AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Providence, RI — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Providence neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,650/mo
Median Rent
190,934
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Lifespan Health System
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Providence? What Renters Need to Know

The median rent in Providence is approximately $1,650 per month. Desirable areas like College Hill and Wayland Square average $1,800-$2,100, while more affordable neighborhoods like Olneyville and Mount Hope offer rents in the $1,200-$1,400 range.

Quick Facts

Population 190,934
Median Rent $1,650/mo
Top Employer Lifespan Health System
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,650 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Providence median rent is $150 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Providence is Lifespan Health System, making the College Hill area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Providence

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

College Hill

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $2,000
Schools 7/10
#2

Fox Point

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 86
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 6/10
#3

Federal Hill

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 85
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 6/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Wayland Square

Score: 87/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

South Providence

Score: 62/100
Safety C
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 3/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

Mount Hope

Score: 74/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 73
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 5/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

Elmhurst

Score: 76/100
Safety B
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 5/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

Olneyville

Score: 67/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 77
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 4/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 Providence Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores Providence Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Providence renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Providence.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Providence properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Providence

What is the average rent in Providence?

The median rent in Providence is approximately $1,650 per month. Desirable areas like College Hill and Wayland Square average $1,800-$2,100, while more affordable neighborhoods like Olneyville and Mount Hope offer rents in the $1,200-$1,400 range. Providence is notably cheaper than Boston while offering many similar urban amenities.

What makes Providence a good place to live?

Providence punches well above its weight for a small city. It has a thriving arts scene (RISD and Brown University anchor a creative community), excellent restaurants — particularly on Federal Hill's Italian corridor — and a compact, walkable downtown. The city has been undergoing gentrification and revitalization, with growing tech and biotech presence.

How close is Providence to Boston?

Providence is about 50 miles south of Boston, with Amtrak Acela and regional rail service taking approximately 40-45 minutes. Many Providence residents commute to Boston for work. The lower cost of living in Providence makes this corridor particularly attractive — you can rent for $600-$800 less per month and still commute efficiently.

What industries are growing in Providence?

Healthcare is the dominant employer, led by Lifespan and Care New England. Brown University and RISD drive education and creative industries. A growing biotech corridor has emerged, and remote work has attracted Boston professionals. Tourism around the Gilded Age mansions in nearby Newport also supports hospitality employment.

Is Providence good for families?

Providence has mixed school quality — some magnet and charter schools are excellent, while many neighborhood schools underperform state averages. Families often target the East Side (near College Hill) for better school options, or look at suburbs like Cranston, Barrington, or East Greenwich for top public schools. The city's parks, museums, and waterfront offer good family recreation.

Ready to Find Your Providence Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of Providence apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.