Moving to Providence? One of the best places to live on the East Coast, PVD offers Rhode Island families safe neighborhoods, tons of tasty food, fun activities, and more. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Providence for families!
Blackstone
Photo via @ellensellsri
- Home Price: $441,850 median purchase price; $1,330 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 92% of Providence neighborhoods
Northeast Providence’s Blackstone is one of the best places to live for families. And while parents can choose from local public schools like Nathan Bishop Middle School or private school options like School One, what families really love about Blackstone is the community atmosphere. This historic neighborhood’s treelined streets offer large, Mid-Century Modern, Tudor, and Neo-Georgian homes with spacious yards perfect for growing families. In spite of its dense population, Blackstone has a variety of Providence parks and walkable areas filled with lush greenery. And with community activities like the Hope Street Farmers Market and events at nearby Brown Stadium, families can spend quality time supporting local businesses and cheering on the Brown University Bears!
Things to Do in Blackstone
Bike trails, try fishing, or observe wildlife in ponds and open meadows at the 45-acre Blackstone Parks Conservancy. Enroll the kids in Creative Movement classes or the Core Ballet Program—or get tickets to experience Classical and Contemporary dance at Festival Ballet Providence. Stay in shape with in-person or online classes at the Providence Pilates Center. Step back in time for a glimpse into Providence’s industrial history at the Victorian Lippitt House Museum. Enjoy unique donut flavors like Brown Butter Pecan, Blood Orange, or Chocolate Chip Cookie at KNEAD Doughnuts. Find unique Japanese dishes such as Chicken Katsu Curry, Miso Ramen, Point Judith Fried Calamari, and more at Wara Wara. Fill up on Shrimp Scampi, Chicken Marsala, or Pork Schnitzel from KG Kitchen Bar. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the best ice cream in Providence, with cool flavors like Max’s Mud Pie, Flutternutter, Purple Cow, and Coconut Almond Joy at Three Sisters.
Manton
Photo via @russillorealestate
- Home Price: $127,267 median purchase price; $754 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Providence neighborhoods
Moving to the capital of Rhode Island? Just 17 minutes west of downtown, Manton offers commuters easy access to the city center and is one of Providence’s safest neighborhoods. Residents have a variety of housing options in Manton, including small apartment complexes, a few high-rises, and quaint Colonial and Georgian single-family homes. There are also a variety of coffee shops, parks, restaurants, and corner bodegas in the area—great for residents who enjoy a slower paced, suburban lifestyle. Manton’s greatest draw to families, however is its outdoor recreation—both the Woonasquatucket River and Greenway run along the west side of the neighborhood, and there are a number of parks in the area.
Things to Do in Manton
Strap on some kneepads and secure your helmet before practicing your ollie at Bob’s Skate Park. Shoot on the driving range, play 18 holes, or sign up for golfing lessons at Button Hole Golf. Pack a picnic lunch and take your kids to the playground at Woonasquatucket Adventure Park. Buy tickets to see rotating live performances of shows like Disney’s Frozen Jr., Bonny & Clyde, or The Butterfly Boys at Academy Players. Feast on Mexican cuisine like Tamales, Quesadilla de Flor de Jamaica, Camarones a la Diabla, or Enchiladas Potosinas at Chilangos. Grab a quick bite at Sophia’s Cafe, a Latin American fast food restaurant serving Beef & Cheese Empanadas, Shredded Chicken Yaroas, and Chimi d’ Pernil Sandwiches. Chow down on a Pizza Quesadilla, Nachos, Cali Sampler, or Bistec Encebollado at California Taco Shop. Fill your belly with House Special Fried Rice, Orange Beef, or the Two Flavor Delight at New Garden Chinese restaurant.
Mount Hope
Photo via @rosannysellshomes
- Home Price: $186,590 median purchase price; $829 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Providence neighborhoods
Families searching for affordable housing in Providence must consider living in Mount Hope! This historical neighborhood dates back all the way back to the 17th century and has several tenderly-preserved older homes to browse. Prospective residents can find budget-friendly housing in Tudor and Craftsman styles, as well as Contemporary apartments in this safe, tight-knit community. Children can receive a well-rounded education at schools like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and Hope High School. Only ten minutes away from Downtown Providence, the neighborhood offers plenty of fun activities and a variety of restaurants for the family. And I-95 goes through the neighborhood, making it easy to access other parts of the city and commute to work.
