For years, the city of Providence, RI has gone by nicknames like The Creative Capital and the Renaissance City. 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 is the largest city 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 local communities in Providence are right for you, learning more about what each area has to offer will make your decision easier and faster.
Table of Contents
1. Fox Point – A Pleasant Neighborhood in Providence, RI
- Population: 5,001
- Median Household Income: $55,146
- Median Home Listing Price: $615,000
- Homes for sale in Fox Point
Located at the point where the Providence River and Seekonk River meet, 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.
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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. Fox Point 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.
2. Wayland – The Safest Providence Community
- Population: 3,140
- Median Household Income: $65,415
- Median Home Listing Price: $589,000
- Homes for sale in Wayland
Just north of Fox Point along the Seekonk River is the nice Providence neighborhood of 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 41% lower than the national average and 58% lower than the Providence average, people living in this area enjoy safety, security, and peace of mind.
All around this neighborhood, you’ll find numerous parks and green spaces including Blackstone Park, Gladys Potter Park, Waterman Street Dog Park, and more. Other fun activities can be found at places like the Lippitt House Museum and the Goldberger Family Football Field.
3. Blackstone – Most Wealthy Neighborhood in Providence
- Population: 7,216
- Median Household Income: $127,134
- Median Home Listing Price: $590,000
- Homes for sale in Blackstone
The area of Blackstone Boulevard Realty Plat Historic District is more commonly known by the much shorter and simpler name of Blackstone. Located right above Wayland, it joins its neighbor as another safe community with a crime rate that is 49% lower than the United States average and 63% lower than the Providence average. It is by far the richest neighborhood in Providence with a median household income of over $127,000.
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.
4. Downtown Providence – The Center Point of the City
- Population: 4,569
- Median Household Income: $42,351
- Median Home Listing Price: $376,000
- Homes for sale in Downtown Providence
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. Right across the street from there is Providence Career & Technical Academy, which is another well-known school in the area. 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.
5. Elmhurst – Among the Largest Providence Communities
- Population: 11,099
- Median Household Income: $59,604
- Median Home Listing Price: $309,000
- Homes for sale in Elmhurst
The large Providence neighborhood of Elmhurst is mostly a residential area with more than 11,000 people living there. 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 – The Home of Local Providence Universities
- Population: 9,380
- Median Household Income: $55,784
- Median Home Listing Price: $750,000
- Homes for sale in College Hill
Placed across the Providence River from downtown, the low crime rate in College Hill makes it a secure Providence neighborhood. 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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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. Some of the top places to visit in College Hill are Memorial Park, the Roger Williams National Memorial, and Prospect Terrace.
7. Hope – Comfortable Community in Providence, RI
- Population: 3,387
- Median Household Income: $76,245
- Median Home Listing Price: $400,000
- Homes for sale in Hope
Usually referred to by locals as “Summit”, the pleasant neighborhood of Hope is one of the top places to live in Providence. It resets 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.
8. Smith Hill – Affordable Neighborhood in Providence for Families
- Population: 6,139
- Median Household Income: $37,135
- Median Home Listing Price: $300,000
- Homes for sale in Smith Hill
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 greatest communities for families in Providence, 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.
Map of Neighborhoods in Providence, RI
Which Providence Neighborhood is Right for You?
As you try to determine which of these top Providence communities 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 local neighborhood in Providence you choose, you’re sure to enjoy it.
Need help getting to or from your current location to your new home in Providence, RI? 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!
