Homes for Sale in North Providence, RI
A separate Rhode Island town of village centers, one of the state's smallest by area and most densely populated
North Providence is its own incorporated town in Providence County, separate from the City of Providence and bordering it to the north. At roughly 5.8 square miles it is one of Rhode Island's smallest municipalities by area and one of the most densely populated, organized around the village centers of Centredale, Marieville, Greystone, Lymansville, and Fruit Hill.
About North Providence
North Providence is an incorporated town in Providence County, Rhode Island, set off from the City of Providence in 1765. It borders Providence to the south, Johnston to the west, Smithfield and Lincoln to the north, and Pawtucket to the east. The 2020 Census recorded a population of 34,114 within a land area of roughly 5.6 square miles, making it one of Rhode Island's smallest municipalities by area and, at well over 6,000 residents per square mile, one of the most densely populated.
The town is organized into several named village centers — Centredale, Marieville, Greystone, Lymansville, and Fruit Hill — each with its own historical character and commercial fabric. Centredale, at the junction of Mineral Spring Avenue and Smith Street, serves as the principal commercial center. Greystone in the northwestern corner takes its name from the former Greystone Mill on the Woonasquatucket River, and Lymansville sits along the same river just downstream. The West River and the Wenscott Reservoir cross the eastern side of town, the latter forming the centerpiece of Governor Notte Memorial Park. The 627-acre Lincoln Woods State Park, with Olney Pond, sits immediately across the Lincoln town line and is the largest contiguous green space accessible to North Providence residents.
A note on naming: North Providence is its own town and should not be conflated with the City of Providence. Residents and out-of-state observers commonly use the names interchangeably, but the two have separate town and city governments, separate school districts, and separate police and fire departments. Public transit is provided by RIPTA, with local routes 51, 53, 54, 56, and 80 connecting parts of the town to downtown Providence along the Smith Street, Mineral Spring Avenue, and Charles Street corridors.
Demographics
- Population
- 34,114(2020)
- Median age
- 42(2023)
- Median household income
- $78,866(2023)
- Walk Score
- 56 (Somewhat Walkable)(2026)
Getting Around
To Downtown: Approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown Providence; one of the closest non-Providence municipalities to the state capital
Schools in North Providence
Public Schools
North Providence High School
9–12The town's comprehensive public high school, operated by the North Providence School Department.
Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School
6–8The town's single public middle school, serving all sixth through eighth graders.
Stephen Olney Elementary School
K–5Public elementary school in the North Providence School Department.
James L. McGuire Elementary School
K–5Public elementary school in the North Providence School Department.
Living in North Providence
Daily life in North Providence revolves around its village centers along Mineral Spring Avenue and Smith Street, a network of municipal parks, and shared access to the larger green spaces straddling the Lincoln town line. Centredale at the junction of Mineral Spring and Smith functions as the town's commercial heart.
Governor Notte Memorial Park
Public Park
Town park along the Wenscott Reservoir with walking paths, ball fields, and a beach area; one of the largest public spaces inside North Providence.
Stephen Olney Memorial Park
Public Park
Town park with athletic fields and recreation facilities, named for the Revolutionary War officer and longtime North Providence resident.
Lincoln Woods State Park (Olney Pond)
State Park
627-acre state park on the Lincoln border with Olney Pond, swimming, hiking trails, and picnic groves; one of Rhode Island's busiest state parks.
Centredale village
Village Center
Commercial center at the junction of Mineral Spring Avenue and Smith Street, with shops, restaurants, and town services.
Greystone village
Historic Village
Northwestern village along the Woonasquatucket River, named for the former Greystone Mill, with a small main-street commercial strip.
Mineral Spring Avenue corridor
Commercial Corridor
East-west arterial that carries most of the town's retail, dining, and services and connects North Providence to Pawtucket.
Smith Hill Park
Public Park
Neighborhood park with playgrounds and athletic fields off Smith Street.
Common Questions About North Providence
Is North Providence the same as Providence?
No. North Providence is a separate incorporated town that borders the City of Providence to the north. It has its own town government, school district, and police and fire departments. The two are commonly conflated because of the shared name, but they are distinct municipalities.
What are the named villages within North Providence?
The town is commonly described as comprising the village centers of Centredale, Marieville, Greystone, Lymansville, and Fruit Hill. Centredale, at the junction of Mineral Spring Avenue and Smith Street, functions as the town's primary commercial center.
Which school district serves North Providence?
All public school students in the town attend schools operated by the North Providence School Department, which runs one comprehensive high school, one middle school, and several elementary schools.
How do I reach downtown Providence from North Providence by transit?
RIPTA operates several local bus routes through North Providence to downtown Providence, including routes 51, 53, 54, 56, and 80, primarily along the Smith Street, Mineral Spring Avenue, and Charles Street corridors.
Source: RIPTA
When was North Providence established?
North Providence was set off from the City of Providence and incorporated as a separate town in 1765.
Your North Providence expert
Buying or selling in North Providence? Dave knows the area. Rhode Islander since age five, working these streets every week.
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