Providence, RI, known as "The Creative Capital," is a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Located in the northeastern United States, Providence is approximately 50 miles southwest of Boston, MA, and 180 miles northeast of New York City. This medium-sized city is renowned for its educational institutions, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful historic architecture.
Providence's climate features cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, providing a variety of seasonal activities. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, including the scenic Roger Williams Park and the expansive India Point Park, which offer trails, gardens, and opportunities for boating and fishing. Waterplace Park, with its iconic WaterFire art installation, is a central attraction that draws both residents and visitors.
The cultural scene in Providence is dynamic, with attractions like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and the historic Benefit Street. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Rhode Island International Film Festival, PVDFest, and the Providence Food Truck Fridays, celebrating the community's artistic and culinary achievements.
Education is a cornerstone of the Providence community, with institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Providence an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as Lifespan and Care New England, not only supports a strong job market but also ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Providence combines the benefits of urban amenities with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices from historic homes to modern apartments. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the MBTA commuter rail, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, Providence offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of Rhode Island, Providence is a medium-sized city with a population of 179,472 inhabitants. In Providence, there are 9,751 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. More than a quarter of the residents of Providence identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 38% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Providence tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 31 is far below the national average. Providence is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 36% married, this city falls well below the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Providence, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 24 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Providence is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Rhode Island, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Providence and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Rhode Island and national averages.
With a livability score of 80/100, Providence is ranked #1,224 in the United States and #2 in Rhode Island. Based on this score, Providence would be considered a very livable city! Providence is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Providence has received high marks for housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Providence. The following was graded with a discouraging score: education (F).
Providence has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Providence has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Providence are: WaterFire, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Providence apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Providence is actually affordable. The median home price for Providence homes is $225,200, which is 5.5% lower than the Rhode Island average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Providence, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 12.2% higher than the Rhode Island average.
| Statistic | Providence | Rhode Island | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 65.1% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.4% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.4% | 2.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.1% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.2% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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