Providence in top half for working moms

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Providence-New Bedford region ranks in the top half of America’s 50 biggest metro areas when it comes to offering the best environment for working moms.

That’s according to a new list compiled by ForbesWoman, a quarterly magazine and website published by Forbes Inc., which used a variety of sources to rank the cities based on six indicators.

The Providence area, which includes all of Rhode Island and part of Southeastern Massachusetts, was ranked No. 22 out of 50 on the list.

On the individual indicators used to create the list, the Providence area ranked highest for:

• Spending per pupil (7th out of 50)
• Violent crimes per 100,000 residents (10th)
• Women’s income (16th).

The region didn't fare as well when it came to:

• Quality of pediatricians on HealthGrades.com (34th)
• Cost of living (42nd)
• Unemployment (47th).

The term “ ‘best’ means different things to different women,” ForbesWoman editor Meghan Casserly wrote in an accompanying article. “Safety, of course, is important, and great schools and health care also all play a part – but when it comes to quality of life for high-achieving women, there are other components to consider.”

Minneapolis-St. Paul placed first, followed by Washington, D.C., Boston, Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Las Vegas placed last, behind Memphis, Charlotte, N.C., and Birmingham, Ala.