Downtown Providence
Neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence County 02903
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Video By
Daniel Willingham
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Matthew Antonio
Matthew Antonio
Chart House, REALTORS®
(401) 425-3054
83 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Providence
$529,000 Price
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Ramiro Encizo
Ramiro Encizo
Residential Properties Ltd.
(401) 681-8627
108 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Providence
$1,390,000 Price
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Vincent Ding
Vincent Ding
Longvin Realty Inc
(401) 681-8388
83 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Providence
$721,000 Price
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The Mathew J Arruda Group
The Mathew J Arruda Group
Compass
(508) 501-5617
335 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Providence
$160K - $300K Price Range
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Koury Signoriello
Koury Signoriello
New World Realty
(774) 713-8499
109 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Providence
$406,000 Price
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Allison Dessel
Allison Dessel
Responds QuicklyMott & Chace Sotheby's Intl.
(401) 214-9735
65 Total Sales
6 in Downtown Providence
$180K - $2M Price Range
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 5th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 1st
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Park
- Bike Trails
- Boating
- Trails
Roger Williams National Memorial
- Trails
Waterplace Park
- Picnic Area
- Events
- River
Burnside Park
- Trails
- Playground
Memorial Park
- Trails
Garibaldi Square
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Transit
Airport
Rhode Island Tf Green International
17 min drive
Train
Providence
Bus
La Salle Square (Broadway Opposite Atwells)
Bus
E Franklin Before Washington
Bus
Memorial After Exchange
Bus
Providence Station (Park Row W Before Exchange)
Bus
Dexter Manor
Bus
Turks Head (Weybosset Before Post Office)
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Downtown Providence | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 5 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 8 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
| Larceny | 8 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 7 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Providence Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Providence, Providence sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Providence, Providence over the last 12 months is $525,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$517,500
Median Sale Price
$525,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$244,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$787,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
38
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$593
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
403
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
2008
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
883
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,523
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,430
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
861
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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$1,805 - $6,810 per month
- Regency Plaza
- Studio-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 490+ Sq Ft
- 1 Regency Plaza
- Providence, RI
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Condo Buildings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
College Hill
Historic central Providence neighborhood, home to two private universities
Federal Hill
Diverse neighborhood in Providence with Italian heritage
Smith Hill
Rhode Island's version of Capitol Hill, home to the State House
Upper South Providence
Single- and multifamily homes near the costume jewelry capital of the world
Fox Point
Hip waterfront community full of historic architecture and trendy eateries
Mount Hope
Modern touches in a historic neighborhood in the East Side of Providence
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