$1,181,278Average Value$461Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
History, culture and academia combine in east-side Providence
Historic College Hill, on Providence’s highly sought-after east side, gets its name from the two campuses that call the community home: Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. "It was the first historic district in Providence, which was borne from Brown University's expansion. Brown is definitely integrated into the neighborhood and brings a vitality to the community," says Realtor Jim DeRentis of Residential Properties Limited, a fourth-generation Providence native who lives in College Hill. The Providence Athenaeum, a historic membership library, while not affiliated with either university, adds to the academic aura of the neighborhood. “It’s a very intellectual part of Providence, you can really feel the presence of the universities,” says the Athenaeum’s Director of Membership & External Relations Robin Wetherill, an east-side Providence local. “College Hill is full of really lovingly restored, well-cared for historic homes, and its walking-distance to the most vibrant arts and cultural scenes in the city.”
Explore College Hill, a Providence neighborhood honored as one of America’s great places.
College Hill invites you to pose by the "I Love PVD" sign and share your love for PVD.
Visit the Sciences Library, a high rise Brutalist masterpiece in College Hill, RI.
Soaring above College Hill, you can spot the iconic dome of The First Church of Christ.
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Prestigious private schools for preschool through doctorate programs
Combined, the Brown and RISD campuses cover nearly 170 acres of College Hill. Founded in 1764, Brown is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Five of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including University Hall, built in 1770 and still in use today as senior administration offices. The private Ivy League research university offers more than 160 degree programs. The Rhode Island School of Design, established in 1877, offers more than 40 art and design degree programs. The Rhode Island School of Design Museum, which houses the private school’s collections, is one of the largest college art museums in the country. It’s not uncommon to see RISD students out and about in College Hill working on planar studies, or drawings from nature. Keller Williams Coastal Realtor Alessa Alvarez, a Providence local with nearly a decade of real estate experience, observes that College Hill is unique among university neighborhoods in that the atmosphere is more studious and creative than party centric. “Many of the residents are professors or grad students. Undergrads tend to live on-campus or on the southwest side of the city,” she says.
Younger students may attend The Wheeler School or Moses Brown, also in College Hill. Wheeler ranks first on Niche’s list of the best private high schools in Rhode Island. The co-ed day school serves kids between preschool and 12th grade. Moses Brown is a private, Quaker college-prep school for elementary and middle schoolers. Both institutions earn A-plus grades from Niche. The Providence Public Schools district offers school choice for middle and high school, but elementary-aged kids may go to C-rated Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary and continue to C-plus-rated Nathan Bishop Middle. Hope High School, which gets a C grade, has a visual arts specialty program.
Explore the RISDI Museum of Art in College Hill, Providence for a unique experience.
College Hill families value the excellent education at Martin Luther King Elementary School.
Nathan Bishop Middle School supports Blackstone youth from sixth to eighth grade.
Students at Hope High School in College Hill enjoy access to a great sports field.
Wheeler School on College Hill provides collaborative spaces to inspire student success.
Explore Moses Brown’s vibrant community of arts and athletics on College Hill in Providence.
Brown University’s “Bronze Bruno” statue is a must see spot for photos on College Hill, RI.
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Historic Victorian mansions selling for well above the city median
College Hill’s steep streets were built well-before the invention of cars, so they’re narrow and winding. Here and there, cobblestones peek from under chipped concrete. The red-brick sidewalks are well-worn and wide, backing up to directly to front porches or small gardens surrounded by wrought iron fences. “Preservation is key here,” Alvarez says. “1950s is new construction to us, especially in College Hill, where people are deeply invested in the character and stories of their homes, and keeping their history.” In June, the Festival of Historic Homes opens several of College Hill’s oldest estates to the public for self-guided tours. Ellen Oaklund, a Keller Williams Coastal Realtor with more than six years of experience in the local market, describes the neighborhood as “very historic, very hilly and very expensive.” Indeed, College Hill has some of the oldest, priciest properties in Providence. The Corliss-Carrington House, an eight-bedroom Colonial Revival estate built in 1810, sold for $6.8 million in June 2024, setting the city record. But most of the large, single-family Queen Anne, Second Empire and center-hall Colonials here sell for between $800,000 and $4.2 million. Mid-1800s townhomes start at around $1.3 million and can go up to nearly $2 million while condos tend to go for between $329,000 and $580,000.
College Hill features stunning historic colonial homes that reflect the neighborhood's vibe.
Walk through history in College Hill, a "Great Place in America" with stunning architecture.
Find iconic colonial homes throughout College Hill, showcasing RI's rich architecture.
Discover stunning Georgian colonial homes in the historic College Hill neighborhood of RI.
College Hill features gorgeous colonial revival homes, rich in history and charm.
Find elegant federal colonial homes in College Hill, a neighborhood steeped in history.
