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Central Falls

Central Falls

Located in Providence County

$413,170 Average Value
$261 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Culturally vibrant community on the banks of the Blackstone River

Originally a mill town turned textile hub, Central Falls is now a proud “majority-minority” city — the only one in Rhode Island. Home to a thriving community of Latin American descent, including many recent immigrants, this “City for All People” celebrates its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. “Imagine 20,000 people living in a square mile,” says Alexander Parmenidez, a bilingual real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who has been selling homes for a decade. “Mexican, Salvadorian, Columbian, Guatemalan — It’s a small city with a mix of flavors from different countries; that’s why it’s unique,” adds Parmenidez, who’s originally from Colombia. He says that in addition to being a family-oriented community, Central Falls is close to Interstate 95 for commutes to Boston and Providence and is very walkable. Though the state's smallest and least affluent municipality, Central Falls and its people, Parmenidez says, are resilient.

Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering Colombian treats at La Casona in Central Falls, RI.
Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering Colombian treats at La Casona in Central Falls, RI.
Marvel at the vibrant and diverse array of murals that adorn Central Falls, RI.
Marvel at the vibrant and diverse array of murals that adorn Central Falls, RI.
Experience the taste of tropical ice creams at La Fruta Loca in Central Falls, RI.
Experience the taste of tropical ice creams at La Fruta Loca in Central Falls, RI.
Treat yourself to the best of Colombian cuisine at La Sorpresa Bakery in Central Falls, RI.
Treat yourself to the best of Colombian cuisine at La Sorpresa Bakery in Central Falls, RI.
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Local restaurants with authentic flavors

Latin American eateries dot Lonsdale Avenue and Dexter and Broad streets. At La Casona Restaurant, traditional Colombian cuisine is served in a spacious yet warm dining space accented by black and white tiling and wooden banisters. Just down the street is a newer restaurant making waves in the national food scene: Tuxpan Taqueria Mexican Kitchen. The small family-owned and operated restaurant recently became a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. For dessert, residents can sample Colombian classics, including cheesy sweet corn arepas and Tres Leches cake at La Sorpresa Bakery. Or, they can head to the local fruit parlor, La Fruta Loca, for a refreshing Mexican-inspired treat. For everyday shopping essentials, residents rely on local Latin grocers and a handful of mom-and-pop convenience stores such as Compare Foods of Central Falls and Mi Pueblo Market. They can also shop small, hang out and try the local services housed in Still on Main in Pawtucket, a community and culture-focused shopping mall.

Treat yourself to delicious Mexican cuisine at La Herradura Taqueria in Central Falls, RI.
Treat yourself to delicious Mexican cuisine at La Herradura Taqueria in Central Falls, RI.
Experience the bite of Peruvian cuisine and the buzz of the bar at Sharks in Central Falls, RI.
Experience the bite of Peruvian cuisine and the buzz of the bar at Sharks in Central Falls, RI.
Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering Colombian treats at La Casona in Central Falls, RI.
Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering Colombian treats at La Casona in Central Falls, RI.
Dive into a sea of flavors at Sharks in Central Falls, where Peruvian seafood delights awaits.
Dive into a sea of flavors at Sharks in Central Falls, where Peruvian seafood delights awaits.
Central Falls locals do their grocery shopping at Compare Foods Market.
Central Falls locals do their grocery shopping at Compare Foods Market.
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Multifamily and single-family options on walkable streets

Along the city’s dense gridded streets sit multifamily clapboard triple-deckers, some with stacked balconies. Sitting close together, these buildings make up most of the housing stock, constructed in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. With short setbacks, lots either have grassy backyards dotted by mature trees or paved parking. Parmenidez says these homes, while low in inventory statewide, are in high demand and are a popular choice for first-time homebuyers here. “Affordability is a big part of the equation. They are driven to buy multifamily, as two-thirds of the mortgage will be paid by future tenants,” he explains. Multifamily properties range in price from $300,000 to $750,000, based on size and condition. The largest collection of single-family homes can be found in the city’s north end. These 20th-century properties range from ranch-style homes with attached garages to compact Cape Cods, typically listing as low as $250,000 or upwards of $400,000. There are also condos and townhouses available from $215,000 to $250,000.

