North Providence

About North Providence

North Providence is a midsize city in Rhode Island's Providence County, only about 3 miles from Providence proper. It's an inviting community that offers a convenient location, with the major city of Boston, Massachusetts, just 40 miles away. As a North Providence resident, you'll be able to enjoy its many community events, local amenities and recreational programs.

The History of North Providence

Originally, the community of North Providence was simply a part of the larger city of Providence, which was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams. By the mid-1700s, Providence was home to a mix of merchants, businessmen and farmers, and was flourishing as a city. However, farmers from the northern portion of the city felt that more focus was placed on supporting the merchants and businessmen in the community, leaving the agricultural community behind. So, they decided to petition to become their own separate town, a motion that was approved in 1765.

Over the years, the town of North Providence changed shape many times as bits and pieces were reannexed by Providence. In 1874, North Providence shrank considerably when its eastern portion was annexed to the town of Pawtucket. After that, North Providence was the smallest town in in the state, measuring less than 6 square miles. Its population decreased dramatically, falling from more than 20,000 people to just over 1,300. However, that didn't stop North Providence from continuing on a path of growth and development, and its population increased steadily over the next 100 years.

Living in North Providence

North Providence offers easy access to many major cities in the area, including Providence and Boston. As a result, you'll find a variety of jobs, entertainment, shopping and dining within an easy drive, as well as an active arts and culture scene and many historical points of interest. However, you don't need to leave North Providence to enjoy yourself; the community has plenty to offer within its city limits.

Annual celebrations highlight major holidays in North Providence, bringing the community together and providing fun for children and adults alike. Summers features the Memorial Day Celebration, which includes a memorial service and a parade, as well as the Independence Day Fireworks Show. During the fall and winter holiday season, Pumpkins in the Park and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting are major events in the North Providence community.

In addition to special events, you'll find that there's no shortage of recreational programs in the city, encouraging participation in everything from competitive swimming to summer day camps. The North Providence Pool and Fitness Center offers many ways to stay active, as do the numerous athletic fields, walking trails and sport courts featured in the city's public parks.

North Providence Schools

North Providence School Department operates the public elementary, middle and high schools in North Providence. Providence County offers many private school options, including parochial and secular campuses serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Resources for Moving to North Providence

If you're getting ready to move to North Providence, the following information will be useful:

• Utilities: National Grid is the primary electricity supplier in North Providence, while Providence Water manages both water and sewer utilities.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and recycling are both collected on a regular basis. Yard waste is collected on a shifting seasonal schedule, alternating between weekly and bi-weekly pick-up depending on the season.
• Transportation: North Providence is included in the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority transit network. RIPTA offers both fixed-route and paratransit services throughout the state.

North Providence Housing

Condos, detached houses and apartments are all housing options in North Providence. Home prices in the city have risen fairly quickly in recent years, matching the city's growth rate. You'll find a wide range of price points, anywhere from the high $100,000s to well above $400,000.