Relocating to Providence? This Rhode Island city has everything you could want in Northeastern living! With affordable housing, beautiful architecture, and plenty of things to do, Providence is a great option for anyone looking to move to New England. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Providence!
Elmhurst
Photo via @jessgiorgirealestate
- Home Price: $190,236 median purchase price; $729 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Providence neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
As one of the safest areas in Providence, Elmhurst is a family-friendly neighborhood that benefits from nearby-downtown’s walkability and things to do. Households of all sizes can find affordable housing options that range from small Craftsman bungalows to Colonial-style homes. While parents appreciate being close to schools like St. Pius V Catholic School and La Salle Academy, older students enjoy the proximity to Providence College‘s events and youthful energy. Elmhurst is an excellent neighborhood for healthcare workers, thanks to nearby state-of-the-art facility, Roger Williams Medical Center—making this Providence neighborhood one of the best for singles and young professionals.
Things to Do in Elmhurst
Root for the Providence College Friars (NCAA) at sporting events like soccer and lacrosse at Anderson Stadium—or track and field at Ray Treacy Track. Bring your little ones to Teen Craft Wednesdays, Creative Play, or other programs at Mount Pleasant Library. See a summer movie or concert with friends and family at Fargnoli Park. Reserve a garden plot and grow your own fresh produce at Davis Park Community Garden. Try one of the weekly specials like the Chicken Parm, Steak Sandwich, or Willow Tree Chicken Salad from family-run Papa Paulie’s Grill. Order some of the best pizza in Providence like the Eggplant Pizza, classic Pepperoni Pizza, or Broccoli Cheese Pizza from Tommy’s Pizza. Chow down on tasty burgers like Uncle Sam, The Casanova, and The Brooklyn Burger at burger-and-beer joint, The Abbey. Or finish the night with an Elmhurst Patti-Melt, draft or bottled beer, and game of darts at The Elmhurst Pub.
Manton
Photo via @thebourdierdgroup
- Home Price: $127,267 median purchase price; $754 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Providence neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for a slower-paced lifestyle and suburban feel, safe Manton may be the best Providence neighborhood for you. Bordered by the Woonasquatucket River, this PVD neighborhood consists of Neocolonial ranches and apartment complexes—making it a cozy neighborhood to live in for all ages. But with highly-rated Rhode Island College located on Manton’s outskirts—and a variety of shopping and restaurant options—this PVD neighborhood is especially great for growing families.
Things to Do in Manton
Take a stroll with friends or relax in the sun at Viscolosi Park. Practice your kickflip or take a breezy bike ride passing through the vibrant street art zone at Manton Gateway & Skate Park. Head to one of the best municipal golf courses in the U.S. and work on your putting game at Triggs Memorial Golf Course. Set up a picnic overlooking the river or participate in a friendly cyclocross race with friends at Woonasquatucket Adventure Park. Bring a dozen or two Maple Bacon, Creme Brulee, or Peanut Butter and Jelly donuts from Glaze ‘n Daze Donuts. Devour Chinese favorites like Sesame Chicken, Pepper Steak with Onions, or Lo Mein Noodles at Fu Ming Chinese Restaurant. Enjoy mouthwatering traditional Latin and American food like Shredded Chicken Yaroa, Chopped Cheese Sandwich, and more at Sophia’s Cafe. Or have taco night and order the Soft Taco Supreme, Asada Plate Combo, or Fiesta Plate from nearby at California Taco Shop.
Mount Hope
Photo via @seaofsteps
- Home Price: $186,590 median purchase price; $829 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Providence neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
To find a safe neighborhood in Providence without breaking the bank, look no further than Mount Hope! Residents can find affordable housing options with distinct home styles ranging from large Tudor and Craftsman-style homes to Contemporary condos. With I-95 and RI-1 passing through the neighborhood, residents will appreciate convenient commutes and quick access to downtown. Parents can feel confident sending their kids to great schools in Mount Hope, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School and Hope High School. In addition, the neighborhood is home to a tight-knit community—and it’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Providence!
