this 2nd century bc lady found in a bog is dressed in plaid / tartan

this is common in many metro boston neighborhoods too with a large Italian population especially during the 1930-1960 time frame.
They are essentially summer kitchens. Or for cooking giant quantities of food or canning.

as a fellow female transplant from boston - i suggest renting a studio in one of the many loft complexes in providence and pawtucket for one year or 6 mos. It might cost slightly more but they often give u a free month and/or include utilities and parking.
Its easy to move in and out, they are great with maintenance and have security. They aren't perfect but remove a lot of unknowns.
Honestly the neighborhoods of providence are really small with their own vibe. it will take u a while to choose a fave. My first place was in smith hill - found out i was paying for the tenant downstairs' hot water. So i moved to the west end - great apt and cool neighborhood although walking around alone sucked. I'd live there again. Just. Don't get a first floor apt.
I also lived in elmhurst ( was okay - boring) and in an old mansion in pawtucket ( gorgeous apt depressing neighborhood) I'm older now and live in the east bay because i can get to providence in 10 minutes and the beaches and neighborhood are beautiful.
I'd say make an adventure of it for a while, learn a lot and then find a place to settle in that truly suits you.

you are not alone. the rates went up 150% in nov '22 for both gas and electricity. My normal 80 dollar electric is now 230. Yah thats almost triple. ouch. Gas over 300 last month. Our place is a 1950's cape with minimal insulation and old Windows. we turn the heat to 68 around dinner time otherwise its at 60 or off. I was on a mission to save electricity last month and got the electric bill down to 170. But I hardly did any laundry so catching up on it will cost me.

we installed Mr Cool mini splits last year - they are amazing for cooling. Silent and super efficient. Our house was cool and dry all summer and electric bills less than the window units we had before. They can heat in a pinch, but we found the electric usage was really high and was more expensive than our gas heat. i do use it sometimes to warm up our sons room because that radiator is undersized. I suggest watching a lot of youtube installs and reading about btus :) i designed the system and my husband installed it. It was complicated due to the layout of our home. I'd say its not for an absolute beginner handy person - but doable if you are patient and careful. Btw - we bought way too many pre charged lines that we'd be happy to sell for a loss if your interested. Overall it cost about 6500 for 5 indoor units, 2 condensers, the electrician and the outdoor line covers.
Our lowest estimate from contractors was 17k and highest 30k to install central air. Our home is 1800 square ft.

RI has a lot to offer! you may want to rent a place monthly for the first year and explore. it takes time to grasp the personality of each nook and cranny. "neighborhoods" are small and distinct. You may love a block and 2 streets over is a totally different vibe.

agree! love the east bay! moved here from metro Boston 15 years ago

i have a brand new high efficiency furnace and hot water heater & typically pay 260 ish in gas monthly during the very coldest times of the year. 50 $ a month in the summer.
and..... pellet production is super bad btw