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Downtown Providence

Downtown Providence

$637,901 Average Value
$601 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale
Downtown Providence has a pedestrian bridge to cross over the river.
Downtown Providence has a pedestrian bridge to cross over the river.

Downtown Providence mixes historic builds and an active business scene

Downtown Providence sits at the center of a city long known as the Creative Capital. Theaters, local businesses and a long-standing art school can be found in the neighborhood, and residents enjoy proximity to public transit, an Amtrak station and Interstate 95. The area grew around three converging rivers, and the waterfront plays a large role in daily life with walkable paths and public gathering spaces. In this Providence neighborhood, historic 19th-century buildings stand next to modern high-rises, while locally owned shops and restaurants fill ground-floor spaces in both new and old buildings. Many buyers are drawn to Downtown’s active business scene, walkability and historic charm, while Boston commuters enjoy easy access to the rapid transit train.

Many residents occupy historic brick condo buildings.
Many residents occupy historic brick condo buildings.

High-rise condos and historic lofts downtown

Residents of Downtown Providence live in high-rise condos, converted industrial buildings and historical multi-family homes. High-rises like Waterplace Residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, open layouts, hardwood floors and full-service amenities like rooftop terraces and fitness centers. The Arcade Providence Residences features loft-style condos located in the oldest indoor shopping mall in the United States. Condo prices vary widely, with the low end of the market featuring quaint, 350-square-feet units in the low $200,000s, while spacious, luxury units in The Residences Providence building reach around $1.3 million. Complexes typically charge monthly HOA dues, ranging anywhere from $200 to $2,000.

Food trucks, restaurants and shops nearby

Downtown Providence has a diverse dining scene with options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The City Hall food trucks are a big draw in the summertime. “They come out on Friday and Saturday nights, and you can get anything. You can't go wrong,” says Lisa Ranglin, CEO and president of the Rhode Island Black Business Association. Beyond the summer food truck scene, the neighborhood’s sidewalks lead to dozens of popular restaurants:

  • The Capital Grille is an upscale steakhouse featuring dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list.
  • Bayberry Garden serves seasonal New England Fare, from Rhode Island oysters to a rotating catch of the day.
  • Small Point Café is a small coffee shop serving seasonal espresso drinks, baked goods and sandwiches.
For shopping, you can visit Providence Place or The Arcade, both featuring a wide array of retailers and independent boutiques. Urban Greens Co-Op Market is nearby for groceries.

Downtown Providence's walkable streets and transit connections

The area is highly walkable, and bike lanes along Broadway and Fountain Street are slated for upgrades. Locals can opt to walk, drive, or catch the bus to major employment hubs like the Rhode Island State House, Providence City Hall and Brown University. Interstate 95 runs through the area, and Interstate 195 connects to nearby communities like Fall River and New Bedford. Kennedy Plaza is the central hub for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus system, with numerous stops throughout the area. Providence Station offers MBTA Commuter Rail service to Boston and Amtrak's Acela and Northeast Regional trains along the Northeast Corridor. The Acela train is a rapid transit option that can take you to downtown Boston in around 30 minutes. Additionally, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is around 10 miles south.

You can catch a bus ride near Providence Performing Arts Center.
You can catch a bus ride near Providence Performing Arts Center.
Downtown Providence is a walkable neighborhood with biking lanes.
Downtown Providence is a walkable neighborhood with biking lanes.
MBTA Commuter Rail provides public transportation.
MBTA Commuter Rail provides public transportation.
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Downtown Providence has a pedestrian bridge to cross over the river.
Downtown Providence has a pedestrian bridge to cross over the river.

Riverside parks and open space within reach

The Providence River runs through Downtown Providence, with parks and pathways lining its banks. The 4-acre Waterplace Park features a cobblestone riverwalk that runs around half a mile along the water, along with an amphitheater and pedestrian bridges. Burnside Park adds shaded tables, a playground and walking paths near Kennedy Plaza, while 195 District Park features wide open green space, art instillations, waterside gardens and access to the Providence River Walk. Nearby, Prospect Terrace Park in College Hill provides a panoramic vista of the skyline. “It is the most beautiful spot to see the city, and the sunsets are gorgeous,” says Holly Bellucci, a local agent with RISE Real Estate Consultants.

Waterfire is a popular attraction in Downtown Providence that guarantees a night of fun.
Waterfire is a popular attraction in Downtown Providence that guarantees a night of fun.

Downtown Providence events

From art festivals to holiday celebrations, Downtown Providence has a full calendar of festivities throughout the year. Notable events include:

  • WaterFire Providence, an art installation featuring bonfires on the downtown rivers with music and waterfront festivities from May through November
  • PVD Fest, a September arts festival filling the streets with live music, art installations and food from local vendors
  • Three Nights of Lights, a December holiday celebration with special WaterFire lightings, a tree ceremony and a street parade

Jillian Pillow
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Jonathan Coon
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

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 Before Exchange

Bus

Providence Station (Park Row W Before Exchange)

Bus

Dexter Manor

Bus

Turks Head (Weybosset Before Post Office)

Bus

Convention Center, Providence, Ri

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Downtown Providence neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Providence US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
428
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
2007
Months of Supply
3.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
869
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,494
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,444
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
860
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
9
Median Rent
$3,000
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,100
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,250
Median Condo Rent
$4,475
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$5,100

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
On par with the national average
$79,597
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

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

100 / 100

Exceptional public transit

Transit®

90 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Providence