Discover the charm of Central Falls with its iconic multifamily triple deckers.
Discover the charm of Central Falls with its iconic multifamily triple deckers.
Traditional Cape Cod style homes can be found in Central Falls, RI.
Traditional Cape Cod style homes can be found in Central Falls, RI.
Wander through the historic Central Falls neighborhood, and admire its classic colonial homes.
Wander through the historic Central Falls neighborhood, and admire its classic colonial homes.
Discover duplexes and multi family homes in the Central Falls, RI neighborhood.
Discover duplexes and multi family homes in the Central Falls, RI neighborhood.
Explore ranch style and single family homes in the Central Falls, RI neighborhood.
Explore ranch style and single family homes in the Central Falls, RI neighborhood.
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Riverside recreation and upgraded parks coming soon

The beautiful Blackstone River, which flows along Central Falls’ eastern boundary, once powered the city’s industry. Today, it remains a defining natural feature and a popular outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike. Central Falls Landing is a launch site for small boats, canoes and kayaks. From here, residents can paddle around the Valley Falls Pond or explore the marshy wetlands’ scenic side channels. Central Falls Dog Park gives pups a chance to run freely or play on the obstacle course. Children and teens frequent the Project GOAL futsal courts along Ledge Street. Meanwhile, families eagerly await renovations at Jenks Park, which will have a new playground and upgraded Cogswell Tower, a historic city landmark.

A boat ramp at Blackstone River in Central Falls Landing, RI.
A boat ramp at Blackstone River in Central Falls Landing, RI.
River Island Park is graced by the Blackstone River located in Central Falls, RI.
River Island Park is graced by the Blackstone River located in Central Falls, RI.
Kick off your dreams with futsal and mentorship at Project GOAL in Central Falls, RI.
Kick off your dreams with futsal and mentorship at Project GOAL in Central Falls, RI.
Take in the sights of Central Falls, RI, from a whole new perspective.
Take in the sights of Central Falls, RI, from a whole new perspective.
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Bus or train to Boston and Providence

Central Falls has a large population without personal vehicles. To reach Boston, 45 miles away, and Downtown Providence, 7 miles away, commuters can head to the Pawtucket/Central Falls Transit Hub to take the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail or hop on a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus. City leaders publicly oppose proposed cuts to RIPTA funding, which they say will significantly impact Central Falls, reducing the number of bus routes serving the community by a third. For drivers, Interstate 95 is minutes from anywhere in the city. High Street and Roosevelt Avenue are marked with bike sharrows, a pavement marking that indicates a lane is shared between drivers and bicyclists, and connect to other bike-friendly routes outside the city. T.F. Green Airport is 15 miles southwest.

Catch the train to your next destination from Pawtucket/Central Falls Station in Central Falls.
Catch the train to your next destination from Pawtucket/Central Falls Station in Central Falls.
Embark on a journey from Pawtucket/Central Falls Hub Station, in Central Falls, RI.
Embark on a journey from Pawtucket/Central Falls Hub Station, in Central Falls, RI.
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A dual language elementary school

Children here can start at one of three elementary schools, including Raíces Dual Language Academy. Earning a C-minus from Niche, the school teaches pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade students equally in English and Spanish, with the goal of them becoming both bilingual and bi-literate. Students can move on to Raíces Upper, which is in Calcutt Middle School, also receiving a C-minus rating. Teens can attend C-rated Central Falls High, where they can apply to the Real CTE Program, providing technical and career training across in-demand fields, such as computer science and biomedicine. The city is working on a comprehensive plan to improve city schools, starting with community feedback, and crews will soon break ground on the construction of a new Central Falls High at the Higginson Sports Complex, set to open in 2025. Rhode Island Alternative Academy, Blackstone Academy Charter School and St. Raphael Academy are nearby alternative and private school options.

Experience bilingual education excellence at Raices Dual Language Academy in Central Falls, RI.
Experience bilingual education excellence at Raices Dual Language Academy in Central Falls, RI.
Empowering futures one lesson at a time, Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls, RI.
Empowering futures one lesson at a time, Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls, RI.
Explore the exterior and signage of Central Falls High School, RI.
Explore the exterior and signage of Central Falls High School, RI.
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Crime

Central Falls has a CAP Index crime score of 8 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. The overall score is driven by higher-than-average risk for violent and property crime. The Central Falls Police Department is internationally recognized for its community policing efforts and crime prevention programs, such as the Leading Ladies Initiative, supporting teenage girls through mentorship.

Jessica Haddad
Written By
Jessica Haddad
GL Moses
Video By
GL Moses

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Heber Anibal Recinos, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Central Falls Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$327,500
Median Sale Price
$332,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-15%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$261

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
995
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
1.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,742
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,866
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,450
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,031
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Central Falls Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
19,754
Median Age
34
Population under 18
29.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$43,227
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,035

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
60%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.4%
% Population in Labor Force
61.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
50''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

53 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®®

79 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®®

34 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Central Falls
Heber Anibal Recinos
Hemekedeal Realty, LLC
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