Considering moving to Providence? Located around 90 minutes south of Boston, this small but bustling Rhode Island city offers young adults abundant job opportunities, rich history, impressive food scene, and outdoor recreation spots. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Providence for singles and young professionals!
Blackstone
Photo via @pvdpreservation
- Home Price: $441,850 median purchase price; $1,330 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 92% of Providence neighborhoods
Bordering the Seekonk river on the east side of Providence is Blackstone, one of the best neighborhoods in Providence for singles and young professionals! The area has a historical yet eclectic feel thanks to a mix of old and new architecture throughout. Plus, the historic Swan Point Cemetery—site of renowned American horror writer H.P. Lovecraft’s grave—is tucked into the northeast portion of the neighborhood. Housing options in this area include Georgian Revival, Federal Revival, and Tudor homes, as well as affordable apartments. Young professionals appreciate having easy access to amenities and public spaces within this Providence neighborhood—including the serene Blackstone Boulevard, a 1.6-mile roadway lined with trees, shrubs, and a bicycle lane.
Things to Do in Blackstone
Find fresh produce, flowers, salsa, and more speciality products at the Hope Street Farmers Market. Catch a Brown University Bears (NCAA) football game at the 20,000-seat Brown Stadium. Shop to your heart’s content at local boutiques like LuLi Boutique, Evolve Apothecary + Spa, and Kreatelier in the Hope Street area. See classical and Contemporary dance performances at Festival Ballet Providence. Try gourmet donuts like Chocolate Chip Cookie, Sourcream Old Fashioned, and Brown Butter Pecan at KNEAD Doughnuts. Fill up on sweet crepes like the Valentina, Eleanor, and the Elvis In Providence at Cafe Zoey. Order Fish Tacos, the Daily Oysters, or a classic Grilled Bacon Burger at Pizzico Oyster Bar. Or chow down on creative Japanese cuisine like the Gyu Don Bento, Yakisoba Noodle, or Pork Belly Buns at Wara Wara.
Downtown
Photo via @westminsterlofts
- House Price: $211,400 median house price; $1,220 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Providence neighborhoods
Singles and young professionals looking to settle down in the heart of the city will love living in Downtown Providence! Residents in the Downtown area enjoy walkable streets, affordable housing options, and an abundance of Providence bars, lounges, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. This Providence area is also home to Johnson & Wales University and the University of Rhode Island Providence Campus, making it an ideal place for college students. Young professionals looking to start a career can live and work in Downtown Providence, and find jobs with great companies like Fortune 500 giants Textron, Citizens Financial Group, and United Natural Foods. Downtown is also home to events like PrideFest, where residents celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ community each year with live music, performances, and food vendors.
Things to Do in Downtown Providence
Catch a Providence Bruins (AHL) hockey game or see the latest concert at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Listen to music while 80+ bonfires light up the Providence River during the annual WaterFire event at Waterplace Park. Get tickets to plays and musicals—including touring Broadway productions like Annie or Hadestown—at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Visit Burnside Park in the summer for live music and other community events. Chow down on the Brussels Sprout Melt, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and Ellie’s Poutine at Ellie’s. Pair craft beers with comfort food like the Classic Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and Char Grilled Salmon at Union Station Brewery, Rhode Island’s original brewpub! Try an Everything Pretzel, grab a Malted Barleywine, and play foosball with friends at The Malted Barley. Or spend a night under the stars feasting on delicious dishes such as Local Oysters, Salumi Pizza, and Grilled Swordfish at Rooftop at the Providence G.
Elmhurst
Photo via @russillorealestate
- Home Price: $190,236 median purchase price; $729 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Providence neighborhoods
If you’re moving to Providence for higher education or looking to start your career, check out the Elmhurst neighborhood! Students can earn their degrees at Providence College, while recent graduates and young professionals looking to work in the medical field can seek opportunities with local employers like Roger Williams Medical Center. Looking to buy a home with great amenities nearby? You’ll find a variety of bungalows, townhomes, and cottages close to a wide selection of restaurants and bars in this northwest Providence neighborhood. And don’t worry about the commute—Elmhurst is a short ten-minute drive from the downtown area!
