$1,158,978Average Value$311Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
History, culture and academia combine in east-side Providence
Historic College Hill, on Providence’s highly sought-after east side, gets its name from the two campuses that call the community home: Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. "It was the first historic district in Providence, which was borne from Brown University's expansion. Brown is definitely integrated into the neighborhood and brings a vitality to the community," says Realtor Jim DeRentis of Residential Properties Limited, a fourth-generation Providence native who lives in College Hill. The Providence Athenaeum, a historic membership library, while not affiliated with either university, adds to the academic aura of the neighborhood. “It’s a very intellectual part of Providence, you can really feel the presence of the universities,” says the Athenaeum’s Director of Membership & External Relations Robin Wetherill, an east-side Providence local. “College Hill is full of really lovingly restored, well-cared for historic homes, and its walking-distance to the most vibrant arts and cultural scenes in the city.”
Explore College Hill, a Providence neighborhood honored as one of America’s great places.
College Hill invites you to pose by the "I Love PVD" sign and share your love for PVD.
Visit the Sciences Library, a high rise Brutalist masterpiece in College Hill, RI.
Soaring above College Hill, you can spot the iconic dome of The First Church of Christ.
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Prestigious private schools for preschool through doctorate programs
Combined, the Brown and RISD campuses cover nearly 170 acres of College Hill. Founded in 1764, Brown is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Five of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including University Hall, built in 1770 and still in use today as senior administration offices. The private Ivy League research university offers more than 160 degree programs. The Rhode Island School of Design, established in 1877, offers more than 40 art and design degree programs. The Rhode Island School of Design Museum, which houses the private school’s collections, is one of the largest college art museums in the country. It’s not uncommon to see RISD students out and about in College Hill working on planar studies, or drawings from nature. Keller Williams Coastal Realtor Alessa Alvarez, a Providence local with nearly a decade of real estate experience, observes that College Hill is unique among university neighborhoods in that the atmosphere is more studious and creative than party centric. “Many of the residents are professors or grad students. Undergrads tend to live on-campus or on the southwest side of the city,” she says.
Younger students may attend The Wheeler School or Moses Brown, also in College Hill. Wheeler ranks first on Niche’s list of the best private high schools in Rhode Island. The co-ed day school serves kids between preschool and 12th grade. Moses Brown is a private, Quaker college-prep school for elementary and middle schoolers. Both institutions earn A-plus grades from Niche. The Providence Public Schools district offers school choice for middle and high school, but elementary-aged kids may go to C-rated Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary and continue to C-plus-rated Nathan Bishop Middle. Hope High School, which gets a C grade, has a visual arts specialty program.
Explore the RISDI Museum of Art in College Hill, Providence for a unique experience.
College Hill families value the excellent education at Martin Luther King Elementary School.
Nathan Bishop Middle School supports Blackstone youth from sixth to eighth grade.
Students at Hope High School in College Hill enjoy access to a great sports field.
Wheeler School on College Hill provides collaborative spaces to inspire student success.
Explore Moses Brown’s vibrant community of arts and athletics on College Hill in Providence.
Brown University’s “Bronze Bruno” statue is a must see spot for photos on College Hill, RI.
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Historic Victorian mansions selling for well above the city median
College Hill’s steep streets were built well-before the invention of cars, so they’re narrow and winding. Here and there, cobblestones peek from under chipped concrete. The red-brick sidewalks are well-worn and wide, backing up to directly to front porches or small gardens surrounded by wrought iron fences. “Preservation is key here,” Alvarez says. “1950s is new construction to us, especially in College Hill, where people are deeply invested in the character and stories of their homes, and keeping their history.” In June, the Festival of Historic Homes opens several of College Hill’s oldest estates to the public for self-guided tours. Ellen Oaklund, a Keller Williams Coastal Realtor with more than six years of experience in the local market, describes the neighborhood as “very historic, very hilly and very expensive.” Indeed, College Hill has some of the oldest, priciest properties in Providence. The Corliss-Carrington House, an eight-bedroom Colonial Revival estate built in 1810, sold for $6.8 million in June 2024, setting the city record. But most of the large, single-family Queen Anne, Second Empire and center-hall Colonials here sell for between $800,000 and $4.2 million. Mid-1800s townhomes start at around $1.3 million and can go up to nearly $2 million while condos tend to go for between $329,000 and $580,000.
College Hill features stunning historic colonial homes that reflect the neighborhood's vibe.
Walk through history in College Hill, a "Great Place in America" with stunning architecture.
Find iconic colonial homes throughout College Hill, showcasing RI's rich architecture.
Discover stunning Georgian colonial homes in the historic College Hill neighborhood of RI.
College Hill features gorgeous colonial revival homes, rich in history and charm.
Find elegant federal colonial homes in College Hill, a neighborhood steeped in history.
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Walkable to Thayer Street and Fox Point retailers and restaurants
“The neighborhood is walkable to a ton of restaurants and stores,” says Rebecca Mayer, a Compass Realtor with more than 40 years of local real estate experience. She notes that Thayer Street, in particular, is a popular hang-out for undergrads. The Brown Bookstore is on Thayer, not far from Ceremony, a local-favorite Asian café and teahouse. Harry’s Bar & Burger, also on Thayer, serves sliders and boozy milkshakes, while Den Den Korean Fried Chicken is known for classic Korean small plates. Avon Cinema, a family-owned movie theater that’s anchored the busy district since it opened in 1938, screens art house and indie films. Fox Point is a trendy, riverfront retail and dining district south of College Hill. For groceries, there’s a Trader Joe’s and Fox Point Grocers, a locally owned specialty food shop. On the east side of the district, Aleppo Sweets serves Syrian baked goods and coffee. Nearby, Persimmon’s James Beard-semifinalist chef crafts creative, modern American fare.
