Providence, largely composed of the Downcity area, is a stone's throw away from the East side, with the calming Providence River as the border between the two. Known as "The Renaissance City" in the 90s, Providence began to thrive anew in the past decades, and has not stopped since.

Impressions/Character

Westminster Street has seen a variety of new boutiques and restaurants open recently and nightlife has returned to the downtown area. The culinary school at Johnson and Wales University has helped Providence claim some of the best restaurants in New England. Downcity Providence also includes an Arts and Entertainment District where artists are encouraged to combine their homes, studios, and galleries.

Villages/Neighborhoods

Downcity encompasses the main section of Providence. Its re-birth in the 1990s took place as office buildings, apartments, hotels, award-winning restaurants, the Rhode Island Convention Center, the visually appealing Waterplace Park, and the Bank of America skating rink all came alive in the Downcity District. This transformation was capped off by the opening of the Providence Place Mall with its more than 150 specialty stores, department stores, and restaurants. Residences are exclusively limited to high rises with brand new luxury condominiums, high-end apartments, and a smattering of more affordable condominiums.

The Federal Hill neighborhood is centrally located and well-known for its great restaurants, nightlife, and local shopping. To sit outdoors in Depasquale Square and sip on a coffee or aperitif is akin to being transported to a genuine Italian Piazza; with its dramatic balconies, a bounty of floral plantings, and enrapturing fountains. The authentic cuisine of Federal Hill attracts food-lovers from all across the country; and its quality is simply beyond praise. A good deal of the area's housing consists of single family, multi-family and condominiums. In short, "The Hill" provides an exquisite balance of activity and atmosphere.

The eclectic and strongly original West End and Armory Districts have undergone a dramatic revitalization and many of the beautiful, historic townhouses have been rehabilitated. A number of original mills have been turned into one-of-a-kind apartments and condominiums. Local artists, professionals, and members of the avant-garde enjoy the character of the area's Victorian architecture. The West Broadway Neighborhood Association is a thriving organizational group which for decades has played a key role in spurring positive changes for the district in refurbishings, plantings, and outreach. The sense of pride within this diverse community is one of the reasons why people who love to live, work, and, play are eager to move to this truly exceptional area.