Things to Do in Elmhurst
Watch the latest play, musical, or dance production put on by local college students at the Smith Center on Providence College’s campus. Get your hockey fix at a Providence Friars (NECHA) game at Schneider Arena. Play 18 holes and enjoy some drinks in the pub at Triggs Memorial Golf Course, located just a few minutes outside the neighborhood. Grab a hot or iced coffee, Breakfast Sandwich, or a Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffin at LaSalle Bakery. Stop in for a Buffalo Burger, a basket of Potato Skins, or The Billy-Bob Sandwich at The Abbey. Satisfy your cravings with authentic Peruvian dishes such as Caldo de Pollo, Causa Limena, and Ensalada de Quinoa at Los Andes. Fill up on Coconut Shrimp, Tuna Tataki, and the Tri Color Sushi at Asian fusion restaurant Yoo Sushi. Or tuck into Spring Rolls, Tom Yum Soup, and Thai Star Fried Rice at Thai Star Restaurant.
Foxpoint
Photo via @liseholstpvd
- Home Price: $333,760 median purchase price; $1,131 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of Providence neighborhoods
Located on the city’s east end, Fox Point is one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Providence! The highly-walkable area offers easy access to local entertainment and amenities, including the prestigious Brown University in College Hill. With historic houses beside the new shops and restaurants of Wickenden St, residents get to experience a mix of both past and present! Housing options in this neighborhood range from Colonial and Georgian Revival-style restored houses to budget-friendly apartments. This neighborhood is also home to India Point Park, where locals can stay active biking the East Bay Bike Path while enjoying views of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers. And with easy access to I-195 and I-95, residents have a quick commute into Downtown Providence and other parts of the city!
Things to Do in Fox Point
Shop vintage treasures and items crafted by local artists at Providence Flea‘s outdoor location on South Water Street, open every Sunday from June through September. Learn how to sail, kayak, or paddleboard at Community Boating Center. Flex your puzzle solving and teamwork skills to escape themed rooms like The Speakeasy, The Bunker, and Space Station Andromeda at Escape Rhode Island. Or peruse local boutiques and shops along Wickenden Street, such as Nostalgia Antiques & Collectibles, Gallery Belleau, and Urban Thread. Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with Flat Iron Steak, Rigatoni Veal Bolognese, or Wood-Grilled Octopus Salad at Al Forno. Enjoy Tacos, Tortas, or Burritos while sipping on a Margarita at Tallulah’s Taqueria. Sample Middle Eastern favorites like Stuffed Grape Leaves, Kefta Lamb Kabob, and Baklava at Aleppo Sweets. Or catch up with friends while tossing back a Hot Toddy, The Mad Hatter, or a Spanish Harlem cocktail at The Point Tavern.
Wayland
Photo via @mottandchace
- Home Price: $557,950 median purchase price; $1,161 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Providence neighborhoods
Are you looking for a Providence home near the city center with a view of Rhode Island rivers? Wayland is a great destination for Rhode Island singles and young professionals due to its eclectic collection of local boutiques, unique eateries, and some of the best parks in Rhode Island. Locals appreciate the area’s walkability and the proximity of popular areas like the Blackstone Park Conservation District, a 45-acre natural woodland along the Seekonk River. Residents can settle down in condominiums or upscale homes in a variety of styles, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and more.
Things to Do in Wayland
Learn to row boats of all sizes on the Seekonk River with the Narragansett Boat Club. Shoot some hoops on the basketball court and stroll along the river at neighborhood favorite Paterson Park, or take your four-legged friend to play off-leash at Waterman St. Dog Park. Brush up on Providence history and get an up-close look at Victorian-era home design just outside the neighborhood at the Lippitt House Museum. Explore local stores such as Books on the Square, Bora, and Green Ink in Wayland Square. Eat a Red Stripe Burger, Turkey BLT, or the Braised Short Rib at Red Stripe. Satisfy your appetite at Waterman Grille, a local waterfront restaurant serving dishes like Ricotta Gnocchi, Mushroom Risotto, and Pan-Seared Salmon. Devour American Nachos or Corned Beef Sliders with ice cold drinks like the Captain’s Daughter IPA and Harp Premium Lager at McBride’s Pub. Munch on Seaweed Salad, Avocado Rolls, and Crispy Pad Thai at Lim’s Fine Thai & Sushi Restaurant.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