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Walkable to Thayer Street and Fox Point retailers and restaurants
“The neighborhood is walkable to a ton of restaurants and stores,” says Rebecca Mayer, a Compass Realtor with more than 40 years of local real estate experience. She notes that Thayer Street, in particular, is a popular hang-out for undergrads. The Brown Bookstore is on Thayer, not far from Ceremony, a local-favorite Asian café and teahouse. Harry’s Bar & Burger, also on Thayer, serves sliders and boozy milkshakes, while Den Den Korean Fried Chicken is known for classic Korean small plates. Avon Cinema, a family-owned movie theater that’s anchored the busy district since it opened in 1938, screens art house and indie films. Fox Point is a trendy, riverfront retail and dining district south of College Hill. For groceries, there’s a Trader Joe’s and Fox Point Grocers, a locally owned specialty food shop. On the east side of the district, Aleppo Sweets serves Syrian baked goods and coffee. Nearby, Persimmon’s James Beard-semifinalist chef crafts creative, modern American fare.
Relish Asian inspired beverages and pastries at Ceremony, a charming café in College Hill.
Explore a world of local and imported products at Fox Point Grocers in College Hill, RI.
Thayer St in College Hill is home to a range of global eats beloved by students and locals.
Den Den in College Hill serves up crispy Korean fried chicken that everyone will love.
Discover the latest in footwear and fashion at Berk's Shoes and Clothing in College Hill.
Locals love to shop for fresh groceries at Trader Joe's in College Hill, RI.
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Panoramic views of the skyline from atop the College Hill
Prospect Terrace, at the top of the College Hill, gives panoramic views of the downtown skyline. It’s a popular spot to watch the sun set over the city. Down the hill, at the north end of the neighborhood, Brown Street Park & Playground features a traditional playground, as well as a ropes course-style obstacle course and a sandbox. The Friends of Brown Street Park organization puts on family-friendly events, from summer movie nights in the park to costumed Halloween parades. Brown’s Erickson Athletic Complex, a few blocks away, is home to the university’s NCAA Division I sports teams. Game days bring Bears fans from around the region.
Enjoy Providence views from Prospect Terrace with Roger Williams overlooking the city.
Brown Street Park in College Hill is perfect for kids with its fun play area and jungle gym.
The Erickson Athletic Complex in College Hill transforms into a winter wonderland with snow.
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The Providence River Walk connects pedestrians downtown
College Hill is largely walkable. Downtown is about a mile west across the Providence River, a scenic stroll down the city’s River Walk. Rhode Island Transit Authority, or RIPTA bus stops are scattered throughout the area, connecting all over the city. Several routes provide service to Miriam Hospital, a major local employer about 2 miles north. An Amtrak station on Gaspee Street just north of downtown runs commuter rail service to Boston and New York City. Mayer says College Hill’s walkability and public transit access are significant perks, given what she calls the neighborhood’s only “urban downside,” its limited street parking. “Parking is absolutely tough in the city, but people do still drive. It’s not like New York City, where most people don’t have cars and just rely on public transportation, which might be why parking is such an issue,” Oaklund says.
College Hill residents enjoy easy travel to major cities with RIPTA bus connections.
The Providence River Pedestrian Bridge offers breathtaking views close to College Hill.
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.
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College Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College Hill, Providence sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in College Hill, Providence over the last 12 months is $890,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Plug & Play Investment Opportunity in College Hill! Well-maintained 3-bed, 1-bath condo with a strong rental history in one of Providence’s most sought-after locations. Features include hardwood floors, original moldings, and proximity to Brown University, RISD, and downtown. Fully leased and professionally managed, this unit is ideal for investors seeking immediate cash flow in a high-demand
Versatile Opportunity in the Heart of College Hill Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath condo located just steps from Brown University, RISD, Thayer Street, and downtown Providence. Featuring hardwood floors, original architectural details, and abundant natural light, this home offers charm and flexibility for a variety of buyers. Whether you’re looking for a personal residence in a historic
Plug & Play Condo in the Heart of College Hill Spanning two spacious floors, this 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit offers exceptional rental income potential just steps from Brown University and RISD. With a proven rental history, it’s perfect for investors seeking strong, stable returns in a blue-chip location. Tenants enjoy generous living space. Be sure to ask about the other 4 Condos for sale in
Nestled on Providence's celebrated College Hill, this top-floor one-bedroom condominium blends historic charm with modern comfort. Featuring soaring ceilings, skylights, and snapshot views of the city and State House, the residence offers a bright, inviting atmosphere perfect for today's urban lifestyle. The thoughtfully renovated interior boasts gleaming hardwood floors, a spacious open-concept
Welcome to 257 Thayer, where Providence student living meets modern convenience. Our eco-friendly apartments are nestled in the heart of downtown Providence, RI, just steps away from Brown University and RISD. Experience the vibrant community atmosphere and enjoy easy access to campus amenities and popular Thayer Street attractions. With a prime location near the Nelson fitness center and the
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