Things to Do in Mount Hope
Head to the Rhode Island Jewish Museum to learn about the Sons of Jacob Synagogue and the history of Jewish people in Providence. See the Rockefeller Asian Art Gallery, Weiss Ancient Art Gallery, and various rotating exhibits when you visit the RISD Museum. Get to know your neighbors while you grow your own fresh produce at the Mount Hope Community Garden. Round up the kids to play on the monkey bars and swings at the Old MLK Playground. Grab a Pumpernickel, Cinnamon Raisin, Everything, or Sesame Bagel from Rebelle Artisan Bagels for breakfast in Providence. Try the Soy Paper Rainbow Roll, Duck Noodle Soup, or Super White Tuna Sashimi at Yama Fuji. Dig into Wild Boar Wings, San Miguel Salmon, Bubba’s Jambalaya, and Nogales Smothered Cornbread from Tortilla Flats. Or choose healthy poke bowl creations like California Cool, Korean Kick, Veggie Works, or Build Your Own Bowl at Hometown Cafe & Poke Bar.
Mount Pleasant
Photo via @rebecca_king_realtor
- Home Price: $158,945 median purchase price; $819 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Providence neighborhoods
Mount Pleasant is ideal for those looking for Providence neighborhoods with affordable housing. Families can find Colonial, Cape Cod, and Victorian housing in addition to budget-friendly apartments. This neighborhood is not only great for families who enjoy neighborhood walks, but it’s also dog-friendly! What draws families here in particular are the great schools in the neighborhood, like George J. West Elementary School and Mt. Pleasant High School. And, among the best high schools in the country, Classical High School is just ten minutes away—offering academic excellence and a full range of extracurricular activities for high school students. This Providence neighborhood is ideal for families searching for community, diversity, and a safe environment to raise their children.
Things to Do in Mount Pleasant
Take a glass-blowing class or watch a demo at the Gather Glass studio. Hop in a canoe, play on the community playground, shoot some hoops, or enjoy a walk on the track at Donigian Park. Learn the ways of Nihon Koden Shindo Ryu karate and work toward a black belt at Pathway Karate Academy. Try for a hole-in-one and avoid the sand traps when visiting with your family at Triggs Memorial Golf Course. Pick up traditional Italian sweets like Fig Bars, Sfogliatelle, Cannoli, and more at DeLuise Bakery. Choose from Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, Strawberry ‘n Cheese Croissants, Cinnamon Raisin Buns, and more at LaSalle Bakery. Bite into White Pizza, Honey Mustard Crispy Chicken Pizza, or a Philly Cheese Steak Calzone at Vasilios Pizza. Get authentic Thai food like Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Panang Curry, and more at Thai Star Restaurant.
South Elmwood
Photo via @_jhogarty_____
- Home Price: $155,550 median purchase price; $892 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Providence neighborhoods
If you’re considering living in Providence, South Elmwood would be a great choice for you and your family. This Renaissance City neighborhood is part of the larger Elmwood Historic District, offering a variety of single-family homes and small apartment buildings. A large part of the neighborhood is composed of public green space and lakes like Deep Spring Lake and Cunliff Lake, making this Providence neighborhood perfect for families who love outdoor recreation. Parents appreciate the opportunity to send their kids to highly-rated schools like Reservoir Avenue Elementary. Plus, if you need to commute to work, the Huntington Expressway can help make the drive hassle-free.
Things to Do in South Elmwood
Explore Feinstein Junior Scholar Wetlands Trail or Faces of the Rainforest with your family at Roger Williams Park Zoo, and end the day with a ride on the carousel or train down the street at Carousel Village. Tour Rhode Island’s only natural history museum, with exhibits like Circle of the Sea: Re-Visited and Re-Imagined and simulations of the night sky at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. Explore succulents, cacti, carnivorous plants, and more at New England’s largest glasshouse display garden, the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. Gear up with your team and defeat your opponents at Providence Indoor Paintball. Start your morning with delicious breakfast food like an Herbed Goat Cheese Omelette, Eggs Benedict, or a Stack of Pancakes at All Favorites Cafe. Sample Sausage and Salami Rice, Stewed Pork Ribs, or even Oxtail at El Fogon Latino Restaurant. Enjoy Memphis Wings, a Pub Po’ Boy, or The Smokehouse Burger at the Pub On Park. Finish the day with rotating brews like Reverse the Curse IPA, Dunkel Lager, or Retro Innovation Bitter at the Buttonwoods Brewery.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
