From Blue-Collar to Bustling: Discover the Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renting in Providence

I’m April, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Export for Providence, RI. Providence is the capital of Rhode Island. It is a bustling city with a small-town New England vibe. Once a blue-collar manufacturing hub and college town, Providence has been transformed over many decades into a desirable destination for artists and scholars. It boasts museums, art festivals, and prized institutions of higher learning. You will also find an excellent food scene and robust nightlife.

The demographic in Providence is made up of families, students, professionals, and seniors of varying ethnicities. This city is truly a cultural melting pot, typical of New England’s larger urban centers. You also have access to the Providence airport, Amtrak trains, and I-95, so you can experience the rest of the Northeast easily, including Boston, New York City, and Portland.

While living in Providence, I had the opportunity to experience apartment life in a variety of neighborhoods, most of which are steeped in historic charm. You will find one and two or three-family homes dating back to the 1800s and even earlier. You also have mills and manufacturing spaces that have been converted into lofts. The city center offers mid-rise converted office buildings and high-rise, newer construction.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Providence

In this guide, we share the top 7 neighborhoods where I think you will find the best values and a positive life experience.

1. Downtown Providence

Downtown Providence is densely populated, yet not overwhelming in scale. One of the best assets of the downtown area is the tidal Providence River with riverfront walking paths and small urban parks to enjoy. The downtown area is extremely walkable, making it very convenient for work, shopping, and dining. You will also find the infamous culinary institute division of Johnson and Wales University, as well as part of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) campus.

The river was once covered by a series of steel decks and asphalt roadways/bridges to connect it more easily to the adjacent College Hill area. This was an incredible eyesore. In 1994, the downtown area underwent a major revitalization project, and the pavement above the river was removed. It is now the highlight of the downtown area with gathering spaces and an annual WaterFire festival, making it a travel destination.

The downtown area is a solid mix of commercial, residential, and retail establishments. If you like the energy of that variety, this is perfect for you. Days are bustling, but things quiet down some at night, so you will be able to sleep well. Rents are a little higher than in other areas of the city, due to major renovations and revitalization efforts. But the convenience is worth the trade-off. Some of the best restaurants in Providence are right downtown. And you are a short walk from trendy College Hill with museums, cafés, and boutiques.

2. College Hill

Just across the river from downtown is the College Hill area of Providence. This neighborhood holds a special place in my heart because I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. I also took many classes at Brown University. These prestigious colleges contribute to the academic and cultural atmosphere of the area.

The Hill is also home to some very old-world affluent families and their Victorian-style grand homes. The architecture is a stark contrast from downtown, with preserved two and three-story wood clapboard homes and larger brick estates, dating as far back as the 1700s. The streets are narrow, and walking is encouraged. The main drag is Thayer Street with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and small parks overlooking the city. While on College Hill, you will want to visit the RISD Museum and the Providence Atheneum.

You will find a mix of families in stately homes, serious academics, and artists. Affordable apartments are available in two and three-family homes, as well as renovated brick apartment buildings along historic Benefit Street.

3. Fox Point

Right next door to College Hill, to the south, is a hip waterfront area where the Providence River, Seekonk River, and Narragansett Bay meet is called Fox Point. You will find a diverse mix of college students and urban professionals. The architecture is a collection of historic homes, two-family wooden structures, and modern apartment buildings.

The neighborhood is known for its walkability, vintage boutiques, coffee shops, and casual dining along the water. India Point Park offers 18 acres of green space with grassy lawns, bike paths, and a fishing pier. In summer, you will enjoy outdoor concerts, fireworks, and the Rhode Island Seafood Festival.

4. Federal Hill

Federal Hill is a lively section of Providence just west of the downtown area. This neighborhood is home to the largest Italian American community in the city. It is known for great restaurants, ethnic markets, and cultural venues. Enjoying some of the best Italian food on a Friday night out is a must in Federal Hill.

This area is conveniently flanked by Interstate 95 and Route 6. While the neighborhood is predominantly residential with dining and shopping spots, it is an easy commute to downtown Providence, nearby hospitals, and universities. It is also near Central High School. This area is busy during festivals, such as the notable Columbus Day Celebration. The strong sense of community makes Federal Hill an excellent choice for young families, retirees, and students who prefer not to live on campus.

5. Hope

The area of Providence referred to as Hope East side sits just north of College Hill. Hope Street runs along this section of the city, providing quick access to College Hill to the south and the popular sprawling Hope Street Saturday Farmers Market to the north in Lippitt Park.

This neighborhood is home to Brown University’s Miriam Hospital and is close to Brown Stadium. It is primarily residential with plenty of housing options for families, academics, and medical professionals, giving it a nice residential vibe. The neighborhood is close to many public and private schools:

• Hope High School
• Charles E. Shea High School
• Nathan Bishop Middle School
• Francis J. Varieur Elementary School
• Moses Brown K-12 Quaker School

6. West End

The West End neighborhood is situated to the southwest of Downtown Providence. It’s a great location if you work in the city center but prefer a more suburban feel to call home. The area is a good blend of urban convenience and residential community. There are many housing options in revived Victorian three-story apartment homes. Many of my college friends shared apartments in this neighborhood because it was more affordable than College Hill, yet still convenient.

You will find small shops, cafés and bars, and parks with a hipster vibe. The West End attracts retirees, college students, and younger professionals. There are also public schools for families to take advantage of. Easy access to State Rte. 10 and Interstate 95 make this area convenient for getting to the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport.

7. Jewelry District

We are concluding this piece on a high note when talking about the Jewelry District of Providence. This neighborhood has a lot to offer. When I was attending RISD, we rarely ventured to this area. It was fairly industrial and didn’t really offer much in the way of housing and commerce. It had been a center for jewelry manufacturing since the 1800s and well into the early decade of the 2000s. Interstate 95 separated the district from the rest of Providence to the north.

The highway was relocated in 2013, which opened up the neighborhood for more development and revitalization. For the most part, the jewelry industry was phased out, leaving large manufacturing buildings vacant. Today, the Jewelry District is conveniently located just south of Downtown. It is bordered by I-95 to the west and the revived Providence River to the east. Many of the vacant buildings were renovated into lofts and apartments. You will mostly find studios and one and two-bedroom units.

If you want trendy living options and a vibrant art scene, this is the neighborhood for you. You will love the parks and waterfront walks that have emerged since the highway was relocated. The Providence Children’s Museum is a local attraction. Brown University has its Alpert Medical School in the neighborhood, so you will find many graduate students, faculty members, and young professionals in the Jewelry District.