Relish Asian inspired beverages and pastries at Ceremony, a charming café in College Hill.
Explore a world of local and imported products at Fox Point Grocers in College Hill, RI.
Thayer St in College Hill is home to a range of global eats beloved by students and locals.
Den Den in College Hill serves up crispy Korean fried chicken that everyone will love.
Discover the latest in footwear and fashion at Berk's Shoes and Clothing in College Hill.
Locals love to shop for fresh groceries at Trader Joe's in College Hill, RI.
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Panoramic views of the skyline from atop the College Hill
Prospect Terrace, at the top of the College Hill, gives panoramic views of the downtown skyline. It’s a popular spot to watch the sun set over the city. Down the hill, at the north end of the neighborhood, Brown Street Park & Playground features a traditional playground, as well as a ropes course-style obstacle course and a sandbox. The Friends of Brown Street Park organization puts on family-friendly events, from summer movie nights in the park to costumed Halloween parades. Brown’s Erickson Athletic Complex, a few blocks away, is home to the university’s NCAA Division I sports teams. Game days bring Bears fans from around the region.
Enjoy Providence views from Prospect Terrace with Roger Williams overlooking the city.
Brown Street Park in College Hill is perfect for kids with its fun play area and jungle gym.
The Erickson Athletic Complex in College Hill transforms into a winter wonderland with snow.
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The Providence River Walk connects pedestrians downtown
College Hill is largely walkable. Downtown is about a mile west across the Providence River, a scenic stroll down the city’s River Walk. Rhode Island Transit Authority, or RIPTA bus stops are scattered throughout the area, connecting all over the city. Several routes provide service to Miriam Hospital, a major local employer about 2 miles north. An Amtrak station on Gaspee Street just north of downtown runs commuter rail service to Boston and New York City. Mayer says College Hill’s walkability and public transit access are significant perks, given what she calls the neighborhood’s only “urban downside,” its limited street parking. “Parking is absolutely tough in the city, but people do still drive. It’s not like New York City, where most people don’t have cars and just rely on public transportation, which might be why parking is such an issue,” Oaklund says.
College Hill residents enjoy easy travel to major cities with RIPTA bus connections.
The Providence River Pedestrian Bridge offers breathtaking views close to College Hill.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ramiro Encizo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Prospect Terrace Park
Trails
Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Trails
Roger Williams National Memorial
Trails
Brassil Park
Brown Street Park
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Playground
Memorial Park
Trails
Transit
Airport
Rhode Island Tf Green International
19 min drive
Bus
Waterman Before Hope
Bus
Thayer Before Cushing
Bus
Hope Before Alumni
Bus
Tunnel Before S Main
Bus
S Main Before Power
Bus
Tunnel & Thayer (After Thayer)
Bus
Brook Before Hope
College Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College Hill, Providence sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in College Hill, Providence over the last 12 months is $571,000, up 114% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for the perfect Fox Point two-flat with expansion possibilities? You won't want to miss this historic charmer nestled in the heart of the neighborhood. Each flat has two bedrooms, an updated bath and kitchen. You will love the character with pine floors, high ceilings and large windows which flood the house with natural light. Owned by one family for multiple generations this property
Perched on Providence's historic College Hill, this stunning 1850 Greek Revival has been thoughtfully renovated for today's active lifestyle. The granite stairs lead up to the entrance flanked by tapered columns. Step into the front hall and be immediately impressed with the warm wood floors and lovely architectural details. A gracious double-parlor showcases the 19th-century detail with its
Welcome to an exquisite living experience at the East Side's premier condo residence The Gammell House, 157 Waterman Street, Unit 2-5. This elegantly designed and renovated elevator accessible residence offers sophisticated living space, harmonizing modern comforts with architectural charm. This condo features two generously sized bedrooms and two and a half luxurious bathrooms, ensuring ample
Conveniently located in the historic College Hill neighborhood, Charles Landing Apartment Homes offers an attractive mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units in Providence, Rhode Island. These modern apartments feature updated kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, dishwashers, microwaves, and plank flooring. Nestled in the cultural hub of College Hill, Charles
Don't miss this opportunity to live in one of College Hill's most sought-after residences a beautifully bright one-bedroom condo in the iconic Halsey House, built circa 1801. Perfectly situated on the second floor, this corner unit is filled with natural light from three sides and offers a rare combination of historic elegance and updated convenience. Enjoy spacious, freshly painted rooms
Welcome to 257 Thayer, where Providence student living meets modern convenience. Our eco-friendly apartments are nestled in the heart of downtown Providence, RI, just steps away from Brown University and RISD. Experience the vibrant community atmosphere and enjoy easy access to campus amenities and popular Thayer Street attractions. With a prime location near the Nelson fitness center and the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ramiro Encizo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,025
Median Age
27
Population Density
24 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$89,732
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$136,439
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
84.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
48.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
73/ 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.
