I’ve lived in providence (east side, downtown, and fed hill at different times) and commuted to Groton. I commuted everyday for the first 3.5 years. I now work mainly remotely and commute to Groton 1-2 times a week. The commute is long but it’s easy. I listen to a lot of podcasts. The Groton area is very dreary and as a “young professional” I’m very glad I lived here instead. A lot I’d my co-workers constantly complained about living the SE CT area. All that being said, I was very much nearing the end of my rope with the ~2 hr a day of commuting. I was considering leaving my company rather then moving closer to Groton. I’d say the key to this commute to make sure you live pretty close to a 95 exit in providence. So far the commute from Fed Hill has been the easiest out of the 3. The Broadway exit is before the worst of the traffic on the way home.

From what I’ve heard from co-workers that live towards New Haven and Hartford is that the traffic is generally worse in that direction.

I also like climbing! For gyms in the area there is the RockSpot in fed hill that is just bouldering and a RockSpot in Lincoln with top rope and bouldering and well as a central rock gym in Warwick. I’ve been to all 3 and they all are pretty nice with different pros and cons. There isn’t much climbing around Groton, central rock-Warwick or RockSpot-peacedale are the closest and still like 45min away.

TLDR: the commute is not fun but doable. The benefits of living in providence have been generally worth it for me but I wouldn’t plan on doing it forever.