburbs, too. I grew up in Smithfield; Barrington, Lincoln, Cumberland, East Greenwich are all nice, too.
The other thing I'd add to what ironman said is that, IMO, Rhody is the best place in the world to be in the summer. Newport is obviously world class, but the Providence bar scene is better down by the water during the summer. Bristol and East Greenwich have cool bar scenes on the water, too, but they are more "local secret" - don't get a ton of out of towners there. Then there are the beaches, Block Island, Westerly...... Just an all-around great place to be in the summer.
OP: If you want, PM me if you want my thoughts on specific towns, neighborhoods, etc. I'd be glad to help.
