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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

Located at the point where the Providence River and Seekonk River meet the Narragansett Bay, the community of Fox Point is directly across the river from the city of East Providence. Frequently considered one of the best places to live in Providence, residents enjoy a wide variety of amenities in this beautiful area. With its soccer fields, views of the river, and open green space, the India Point Park is one of the top destinations in this part of town. This Providence neighborhood is also home to the local Fox Point Library as well as the Providence River Boat Company, which offers river tours of the city. Locals have easy access to a handful of great restaurants in Fox Point, such as Fellini Pizzeria, Al Forno, and The Hot Club.
 
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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!

2.  Wayland – One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Providence RI

Just north of Fox Point along the Seekonk River is another of the best neighborhoods in Providence - Wayland. The community is named after Baptist pastor Francis Wayland, who also served as one of the presidents of Brown University. With crime rates that are 40% lower than the national average and 58% lower than the Providence average, people living in this area enjoy safety, security, and peace of mind. This is an excellent place to raise children. All around this neighborhood, you’ll find numerous parks and green spaces, including Blackstone Park, Gladys Potter Park, Waterman Street Dog Park, and other walking trails. Other fun activities can be found at places like the Lippitt House Museum and the Goldberger Family Football Field.
 
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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.

3. Blackstone – Most Wealthy Neighborhood in Providence

The area of Blackstone Boulevard Realty Plat Historic District is more commonly known by the much shorter and simpler name of Blackstone. This historic neighborhood is located right above Wayland in the east side of Providence; it joins its neighbor as another safe community with a crime rate that is 48% lower than the United States average and 63% lower than the Providence average. As one of the best neighborhoods in Providence, it is also by far the richest neighborhood in Providence. The median household income here is over $160,000, so while the cost of living might be slightly higher due to home prices, the location and amenities are well worth it. Blackstone stands as the location of Brown Stadium, a 20,000-seat arena where the Brown University football team plays. Enjoyable activities in Blackstone can be found at places like the Ladd Observatory and Festival Ballet Providence, but overall, it's primarily a residential neighborhood full of beautiful single family homes.
 
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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!

4. Downtown Providence – The Center Point of the City

The area of Downtown Providence is packed with top-rated schools such as the Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts as well as Classical High School, which is ranked as the #1 high school in the state of Rhode Island. It's hands down one of the best neighborhoods in Providence. Right across the street from there is Providence Career & Technical Academy, which is another well-known school in the area. Johnson & Wales University Providence Campus can be found at the corner of Chestnut St. and Pine St, while private schools such as Moses Brown School serve the younger demographic. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center is also downtown, providing a place for the Providence Bruins hockey team and the Providence College basketball teams to compete. Above all, the Downtown Providence neighborhood is known for its fun things to do, such as shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center and art galleries at Waterplace Park, as well as activities at The Great Escape Room and Burnside Park. If you're searching for where to live in Providence RI, the diverse community and vibrant arts scene of downtown Providence just might be the place. Living downtown is the best way to enjoy one of the more walkable cities in New England, as everything is just out your doorstep.
 
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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.

5. Elmhurst – Among the Largest & Best Neighborhoods in Providence Rhode Island

The large Providence neighborhood of Elmhurst is mostly a residential area with more than 11,000 people living there, one of the largest populations of our Providence neighborhoods. On the northwest edge of town, Elmhurst is where you’ll find reputable educational institutions like Providence College, the E-Cubed Academy, and Nathanael Greene Middle School. The local Fargnoli Park And Water Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an outdoor activity in the area. There are also many top-rated restaurants in Elmhurst, including Los Andes, Mr. Lemon, El Eden, and The Abbey.

6. College Hill Neighborhood – The Home of Local Providence Universities

Placed across the Providence River from downtown, the low crime rate in College Hill makes it one of the safest neighborhoods in Providence RI. The community’s name refers to the handful of secondary schools within its borders, including Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the Pembroke College Campus.
 
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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!

7. Hope – Comfortable Community in Providence, RI

Usually referred to by locals as “Summit”, the pleasant neighborhood of Hope is one of the top places to live in Providence. It rests along the northern border of Providence, near the city of Pawtucket, RI. Young residents in this area have their very own Hope High School, where students enjoy a strong education. Hope is another part of Providence that has great places to eat, such as Gregg’s, the Sandwich Hut, Seven Stars Bakery, India Restaurant, and more. Local residents also have easy access to the Peter Pan Bus Terminal, which offers affordable transportation to locations all over the northeast United States, making it a top choice for the best neighborhoods in Providence Rhode Island.

8. Smith Hill – Affordable Neighborhood in Providence for Families

Smith Hill is immediately to the north of downtown Providence, giving locals easy access to everything that the area has to offer. Named after an original settler and mill owner named John Smith, the area of Smith Hill is where you’ll be able to see the Rhode Island State House. As one of the best neighborhoods in Providence for families, Smith Hill is home to about 1,465 kids under 18 years old. It is home to Paul Cuffee Lower School, which is among the top 20 high schools in the state, as well as the TIMES2 Academy, another highly-ranked school in this Providence neighborhood.

9. Federal Hill - Best Neighborhoods in Providence for Italian Culture

Federal Hill borders the west end of downtown and is renowned for its rich Italian heritage, one of the best neighborhoods in Providence for culture-seekers and those with European roots. While many other neighborhoods are up and coming, Federal Hill is one that has a unique history and solidified community that's made its mark. In the 19th century, Federal Hill was a gathering place for Italian-Americans, and so much is the same in this lovely area brimming with shops and restaurants. The culinary scenes are to die for, with favorites such as Angelo’s Civita Farnese and Il Massimo keeping the culture alive. And because Federal Hill is located along the highway, it's one of the best places to live in Providence RI for those who enjoy a home base with easy access to all this great city has to offer.

10. The Jewelry District - A Jewelry Manufacturing Hub Turned Into One of the Best Places to Live in Providence RI

The Jewelry District in Providence, RI, was once the scene of a bustling jewelry manufacturing industry but has since transformed into one of the more lovely, urban neighborhoods in Providence Rhode Island. Old brick factories now house chic lofts and innovative startups, creating a perfect blend of historic charm and modern living. With trendy cafes, art galleries, and proximity to the waterfront, the area buzzes with creativity and convenience. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking an eclectic and walkable place to call home in the heart of Providence. While it has a long way to go to contend for a higher spot as one of the best neighborhoods in Providence, it's a worthy locale that's increasing in interest, to say the least.

Map of Neighborhoods in Providence, RI

Ready to explore the best neighborhoods in Providence? This map is your gateway!

Which Providence Neighborhood is Right for You?

As you try to determine which of these top Providence RI neighborhoods is where you want to live, make sure they fit your lifestyle and budget requirements. The options listed above are constantly recognized as the most popular parts of town and will provide you with a great place to live. No matter which of these Providence RI neighborhoods you choose, you’re sure to enjoy it. Need help getting to or from your current location to your new home in one of the best neighborhoods in Providence, Rhode Island? The team here at Correira Brothers has the top Providence movers who can handle your upcoming relocation! Give us a call today at (401) 648-6683 or fill out the Request a Quote form on this page to get a free moving estimate!