Best Neighborhoods in Providence | 2024 Guide to the Best Places to Live in Providence RI
For years, the city of Providence, RI has gone by nicknames like The Creative Capital and the Renaissance City, and many of the best neighborhoods in Providence embody these qualities, promising high quality of life in a historic, artistic setting.
It has long been known for its history in the textile manufacturing industry, as goods like machine tools, jewelry, and silverware have been made there for many generations. Some of the companies have closed down as the areas have now been converted into beautiful Providence neighborhoods.
Although the city has a relatively small population of 178,851 residents, it takes the #1 spot for largest cities in Rhode Island, with more than twice as many people as the next city on the list (Warwick, RI).
Providence demographics show it has a highly diverse culture, with a population of about 39% Hispanic or Latino, 34% Caucasian, 13% Black or African American, and 6% Asian.
As you consider which of these thriving, best neighborhoods in Providence are right for you, learning more about what each area has to offer will make your decision easier and faster.
1. Fox Point – A Pleasant Neighborhood in Providence, RI
- Population: 5,001
- Median home listing price: $753,500
- Homes for sale in Fox Point
- Average rent: $2,653
- Fox Point crime: 62% higher than the national average
With so much to offer, this is hands down one of the best neighborhoods in Providence and best places to live in Rhode Island as a whole!View this post on Instagram
2. Wayland – One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Providence RI
- Population: 3,140
- Median home listing price: $825,000
- Homes for sale in Wayland
- Average rent: $2,647
- Wayland crime: 40% lower than the national average
Being close to a handful of local shops and restaurants, this is a walkable neighborhood where strolls with waterfront views of the Seekonk River are commonplace. If you’re wondering where to live in Providence RI, this could just be your place.View this post on Instagram
3. Blackstone – Most Wealthy Neighborhood in Providence
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- Population: 7,216
- Median home listing price: $869,000
- Homes for sale in Blackstone
- Average rent: $2,647
- Blackstone crime: 48% lower than the national average
If you’re planning on moving to Blackstone, a top contender for best neighborhoods in Providence RI, call us anytime at (401) 648-6683 for your free quote!View this post on Instagram
4. Downtown Providence – The Center Point of the City
- Population: 4,569
- Median home listing price: $484,000
- Homes for sale in Downtown Providence
- Average rent: $2,654
- Downtown Providence crime: 3% lower than the national average
The city center will feature lots of apartments and multi-family homes, too, so it's one of the popular Providence RI neighborhoods for young professionals and those who like to be close to major attractions.View this post on Instagram
5. Elmhurst – Among the Largest & Best Neighborhoods in Providence Rhode Island
- Population: 11,099
- Median home listing price: $495,000
- Homes for sale in Elmhurst
- Average rent: $2,372
- Elmhurst crime: 2% lower than the national average
6. College Hill Neighborhood – The Home of Local Providence Universities
- Population: 9,380
- Median home listing price: $1.4 million
- Homes for sale in College Hill
- Average rent: $2,653
- College Hill crime: 40% lower than the national average
With such a collection of esteemed institutions to pursue higher education compared to other Providence neighborhoods, College Hill is often deemed the knowledge district and one of the best neighborhoods in Providence for those pursuing higher education. As home to many college students, residents in College Hill enjoy many great local restaurants such as East Side Pockets, Flatbread Company, Hemenway’s, as well as Harry’s Bar & Burger. With this, it's not only one of the most educated but also becoming one of the more exciting locales in the Providence area. Some of the top places to visit in College Hill are Memorial Park, the Roger Williams National Memorial, and Prospect Terrace. You might also take a mellow stroll along Benefit Street, where beautiful architecture and rich history will accompany you, or stop by the John Brown House Museum to discover more of the history here. Overall, this is truly one of the nicest neighborhoods in Providence RI!View this post on Instagram
7. Hope – Comfortable Community in Providence, RI
- Population: 3,387
- Median home listing price: $780,000
- Homes for sale in Hope
- Average rent: $2,233
- Hope crime: 15% higher than the national average
8. Smith Hill – Affordable Neighborhood in Providence for Families
- Population: 6,139
- Median home listing price: $449,000
- Homes for sale in Smith Hill
- Average rent: $2,654
- Smith Hill crime: 87% higher than the national average
9. Federal Hill - Best Neighborhoods in Providence for Italian Culture
- Population: 7,245
- Median home listing price: $550,000
- Homes for sale in Federal Hill
- Average rent: $2,567
- Federal Hill crime: 142% higher than the national average
10. The Jewelry District - A Jewelry Manufacturing Hub Turned Into One of the Best Places to Live in Providence RI
- Population: 200
- Median home listing price: $590,000
- Homes for sale in The Jewelry District
- Average rent: $2,528
- The Jewelry District crime: 3% lower than the national average