Downtown Woonsocket

In the 1860s, Downtown Woonsocket was an industrial mecca. Today, the Rhode Island city center maintains and reimagines its history, turning textile factories and old Italianate-style buildings into restaurants and museums. “There’s always something happening here,” says Dottie Goulet, a realtor with CrossRoads Real Estate Group and a Woonsocket resident. “If people in Woonsocket don’t already live here, this is where they’re coming for all of the city’s big events and best restaurants.”

Single-family houses in Downtown Woonsocket are most commonly Victorian-era cottages and Stick-style dwellings. They typically have three to four bedrooms and small front lawns. “This is very much a city,” says Goulet. “Houses are close together, and you have to park in alleyways.” To live in this area, expect to pay between $300,000 and $400,000, a range lower than a Rhode Island home’s average $450,000 selling price. Like any metropolis, Downtown Woonsocket has abundant rentals, and these multi-family properties retain the area's late 1800s character.

Though homes in Downtown Woonsocket have limited outdoor space, residents can easily access River Island Art Park. Visitors can launch a kayak or canoe into the Blackstone River, and anglers can fish for striped bass or bluegill from its rocky shoreline. Stroll along the paved path or enjoy a picnic overlooking the waterway. “It is mostly empty green space, but there are some great seasonal activities here, too,” says Goulet. During the Christmas season, Santa sits under the gazebo as children enjoy the winter wonderland with its tree-lighting ceremony, pony rides and hot chocolate. The outdoor space even hosts a weekly concert series throughout the summer. The Woonsocket YMCA has also been in the area since 1901. Work out in the fitness center, swim laps in the indoor pool or shoot hoops on the basketball court.

The Museum of Works & Culture is adjacent to River Island Art Park. Located in a restored mill, it depicts the lives of Woonsocket’s early French-Canadian settlers with animatronic farmers and textile factory workers. Another community hub in the area is the Stadium Theatre. Its Vaudeville-era architecture from 1926 was restored in 2001. The performance arts center has since showcased works like “The Nutcracker Ballet” and “The SpongeBob Musical.”

Children in East Woonsocket can attend Harris Elementary, which has an overall C-minus grade from Niche. Then, they may go to Villanova Middle School. In addition to its overall C grade from Niche, the school names each homeroom after an East Coast college, like Brown University or Princeton. Then, they may attend Woonsocket High School, which has a C in academics from Niche. Students can join one of the five pathway programs to earn relevant career experience and industry certification if applicable. One pathway is in criminal justice, where students take classes in cybersecurity, sociology and forensics.

Residents will find a plethora of eateries along Main Street. Start the day with a latte and a breakfast sandwich from Coffee Connection. Go to River Falls to devour grilled steaks and seafood staples. As its name suggests, the restaurant also has panoramic Blackstone River views from the expansive patio. Locals also love Chan’s, known for its Chinese cuisine and live jazz music since 1905. The thoroughfare also shuts down for the annual Arts in the Alley event, where people can buy goods from local artisans, listen to live music and sip beer from Lops Brewery. Find an Aldi and a Walmart Supercenter less than 4 miles away in the Dowling Village shopping center if you would rather make a meal at home. The commercial corridor also has a Kohl’s and PetSmart.

Downtown Woonsocket is less than 2 miles from Rhode Island Route 146, and a 13-mile drive south on the highway leads to Providence. Residents can also reach Boston via a 40-mile drive north via Interstate 90, about 10 miles away. “People commute to both cities. It’s a great in-between location,” says Goulet. There are also several Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus stops dotted across the area.

Written By

Meghan Baker

Photography Contributed By

Pushparaj Aitwal

Video By

Anthony Pesa