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)

Schools in North Providence

Public Schools

North Providence High School

9–12

The town's comprehensive public high school, operated by the North Providence School Department.

Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School

6–8

The town's single public middle school, serving all sixth through eighth graders.

Stephen Olney Elementary School

K–5

Public elementary school in the North Providence School Department.

Greystone Elementary School

K–5

Public elementary school serving the Greystone village section.

James L. McGuire Elementary School

K–5

Public elementary school in the North Providence School Department.

Marieville Elementary School

K–5

Public elementary school serving the Marieville village section.

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.

Source: Wikipedia — North Providence, Rhode Island

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.

Source: Wikipedia — North Providence, Rhode Island

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.

Source: North Providence School Department

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.

Source: Wikipedia — North Providence, Rhode Island

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