Paiva Realty GroupThe Perrino Team

The Perrino Team • Community Guide

Providence, RI

Rhode Island's capital city — arts, culture, universities, and one of New England's most walkable urban cores.

$511K

Median Sale Price

Q1 2026

194,710

Population

City proper

~53

Avg. Days on Market

Active listings

94

Walk Score

Walker's paradise

Living in Providence

Why People Love Living in Providence

Providence is one of New England's most underrated cities — a walkable, culturally rich capital that offers genuine urban living at a fraction of Boston's cost. The city is home to Brown University and RISD, which give it a creative, intellectual energy you don't often find in a city this size.

The food scene is nationally recognized. Federal Hill, Providence's Little Italy, has evolved into one of the best dining neighborhoods in New England, drawing visitors from across the region. College Hill and Wayland Square offer independent boutiques, cafés, and galleries that make walking the city feel rewarding on any given Saturday.

For buyers, Providence offers real value: you can find renovated Victorian single-families in historically significant neighborhoods at prices that feel impossible in comparable Boston neighborhoods. Transit access via Amtrak puts South Station under an hour away, making it a genuine option for remote workers who need occasional Boston access.

Thinking about buying in Providence?

We know this market street by street. Let us help you find the right neighborhood for your budget and lifestyle.

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Quick Facts

Tax Rate
$24.56/k
County
Providence County
State
Rhode Island

Real Estate

Providence Market Snapshot

Mortgage Calculator →

Median Sale Price

$511,000

Q1 2026

1-Year Appreciation

+4.2%

vs Q1 2025

Avg. Days on Market

53 days

Active listings

Sale-to-List Ratio

98.7%

Avg accepted offer

Months of Supply

1.8 mo

Below 3 = seller's market

Active Listings

~210

Providence County

Data reflects Providence County residential sales. Individual neighborhood conditions vary significantly — the East Side and Federal Hill move faster than city-wide averages suggest.

Providence Neighborhoods

Find the Right Fit

Federal Hill

Little Italy meets New England — the city's most vibrant dining and nightlife hub.

WalkableDiningVictorian HomesNightlife

$380K – $620K

East Side / College Hill

Historic Ivy League neighborhood with Brown University, RISD, and stately Victorian architecture.

PrestigiousWalkableArtsTop Schools

$550K – $1.2M+

Wayland Square

Quiet, leafy, and extremely walkable — beloved by professionals and young families.

Family-FriendlyCafésWalkableSafe

$480K – $850K

Smith Hill

Close to downtown and the State House — undergoing significant reinvestment.

ValueUp-and-ComingTransit Access

$280K – $460K

Fox Point

Historic waterfront neighborhood with strong community identity and rising values.

WaterfrontHistoricCommunity

$420K – $700K

Elmhurst

Established residential area with strong housing stock and quiet tree-lined streets.

ResidentialEstablishedFamilies

$320K – $520K

Silver Lake

Authentic, affordable, and close-knit — one of the best values in the city.

AffordableCommunityClose-Knit

$280K – $440K

Olneyville

Artists, makers, and young buyers are drawn to its affordability and creative energy.

AffordableArtsEmergingValue

$240K – $390K

Mount Pleasant

Diverse, established, and centrally located — solid bones and improving infrastructure.

DiverseCentralTransit Access

$270K – $430K

Price ranges reflect recent sold data and are approximate. Contact us for current active inventory in any specific neighborhood.

Education

Schools in Providence

Providence Public Schools

K–12

Public

Classical High School

9–12 · Top-rated magnet

Public

The Wheeler School

PK–12

Private

Moses Brown School

PK–12

Private

Providence Country Day

6–12

Private

Brown University

Higher Ed

RISD (Rhode Island School of Design)

Higher Ed

Providence College

Higher Ed

Johnson & Wales University

Higher Ed

Providence Public School District includes magnet programs and exam schools. Private school options are strong, and the density of universities contributes to a highly educated residential population.

School District Research

School assignments vary by address. We'll verify the specific school district for any property you're considering.

Ask us about schools →

GreatSchools Ratings

For detailed school performance data, test scores, and parent reviews, visit GreatSchools.org and search by address.

Lifestyle

Things to Do in Providence

Dining & Nightlife

  • Federal Hill

    New England's premier Italian dining neighborhood — dozens of restaurants on Atwells Ave.

  • Wayland Square

    Neighborhood cafés, wine bars, and farm-to-table spots popular with East Side residents.

  • Downtown & Downcity

    Cocktail bars, music venues, and the emerging food hall scene.

  • WaterFire

    Providence's iconic bonfires-on-the-river installation, drawing tens of thousands each season.

Arts & Culture

  • RISD Museum

    One of the top university art museums in the country, free Sundays.

  • AS220

    A nonprofit arts center hosting galleries, music, film, and a printmaking studio.

  • Providence Performing Arts Center

    Broadway touring productions and major concerts in a stunning 1920s venue.

  • Rhode Island School of Design

    World-class design institution with public exhibitions year-round.

Outdoor & Recreation

  • Blackstone Boulevard

    A beloved 1.5-mile walking and running path through the East Side — one of the most used greenways in RI.

  • Roger Williams Park

    427-acre Victorian park with a zoo, botanical garden, and boathouse.

  • India Point Park

    Waterfront park with harbor views and a kayak launch.

  • Colt State Park (nearby)

    Bristol's stunning 464-acre bay-side park, 20 minutes south.

Family & Community

  • Providence Children's Museum

    Hands-on exhibits for kids ages 1–11 in the Jewelry District.

  • Farmers Markets

    Multiple seasonal markets including Hope Street and Armory Park.

  • Local Sports

    Home to the Providence Bruins (AHL) and Brown Bears athletics.

  • Proximity to Beaches

    Narragansett and Misquamicut beaches are under 40 minutes away.

Community Safety

A City in Transition

Like most urban centers, Providence's safety profile varies significantly by neighborhood. College Hill, the East Side, and Federal Hill are among the safer and more actively patrolled areas. The city has invested in community policing initiatives and neighborhood watch programs across many districts. Buyers should research specific streets and neighborhoods rather than relying on city-wide statistics — we're happy to give you candid block-by-block context for any area you're considering.

Get neighborhood-specific guidance →

Our Commitment

We'll give you honest, street-level context for any neighborhood — not just what the listing says. Your comfort and safety matter more than closing a deal.

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Property Tax Rate

$24.56

per $1,000 assessed value

per $1,000 of assessed value (residential, FY2025). Assessment is typically 100% of market value.

New Resident Checklist

  • Update your driver's license (RI DMV)
  • Register your vehicle (RI DMV)
  • Register to vote (RI BOE)
  • Set up water & sewer service
  • Update voter registration

The Perrino Team

Ready to Make a Move in Providence?

Whether you're buying your first home or selling a property you've owned for years, we know this market and we'll give you honest, expert guidance every step of the way.

Or call/text (401) 206-8907