Things to Do in Mount Hope
Try your hand at growing your own fruits and vegetables at Mount Hope Community Garden. Enjoy a concert, take your little ones to the playground, or participate in a fun community activity at Brown Street Park. Play frisbee, grind down some rails, or let the kids splash in the water park at Billy Taylor Park. Get an extreme, full-body workout in at Full Range CrossFit. Sample a variety of made-from-scratch bagels and spreads, a deli sandwich like The Atlantic, or egg sandwich like The McCourty at Providence Bagel. Challenge a friend to a game of pool and dig into mouth-watering bar food like the Pulled Pork Nachos, Regina’s Meatballs, or a Snooker Dog at Snookers. Devour a BBQ Chicken Pizza or Classic Roni Pizza at one of the best pizza places in Providence, Francesco’s Pizzeria. Or head over to Hometown Cafe and Poke Bar for a Build Your Own Bowl or choose one of the Signature Bowls like California Cool, Chicken Works, or Spicy Shrimp.
Reservoir
Photo via @rosannysellshomes
- Home Price: $145,167 median purchase price; $914 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Providence neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Bordering the Cranston neighborhood in Southwest Providence is a stable, quiet area called Reservoir. The heart of Reservoir, Mashapaug Pond, is an amazing spot for scenic walks, bike rides, and gatherings on lazy summer afternoons. While the Reservoir neighborhood boasts charming Victorian, Neocolonial, and Bungalow homes, you can also find unique multi-family homes and duplexes near PVD amenities. You’ll find yourself appreciating the many perks this Providence neighborhood has to offer—especially with the abundance of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and schools like Reservoir Avenue Elementary, Dr Jorge Alvarez High School, and Classical High School.
Things to Do in Reservoir
Clear your head with a walk or a jog at Murphy-Trainor Memorial Park. Teach your little ones to shoot hoops at Ardoene Park. Spend date night bowling strikes over pizza and craft beer at Lang’s Bowlarama. Or soak in the sun by spending some time outdoors with the family at Cooney Playground. Order a bowl of ramen like Sapporro Ramen or Nagasaki Chanpon, or try out Shabu Shabu at Ebisu Providence. Get a taste of Cambodian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes like the Scallion Pancake, Salted Jalapeno Squid, or Shrimp and Chicken Hunan Style at 4 Seasons. Find pizza that lives up to its name when you share a box of Excellent Special Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, or Hawaiian Pizza from Excellent Pizza. Head over to one of the best places to eat in Providence and savor a plate of Pechurina, Salmon Al Limon o Crema, or Pasta Zona Lounge at Zona Lounge.
South Elmwood
Photo via @_jhogarty_____
- Home Price: $155,550 median purchase price; $892 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Providence neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Consider living in South Elmwood if you’re a Providence resident who loves outdoor recreation! With easy access to green space and bodies of water like Cunliff Lake and Deep Spring Lake, South Elmwood is a great spot for spending time outdoors. In this Providence neighborhood, there are a variety of things to do nearby—from trying new restaurants and walking trails to exploring museums. This safe PVD neighborhood offers affordable housing in historical Late Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Italianate styles. While commuters appreciate I-95’s proximity along South Elmwood’s western border, other residents love having the ability to support a bunch of local restaurants and businesses nearby!
Things to Do in South Elmwood
Spend a day with your family exploring exhibits like Fabric of Africa, World of Adaptations, and Faces of the Rainforest at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Take the kids on a train or carousel ride down the street at Carousel Village. Learn more in depth about the biosphere and wildlife through exhibits like Urban Wildlife: Nature at Your Doorstep and Circle of the Sea: Re-Visited and Re-Imagined at Providence Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. Marvel at the beauty when you take a scenic walk through New England’s largest glasshouse display garden at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. Grab a few friends for a fun game of paintball no matter the weather at Providence Indoor Paintball. Start your day with a delicious plate of Eggs Benedict, El Burro, or a Stack of Pancakes at All Favorites Cafe. Expand your palate by trying Dominican dishes like Deep Fried Boneless Chicken, Garlic Shrimp, or Mashed Plantains with Octopus at La Roca Restaurant. Treat yourself to a plate of Costillas A La Parrilla, Mondongo, or Chuletas Ahumada at El Mogote Restaurant. Or sip an Apple Manhattan Cocktail while devouring Creamy Parmesan Wings or The Ol’ Country Burger at Pub On Park.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
