Last Updated on: 15th August 2024, 03:25 pm
Living in North Providence RI makes a lot of sense! Various Indigenous communities lived in the North Providence area for thousands of years until White settlers arrived. The first White settlement was in the 1640s, shortly after the arrival of Roger Williams. North Providence was incorporated as a town in 1765. The community got its name from its geographic location, being north of Providence.
After North Providence was incorporated, the community began to expand and urbanize. Samuel Slater opened the first fully mechanized cotton-spinning mill in 1793. The community has continued to expand over the last 200 years and is now well-known for its thriving arts district.
Is North Providence a good place to live? Yes, North Providence is a great place to live, with spacious homes for sale, top restaurants, and safe streets. But before you start moving to North Providence RI, you must learn more about this kid-friendly community. Here’s what to know about North Providence.
Where Is North Providence?
North Providence is in Providence County, inside the Providence, RI metro area. North Providence is a suburb of Providence, and it is 3.9 miles from North Providence to Providence. The community borders Providence, Pawtucket, Johnston, Lincoln, and Smithfield.
North Providence is an urbanized, well-developed area with few notable geographic features. The community borders several bodies of water, including the Woonasquatucket River and Wenscott Reservoir. Most of the community is residential, but there are commercial sectors located throughout the town. Some cul-de-sacs have a gridlike layout that makes the streets walkable, while others are sprawling.
Residents living in North Providence RI have access to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), the Providence public transportation system. Several bus routes stop in North Providence and connect to Providence and other locations. Route 50 runs through North Providence and connects to Downtown Providence. You can see all routes in North Providence using the RIPTA system map.
Several major roads run through North Providence, including US Route 44. Commuters can use RIPTA buses, but most people drive while living in North Providence RI, or moving to North Providence.
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North Providence Population and Demographics
The population of North Providence is 34,114, up by 6.3% since 2010. The population has risen steadily over the last few decades, making North Providence the most populous town in Rhode Island. The population density is 6,052 people per square mile, nearly four times higher than the county density. North Providence is the smallest town in the state, covering just 5.8 square miles, so the population density will remain extremely high.
Notable people from North Providence include Zellio Toppazzini, John Cafferty, and Ernie DiGregorio. Notable North Providence demographics include:
- 54.1% female, 45.9% male
- Median age: 40.1
- Racial and ethnic composition: 74.5% White (69.0% non-Hispanic), 14.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% two or more races, 7.8% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian
- Median household income: $77,039 (5.3% lower than the state median)
- Educational attainment: 91.3% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 33.9% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 12.3%
North Providence is a family-friendly community. 19.4% of residents are under the age of 18, with 4.5% under the age of 5. The average family size is three people, but you can find large families living throughout the community. The town is very popular amongst married couples, who head over one-third of the households in North Providence. 61% of residents in North Providence own their own homes, higher than the countywide rate of 55.5%.
North Providence is one of the safest towns in Rhode Island. Here are its crime rates, according to the FBI in 2020:
- Overall crime rate: 747 offenses per 100,000 people (79.3% lower than the Providence crime rate, 49.4% lower than the Rhode Island rate, 68.2% lower than America’s rate)
- Violent crime rate: 156 crimes per 100,000 residents (32.4% lower than the state rate, 59.8% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 591 offenses per 100,000 people (52.5% lower than the state rate, 69.8% lower than the national rate)
The North Providence Police Department serves all residents living in North Providence RI. The department employs 61 sworn police officers.
Cost of Living in North Providence
You can use Providence cost of living statistics to estimate the cost of living in North Providence. The Providence cost of living index is 117.2, which means items in the Providence area cost 17.2% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $104,755 to cover the cost of living in the Providence area. Child care is the largest expense, at $21,768 a year, so singles and couples without children can save money and live an affordable life.
North Providence real estate is affordable, though the North Providence real estate market is small. According to Redfin, the median price of North Providence homes for sale is $356,278, at a median price per square foot of $232. According to RentCafe, the average price of apartments for rent in North Providence RI is $1,813 a month.
