The Moving-to-Providence Guide
Moving to Providence: Neighborhoods, Commute and Daily Life
Providence is a small city with big-city food, colleges and arts, about an hour from Boston. Here's what newcomers ask most.
Neighborhoods to know
- College Hill and Fox Point: historic homes near Brown University and RISD, walkable to Thayer and Wickenden Streets.
- Wayland Square and Blackstone: leafy East Side streets with shops and the Blackstone Boulevard walking path.
- Federal Hill: Providence's Little Italy, known for restaurants and Atwells Avenue.
- Elmhurst and Mount Pleasant: single-family homes near Providence College with a neighborhood feel.
- Elmwood, Washington Park and Silver Lake: many multi-family homes and some of the city's more affordable options.
Getting around
Providence Station has MBTA commuter rail service to Boston, plus Amtrak. I-95 and I-195 run through the city, and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is just south in Warwick.
Schools
Families compare Providence Public Schools, charter and private schools, and nearby towns such as Cranston, East Providence and Barrington. Check each school's information directly with the district.
Cost of living
Many people moving from the Boston area find more home for their money here. Property taxes and car taxes vary by city and town, so compare before you choose.
Get a custom shortlist
Tell Jeffrey where you're moving from, your budget and your commute, and he'll send a shortlist of neighborhoods and homes.