PVD...where to start...

Personally, I would want to live as close to Brown/Thayer St as I could. Most of RI isn't nice unless you get way out into the country or way down south to Newport area (personal opinion). Parts of Providence are great, parts are terrible - stay far away from anything near Pawtucket. You'll be close enough to Boston that you can easily do all the cultural stuff Boston has to offer as well.

Good luck with the move, get yourself some Del's and Nice Slice when you arrive.