Typical North Providence* Living Expenses
- 12 regular eggs: $5.10
- 1 pound of bananas: $0.80
- 1 pound of tomatoes: $2.66
- 1 head of lettuce: $3.09
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.52
- Average North Providence* utilities per month: $174.55
- 1 pair of jeans: $52.50
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses actually for Providence
Are you ready to start living in North Providence RI, and enjoying an affordable lifestyle? Call 401-648-6683 for a free estimate today!
North Providence Neighborhoods | Where to Live in North Providence
North Providence has a few neighborhoods where you can find great homes, easy access to local restaurants and cultural attractions, and other amenities. Here are the best places to live in North Providence.
Centerdale | Historic Neighborhood With Top Restaurants
Centerdale is in northwestern North Providence. US Route 44 runs directly through the community, providing easy access to Downtown Providence and cities near Providence. The community is best known for the Allendale Mill, a historic mill now open to the public as a condo complex. You can get a one bedroom condo covering over 600 square feet for less than $200,000. The community is also well known for its unique and delicious restaurants, including Camp Nowhere, an eclectic bar.
Woodville | Residential Neighborhood Close to Great Shopping Centers
Woodville is in eastern North Providence. The community is predominantly residential, with a grid-like layout that creates accessibility and short commutes. The community contains a mixture of condos and single-family homes for sale, making it good for people unsure of what home to buy. You can find properties from the early 20th century and more recent homes with contemporary features like granite countertops and hardwood floors. Prices in Woodville are a little more expensive, with some properties costing over $500,000. However, you get close access to stores like Shore’s Fresh Good Market and Pet Supplies Plus.
North Providence Weather and Climate
North Providence has a humid continental climate with warm but cloudy summers and freezing and snowy winters. July is the warmest month of the year, with an average temperature of 72 degrees and an average high of 82. Temperatures decline gradually through the end of the summer and the fall. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 28 degrees and an average low of 22. Temperatures stay below freezing throughout the entire winter.
North Providence weather is partly cloudy throughout the year. September is the clearest month, yet it still has 38% mostly cloudy and overcast days. North Providence receives an average of 37.8 inches of rain and 30.5 inches of snow. Each month has at least seven days of precipitation, so you should have an umbrella if you’re going to spend time outside.
North Providence experiences humidity during the summer, with roughly one-third of days feeling muggy or oppressive. The community can experience blizzards and snowstorms in the winter that drop over a foot of snow and create frigid temperatures and high winds. Prepare in advance by following North Providence weather forecasts and stocking your pantry.
September is the best month to visit North Providence. In addition to being the clearest month, September has mild temperatures that make outdoor activities easy. The average temperature is 64 degrees, so you can remain comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket.
Things to Do in North Providence RI
You can enjoy a wide range of things to do in North Providence RI, including top parks and affordable stores. You can shop at a few different grocery stores, including Stop and Shop and Shore’s Fresh Food Market. North Providence Marketplace is the largest shopping mall, containing Shaw’s grocery store and a Rainbow Shops clothing store.
Louisquisset Golf Club
Louisquisset Golf Club is a nine-hole public golf course open to the public throughout the year. Louisquisset Golf Club offers holes in and near natural wetlands, giving you scenic views of rolling hills, oak trees, and ponds.
1 Overlook Circle, North Providence, RI, 02904, 401-353-1620
Governor Notte Park
Governor Notte Park is the top outdoor destination in North Providence. You can lounge at Twin Rivers Beach, a free beach on Wenscott Reservoir open to swimming and beach volleyball. You can also enjoy tennis courts and a ball field.
1801 Douglas Avenue, North Providence, RI, 02904, 401-719-1633
The Overlook at Meehan
The Overlook at Meehan is the top events venue in North Providence. You can attend private and public events at the overlook, enjoying scenic views of Wenscott Reservoir and surrounding natural features.
