Downtown Providence has a pedestrian bridge to cross over the river.
Quintessential downtown living in an arts district
Between the Providence River and Interstate 95 sits Downtown Providence, where business, art and culture collide in this capital city. “There’s so much to do, and there are so many different aspects to explore from College Hill to Federal Hill,” gushes Holly Bellucci, a Rhode Island native and real estate agent with RISE Real Estate Consultants. The Industrial Revolution turned historic Providence into a bustling manufacturing town in the late 19th century. Today, a mix of students, professors, entrepreneurs, artists and empty nesters live in its high-rise apartments, micro lofts and luxury condominiums. Historic red brick sidewalks wrap around nationally recognized cultural institutions, art exhibits, top-ranked universities and world-renowned restaurants. “Arts and culture are big. I love that everything is within walking distance, and in the summertime, it’s absolutely gorgeous,” says Lisa Ranglin, CEO and President of the Rhode Island Black Business Association. She says density in this part of the city doesn’t come at the expense of kindness. “Everyone is so friendly. It seems like you know everyone,” adds Ranglin, who’s worked in Providence for 40 years.
Providence's center for the arts, dining and entertainment
Broadway shows and concerts come alive at venues including the Providence Performing Arts Center (or PPAC), Trinity Repertory Company, and Veterans Memorial Auditorium, home of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. While fans of the AHL Providence Bruins minor-league hockey team pack the seats at Amica Mutual Pavilion, art lovers explore exhibits from local creators at AS220’s community-focused galleries. From casual pubs and sports bars to upscale restaurants and international eateries, there are many places for a good meal here. Ranglin loves the stuffed lobster paired with views of the Providence River at Hemenway’s Restaurant, the soul food at Kin Southern Table and the fine dining experience at The Capital Grille. Food trucks are a big draw in the summertime. “They come out on Friday and Saturday nights near city hall, and you can get anything. You can’t go wrong,” Ranglin says. After perking up with a coffee at Small Point Café or Sydney Providence, residents can shop small at The Arcade, a historic multi-level indoor shopping mall filled with natural light. For national retailers, residents head to Providence Place Mall. For groceries, Trader Joe’s and Urban Greens Co-op Market are nearby.
The Providence Performing Arts Center shines on an icy day in Downtown Providence.
Visit the Apple Store at Providence Place Mall in Downtown Providence.
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Downtown Providence residents are in walking distance to local restaurants.
Industrial lofts and luxury penthouse condos
A variety of architecture gives the Creative Capital its character. Contemporary skyscrapers stand next to Art Deco towers that shadow historic Greek Revival buildings. Buyers looking to put down roots here can choose from compact micro lofts, high-rise townhouses and luxury condos. Typically less than 600 square feet, one-bedroom micro lofts in historic buildings like The Arcade feature black-and-white tiling, built-in furniture and space-saving Murphy beds. New two-bedroom luxury condos near the waterfront offer modern fixtures, high ceilings and spacious open layouts that flow out onto balconies overlooking the river. Some communities offer shared spaces and amenities such as pools and gyms that are maintained with monthly homeowners association fees from $250 to more than $1,000. Listing prices range widely, with lofts starting as low as $200,000 and penthouse condos topping $1 million.
Multiple green spaces with river views
Burnside Park features tree-shaded benches and red brick walking paths that lead to a center fountain where residents can see the city’s tall buildings peaking over the treetops. An equestrian statue of Ambrose Burnside stands on the park's east side, paying homage to the American Civil War general from Rhode Island. Kids can enjoy the playground, which features climbing obstacles and slides. Next door is the Providence Rink, offering year-round fun from roller skating to ice skating. Locals frequent Prospect Park on College Hill for its dramatic, elevated skyline views. “It is the most beautiful spot to see the city, and the sunsets are gorgeous,” Bellucci says. For more spectacular views, residents can walk down the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, a pedestrian greenway over the Providence River built on the foundation left behind by the relocation of Interstate 195.
Downtown Providence has a pedestrian bridge to cross over the river.
Enjoy ice skating at BankNewport City Center in Downtown Providence.
