$457,254Average Value$242Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
From farmland to a diverse and lively neighborhood
Olneyville is a neighborhood located 2 miles west of Providence, Rhode Island. In the late 18th century, the area was nothing more than farmland owned by Christopher Olney. However, once Olney founded Christopher Olney & Company, workers flocked to the area, establishing the neighborhood as a booming site for the textile industry. Today, the mills and warehouses from that time still stand, but with a modern twist: they now exist as apartment buildings, office spaces or art studios for the community to use. Aside from its rich history, the neighborhood is also known for its vibrant art, food and culture. "There's an undercurrent of art and culture everywhere you turn in this neighborhood," says Brian Greene, a Realtor and former resident of Olneyville. "you're going to see lots of public art, graffiti, great restaurants and events everyone joins in on." The community has always been an essential part of the neighborhood. During the early 2000s, nonprofits worked earnestly to set up affordable housing, provide schooling and nurture the underground art scene. Collectives like the Olneyville Neighborhood Association still continue these efforts to this day.
Olneyville New York System: a comfort food mainstay
When people think of Olneyville, they often think of the Olneyville New York System, an iconic restaurant that counts restaurateur and TV star Guy Fieri as a regular. Here, locals dig into the restaurant's signature hot dogs, fries and coffee milk, a favorite regional beverage. "That place has been around forever; I've been going there my whole life," Greene says. "It's literally some sweaty old guy serving you a wiener on their arm, but it's delicious, and there's nothing like it." The Realtor also says there's an abundance of Mexican cuisine. Locals love the tacos and burritos at La Lupita Tacos Mexicanos and the sopa de res from Mi Ranchito Restaurant. Other highlights include playing pool at Nolan's Corner Pub or browsing through the book stacks at Riffraff Bookstore + Bar. For groceries, residents can head to local convenience stores, such as Casca Mexico, or go to a supermarket outside the neighborhood, like Aldi.
Golfing during the day, dancing at night
Buttonwood Golf Course is an 18-hole, family-owned layout that offers packages for birthdays or corporate events. "I take lessons there," Greene says. "It's right down the street from the neighborhood, too, so very close by." There's also the Dye House for the art community, with its loft space for hosting pop-up events from local businesses. It also includes an artist maker space. For evening entertainment, Fete Music Hall is a popular stop for bands touring the East Coast. The Hall also puts on dance parties inspired by different musical artists.
Former mills turned into condos and apartments
Residents here are split between renters and homeowners, with the majority renting. "A lot of these buildings that used to be mills have been converted into multi-family units, apartments and condos," Greene explains. Buildings sit closely together and embody what Olneyville has become today: a mix of the past and present. "I actually used to live in one of the older historic buildings. It was so nice. They kept the floors and brick so you could see the original design, but upgraded everything else," Greene says. Prices start at $200,000 and go up to $620,000.
William D'Abate Elementary school focuses on community
William D'Abate Elementary's longstanding principal has worked hard to engage parents and keep teacher turnover to a minimum. Niche gives the school a C-minus overall. Students can continue at Paul Cuffee Middle School and Paul Cuffee High School, which earn C and B-minus grades, respectively.
Walking or boating at Donigain Park
Even though Olneyville is very much an urban location, there are still opportunities to connect with the outdoors. Donigain Park sits on the neighborhood's east side and is right next to the Woonasquatucket River. Experienced kayakers enter the river through the park to paddle downstream. There's also the "Woony" River Greenway Bike Path that leads all the way to Providence. Aside from the bike path and water activities, Donigain Park offers a playground, sports fields and walking trails. Residents frequently come here to spend time with their families or walk their dogs.
Ten miles from the airport
Olneyville is right by downtown Providence, a 2-mile drive away via Harris Avenue. The neighborhood is also bordered by State Route 6. Frequent flyers will be happy to know that TF Green International Airport is about 10 miles away. Public transportation options include ride-share apps, city bikes, electric scooters and bus lines.
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
Your level of safety depends where you are. However, I don't consider anywhere in Providence particularly unsafe or more dangerous than any other place in Rhode Island or even America.
Are you familiar with the Olneyville neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Olneyville
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Olneyville Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Olneyville, Providence sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Olneyville, Providence over the last 12 months is $341,500, up 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Excellent Investment Opportunity! Spacious legal two-family property with a fully finished third floor, currently used as a three-family for years. Each unit offers 3 bedrooms, plus a finished basement for extra space or storage. The property features all three separate utilities. Current rents are well below market, offering significant potential to increase income and maximize ROI. Perfect
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home in the heart of Providence, RI, being sold with an adjacent vacant lot a rare and valuable opportunity! Both lots are zoned R-3. Survey available as well as DPW approval pending. This well-maintained property features off-street parking with a paved driveway, offering both convenience and functionality. Inside, you'll find a cozy layout with plenty of
Welcome to this charming single-family home featuring four bedrooms and one full bathroom. The property offers convenient access to the basement from both inside and outside, providing added flexibility. Enjoy hardwood floors throughout, updated electrical and heating systems, and newer windows that enhance efficiency and comfort. The entire exterior was freshly painted just a couple of months
Yolanda NazarioHomeSmart Professionals Real Estate
Once on Providence’s most endangered list, Paragon Mill is undergoing a major rehabilitation to return this historic icon as an apartment community catering to a variety of income levels. Minutes from downtown Providence and located on the banks of the Woonasquatucket River in Olneyville, Paragon Mill couples urban amenities in an idyllic setting that offers a close-to-everything
Beautiful and spacious 2-bedroom apartment for rent with two additional finished rooms in the basement that can be used as extra rooms or flexible living space. This home offers plenty of room for a growing family or anyone in need of additional space for guests, an office, or a playroom. Conveniently located near shopping, schools, and public transportation, this apartment provides both comfort
Live inside one of our studio, one, or two-bedroom layouts and discover thoughtful interiors built around your lifestyle. Soaring ceilings, sleek appliances, and hardwood-style flooring give each space a smart and polished finish. We also offer W/D hookups, and every layout is cable-ready. Our pet-friendly policy means your whole crew is invited, while amenities like a 24-hour fitness center,
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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.