2 Governor Notte Parkway #3, North Providence, RI, 02904, 401-288-7545
Additional Things to Do in North Providence RI
The Recreation Department of the Town of North Providence manages and oversees all public spaces in North Providence. The division plans special events for residents living in North Providence RI throughout the year, including holiday celebrations. You can use the North Providence events calendar to see when events are scheduled.
Do you want to start moving to North Providence and enjoying incredible attractions? Schedule an appointment with Correira Brothers and start your relocation now!
Restaurants in North Providence
Providence, Rhode Island has an eclectic restaurant scene, with unique dishes like Portuguese sweet bread and coffee syrup. Restaurants in North Providence are also unique and eclectic, letting you try out a plethora of dishes at affordable prices.
El Charro
El Charro is a casual and authentic Mexican restaurant known for offering burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas with fresh ingredients. El Charro also serves lunch specials for less than $10 and combination platters for less than $12, letting you enjoy top dishes at affordable prices.
1021 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, RI, 02904, 401-722-0078
Camp Nowhere
Camp Nowhere is the top bar in North Providence, known for its margaritas and energetic atmosphere. You can order sliders, egg rolls, and french fries for just $5 along with a range of mixed drinks, including margaritas.
1838 Smith Street, North Providence, RI, 02911, 401-349-5223
Wine and Cheese Restaurant
Wine and Cheese is an Italian restaurant that serves classic dishes like pizzas, calzones, and pasta in a casual setting. You can try out pizzas and calzones with unique toppings like cheddar cheese, shrimp, and marinated artichokes.
1861 Smith Street, North Providence, RI, 02911, 401-349-3446
Jobs in North Providence RI
North Providence has a strong, diverse, and vibrant jobs market. Nearly two-thirds of all adults in North Providence are currently employed, higher than the statewide employment rate. The biggest industries for North Providence jobs include healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade. Over $300 million of retail sales were made in the community in 2017 alone.
According to Payscale, the average base salary for North Providence jobs is $65,000, with an average hourly rate of $19.05. Top employers in North Providence include SVM, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, and CommVerge Solutions. You can find jobs in North Providence RI using Indeed and apply for Town of North Providence jobs on the town government’s website.
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North Providence Schools
North Providence Public Schools serves all students living in North Providence RI. There are five elementary schools in North Providence RI. US News ranks Greystone Elementary School, Joseph A. Whelan Elementary School, and James L. Mcguire Elementary School in the top 100 elementary schools in Rhode Island. US News ranks Greystone Elementary School in the top 50 elementary schools in the state. 52% of students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 16 percentage points higher than the district and state averages.
The district contains two middle schools, Ricci Middle School and Birchwood Middle School. US News ranks both schools in the top 25 middle schools in Rhode Island. Both schools have low student-to-teacher ratios, with Birchwood Middle School having a ratio of 12:1, giving your child individualized support.
North Providence Public Schools has one high school, North Providence High School. US News ranks North Providence High School in the top 25 high schools in the state. The high school is home to dozens of extracurricular teams, including mock trial, Science Olympiad, and drama clubs.
North Providence contains no K-12 private schools. Rhode Island College (RIC) is on the border between North Providence and Providence, with part of its campus inside North Providence. US News ranks Rhode Island College in the top 50 public colleges in the Northern United States. RIC is home to 76 undergraduate and 46 graduate programs, as well as continuing education classes. North Providence Union Free Library is the official public library for North Providence.
North Providence Statistics and Information
- County: Providence County
- North Providence area: 5.9 square miles
- North Providence zip code: 02904, 02908, 02911
- North Providence area code: 401
- North Providence elevation: 207 feet
- North Providence time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to North Providence: Rhode Island TF Green International Airport (PVD), 12.1 miles from North Providence
North Providence Map
You can use this map of North Providence to find the best things to do, fantastic attractions, and amenities in North Providence.
There’s so much to love about living in North Providence RI! Your children can go to top schools and enjoy kid-friendly things to do, and you can purchase an affordable home in a safe community.
Moving to North Providence is easier than you think. Correira Brothers has the top North Providence movers, with over 15 years of experience in the moving industry. Call 401-648-6683 for a free estimate now.
