Just to play devil's advocate here:

I moved to RI as a single woman with a dog. Knowing what I now know about RI, I would recommend Riverside over Portsmouth.

Now, I don't know much about Portsmouth because like most people here, I've mostly only driven through it. It doesn't have any "destination" activities, places or restaurants worth seeking out. It's basically a dull, barren suburb with nothing to do.

Yes, you can go to Newport. But half the year that's crawling with tourists and partiers. Hell to park or navigate through its traffic during the season. Having grown up in a similar place, that gets annoying. And is not particularly safe for a woman on her own.

Let's consider Riverside. It's a cozy quiet neighborhood next to all that Providence and its East Side have to offer. Bike path, parks, amazing restaurants by the dozens, and esp relevant to you, OP, who will need to find things to do alone 50% of your time, the Greater Providence area offers much more than the bedroom-community of Portsmouth where I cannot imagine it's easy to make friends.

Libraries, glassblowing and other arts classes, university-hosted events, music, museums, outdoor cafes -- in a totally different atmosphere than Newport that's either pretty dead off season or insane with partying tourists in-season.

Also, way better for doing things with a dog. Just compare the number of parks big and small. There are lots of charming little neighborhoods on the East Side to explore with a dog (as I do every day; I live in Fox Point). If you will have a car you can bring doggo over to Fox Point / East Side, park and just amble through College Hill neighborhoods, down to either river or the bay. In Riverside itself you have the bike path for walking too. It's a spectacular asset for a woman walking a dog.

In season in Providence there are outdoor markets with artisans and farmers. Lots of specialty markets big and small. If you are interested at all in food, OP, there's no comparison.

Just in terms of being a stranger knowing no one who will be alone 50% of the time, Greater Providence will be a lot less lonely than being marooned in Portsmouth.

I live in Riverside, operate my business here and I love it. Friendly town, 5 minutes from Providence and 10 minutes from Seekonk, Mass for shopping. 10 minutes from hospitals, 20 min from airport. Schools are great, 2 great veterinarians, our little town center is being revitalized and is doing well.

Riverside for activities close by Portsmouth for solitude

I would chose Riverside. I lived in East Providence for 5 years, and loved going to the carousel and the park across the way. I find Riverside very family and pet friendly. There is always something to do and see in Providence, just a few minutes away, compared to Portsmouth

Riverside is great for dogs and their humans. Very walkable, clean and quiet. Bike path, Sabin Pt, Rose Larisa park, Haines park. Borealis coffee. Close to Providence and Seekonk. I lived there for many years and trying to move back. Good luck with your decision.

Portsmouth is much safer. That’s not to say Riverside is unsafe, but the most dangerous area in Portsmouth is going to be much safer than than any area of East Providence.

I would chose Portsmouth. I don't want to upset anyone who lives in Riverside. But, for just one consideration, Portsmouth is near Newport.

I, too, am a single woman with a dog desperately seeking an apartment. I’d absolutely choose Riverside over Portsmouth. Best wishes! I wish I could find something.. as soon as I filter “with dog”, I lose about 85% of the listings.

Both are very safe areas the trade off will be summer traffic in Portsmouth from Newport vs everyday traffic on 195/95. Walking a dog in Portsmouth is gonna depend on the area as there are lots of areas that aren’t ideal for that.

Resident of riverside here just moved last year with my wife, it’s delightful! Lots of kind folks, plenty of park space and the bike path is wonderful. Socially there’s some spots to go within town but providence is a hop skip and a jump away! There’s a handful of bars with fun things going on and decent enough Chinese food (besides Dragon of riverside) to keep you happy when it’s thanksgiving you get covid so you don’t want to cook. If you join the neighborhood, you’ll certainly find some charm around its streets!

I live in east providence, rumford to be exact. Grew up here with tons of friends in riverside. It’s super safe. Nothing happens in riverside. For Portsmouth I have no info.

Both of these areas are among the "safest" places to live any where at any time in human history

My vote would go to Riverside as well. Like others have said, many parks, love love love the bike bath, and cheaper living. Close to Providence and also the Warren food scene that doesn't get as much credit as it should.

If you do your own thing with a dog Portsmouth is probably nicer

I'm currently living in Newport in a one bedroom and I go to Middletown/Portsmouth all the time for various things like Clements Market, my PT, my dentist, shopping, some nice French bakeries, coffee shops, hiking trails, etc. I'd personally vouch for Portsmouth just for proximity to lots of nice areas like Bristol, Newport, etc and it doesn't put you too far out from Providence IMO. I honestly don't even go to Providence very often since there's been plenty to do around here. It's just so scenic and there's so many nice restaurants, shops, cafes, etc. Narragansett is just over the bridges too. Maybe I'm just biased because I grew up in South Country and it's incredibly safe here. We never locked out doors and I never had to lock my bike up if you can believe it.

I don't know much about Riverside but East Providence is very nice yet still wouldn't exactly call it perfectly safe. I don't even leave a small bag or really anything visible in my car when I park in Providence or the surrounding areas and I used to live in Bushwick. Depending on where you move, you'll be off the 60 bus so you could take that around if you're concerned about parking. I take the bus or bike during the summer sometimes to avoid the parking situation.

Portsmouth is very peaceful and quiet if not directly on a main road. It is all very safe. It’s mostly residential, mixed with farmy areas and lots of water.

Your food choices are more limited as there is not too much commercial, but you can drive to Newport, Middletown, and Bristol quickly which all have great options. Plus you are close to the beach.

I can’t speak on Riverside as I never go there, but why not drive thoroughly around both areas and see what catches your eye :)

For reference I live in Newport so I am very familiar with the whole island.

There are a couple of ways to tell. Call the local police department and ask. Also, drive by each apartment late at night and see how the neighborhoods are naturally.

Porthsmouth, absolutely. Riverside is cheaper though.

Another vote for riverside. I don't like living in East Providence but it's better than Portsmouth. Being close to Newport isn't really that attractive. It's over-hyped.

I lived in Bristol which is just over the bridge and it was a pain in the ass to get anywhere.

I take dogs out a lot in that area and you have lots of choices. Rose Larrissa Park has shoreline access. Haines park has wooded areas for exploring by the boat launch. There are some walking paths in the woods by Kettle Point that connect to the bike path.

im no expert here or anyting but life on an island iz extraspecial'

Portsmouth

Neither place is dangerous at all to be honest. Pick either one and you’ll be just fine walking anytime of the day.

Just stay strapped and you're safe