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Celebrating art and culture during WaterFire season
The rivers of Providence light up for WaterFire, a free annual art installation series created by artist Barnaby Evans in 1994 that’s an experience for the senses. From mid-April to November, Waterplace Park and other waterfront locations host the lighting of more than 80 bonfires after sunset. As the scent of burning wood wafts through the air, attendees can listen to live music while they peruse artisan crafts, jewelry, photography and more at the Arts Festival Plaza.
Waterfire is a popular attraction in Downtown Providence that guarantees a night of fun.
Residents of Downtown Providence can come to the waterside to watch the Waterfire event.
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Walk, bike, bus or train around Rhode Island
While Downtown Providence is extremely walkable, it also provides easy access to Interstate 95 and Interstate 195, and parking is plentiful. The area is also very bikeable, with bike-friendly infrastructure. The Providence train station allows for Amtrak access and quick transport via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Commuter Rail, which gets Rhode Islanders to Boston in less than an hour. Residents can board a Rhode Island Transit Authority, or RIPTA, bus at stops around the neighborhood or at Kennedy Plaza, the transportation hub. T.F. Green International Airport is about a 9-mile drive south.
Catch a bus ride near Providence Performing Arts Center in Downtown Providence.
Downtown Providence is a walkable neighborhood with biking lanes.
MBTA Commuter Rail provides public transportation for Downtown Providence residents.
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Choose from public, charter and private schools
Students can attend Providence Public Schools, starting at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, which earns a C-minus from Niche. They can move on to Nathanael Greene Middle School, with a C rating, before finishing up at A-rated Classical High School, ranked the second-best public high school in the state. School choice is an option here, and Downtown Providence is home to innovative charter schools such as Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, which offers an arts-based learning approach. Community Preparatory School, Saint Patrick Academy and the Wheeler School are nearby private options.
Exterior of Martin Luther King Elementary School
Main Entrance at Laurel Hill Annex School in Hartford, Providence, Rhode Island.
Classical High School one of the highest schools in Providence.
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Crime
Downtown Providence has a CAP Index crime score of 6 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. A higher-than-average risk for larceny, burglary and sexual assault drives the overall score. The Providence Police Department is working to address crime with two new hiring and training grants totaling more than $2.7 million. The funding will be used to increase the number of officers patrolling and to educate officers on de-escalation techniques.
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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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Set atop Rhode Island's only full-service condo building, Penthouse 3102 is the Pinnacle of Downtown Living. Truly unsurpassed, this unit features sweeping open concept living spaces, walls of windows, high ceilings and 2 private terraces. Step inside and find a wide entry foyer with a convenient powder room and glimpses of the Providence skyline. The breathtaking great room, encompassing the
Spacious and move-in ready, this 978 SQFT 1 bed, 1 bath condo is located in the heart of downtown Providence in one of the city's most sought-after buildings. Enjoy an open kitchen with granite countertops, in-unit laundry, and stunning high-floor views, including direct sights of the Rhode Island Statehouse. This turn-key unit offers both comfort and convenience, just steps from PPAC, top
Introducing [225 Weybosset St Condos @ PPAC Square] an exclusive mixed-use boutique condominium development featuring (16) loft style units in the heart of Downtown Providence's vibrant Arts & Theater District. This efficient studio boasts an open, versatile layout ideal for live/work functionality, with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, wood-paneled walls, and beautiful hardwood floors
Experience elevated living in the heart of the city! Welcome to this stunning 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath luxury residence located in one of downtown Providence's premier high-rise buildings, The Residences Providence. Boasting skyline views and refined interior finishes, this sophisticated unit offers a great balance of comfort, style, and convenience. Seamless floorpan with stainless steel appliances.
**Up to $5,000 in JORDAN'S FURNITURE for the First 100 Apartment Homes Leased - Contact us today to learn more! ** Discover the best of city living at Regency Plaza located in the heart of Providence, RI. This luxury apartment community features state-of-the-art amenities a 24/7 concierge, and easy access to I-95, I-195 and Rte. 146. Select apartments feature hardwood floors, granite counter
This fully furnished downtown Providence micro loft is located in The Arcade, which is the oldest indoor mall in America (c 1828). With 48 units in the mixed-use complex, the building offers convenience, urban amenities, historic charm, and restaurants, coffee shops, and retail on the first level. This 2nd level unit comes fully equipped with built-in seating, a Murphy bed, a queen-sized
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
6,092
Median Age
32
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$76,004
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$122,711
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
74.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
40%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
87/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
78/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
