It may be small, but Rhode Island’s capital has some exciting places to see. Find out where to stay, how to get around, and the easiest way to find rooms for rent in Providence with Roomi’s guide!
Getting to know Providence
An affordable city on the East Coast with good weather? That’s enough to make anyone want to head to Providence right away. Although the size of the city may deter some, those who live in Providence know there’s much excitement to be had.
From Rhode Island Comic Con, to Providence Children’s Film Festival, there are numerous annual festivals to keep you occupied. And that’s not all – you get to be in the top Donut City in the US, where there are 23.5 donut shops for every 10,000 people!
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Finding rooms for rent in Providence
With housing costs in Providence being 39% higher than the national average, living in Providence can be pricey. However, depending on the neighborhood you prefer, you may be able to find some cheap rooms for rent.
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Top neighborhoods in Providence
- Downtown Providence: Perfect for young professionals who want to be closer to work, but also enjoy the amenities that come with living in the heart of the city. Downtown Providence is one of the most walkable neighborhoods, and has the lowest crime rates in the city. Although the rental prices can be higher than the average rent in Providence, you’re close to most of the entertainment options in the city.
- Elmwood: For those looking for cheap rooms for rent in Providence, be sure to check out this neighborhood. Elmwood is a largely residential neighborhood, with Victorian-style houses that are perfect for families, retirees and young professionals. With lots of greenery all around and the Rogers Williams Park nearby, this neighborhood is perfect for those who love being closer to nature.
- Mount Hope: When you venture a little farther than Downtown Providence, you will enter the beautiful Mount Hope neighborhood. It’s not only one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, but has cheap rooms for rent as well. Perfect for young families and young professionals who don’t mind a short commute to work.
Average rent in Providence
| Rooms For Rent In Providence | Average Rent |
| Studio Apartment For Rent in Providence | $1,798 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment For Rent in Providence | $986 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment For Rent in Providence | $2080 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment For Rent in Providence | $2,400 |
University life in Providence
Although Providence is small, most college students agree that it feels like a city. College Hill, which is home to Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, has a cozy atmosphere and off-campus apartments are pretty affordable as well. Looking for something to do? You can go for a shopping trip to the Providence Plaza Mall, or attend WaterFire which takes place every month. There are several indie theatres throughout the city where you can attend some interesting shows.
You don’t have to restrict yourself to Providence when you want to have fun, either – Boston is just one hour away by train and NYC is a three-and-a-half-hour bus ride away.
Top universities in Providence
- Brown University
- Providence College
- Rhode Island College
- Rhode Island College of Design
- Johnson & Wales University
Related: Decorating Your Off-Campus Housing Or Apartment On A Budget
How transit friendly is Providence?
Getting around Providence is a breeze. The city is compact enough to be highly walkable, but offers excellent public transport as well. If you can avoid the usual traffic bottlenecks, and find a good place to park, you can take your car out without any worries.
Walkability
With a walk score of 78, Providence is a highly walkable city where you can complete most errands on foot. The most walkable neighborhoods are Downtown Providence, Fox Point and Federal Hill.
Roads/traffic
If you’re planning on getting around with a car, keep in mind that parking spots are hard to come by. Overnight parking isn’t allowed in the city, however, during the day, you can park your car at the Westin Hotel or Providence Place Mall if you’re willing to shell out a few extra bucks.
The city is usually busy, so you will experience some traffic throughout the day. Expect more delays if there’s traffic near I-95 as that can lead it can lead to more back up traffic in Downtown Providence, and the city itself.
Taxis
You can easily catch Uber or Lyft services when in Providence, or opt for a taxi service. Taxi fares are affordable, with a base fare of $3.50, and an additional $2.50 for every mile. The waiting charge is $30.00 per hour.
Public transportation
The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority provides public transport services in Providence. Although the public transit system is comprised entirely of buses, when you are in Downtown Providence, you can hop on the Providence LINK trolleys, which run on natural gas.
You can buy e-riptiks, or get ride passes on-board or through any local Stop N Shop.
Airports
The TF Green Airport located in Warwick is the closest airport to Providence. It provides regular and affordable domestic flights. The Boston Logan Airport is an alternative option for those looking to fly to international destinations.
Cycling
Providence is fairly bike-able due to its compact size. However, there aren’t many dedicated bike lanes or any safety measures in place for cyclists on the road. Recently, Providence’s Department of Planning and Development has announced the Great Streets Initiative which aims to improve Providence’s bike-friendly status. This initiative would introduce two-way bike lanes for cyclists, as well as on and off-road paths along with enhanced signage at intersections.
Restaurants in Providence
Coffee Milk is perhaps the first thing to pop into your mind when you think of ‘food’ and ‘Providence’, which was named the state’s official drink. Now, Providence has a lot more to offer to its guests! From Korean Fried Chicken, to Italian delicacies, you won’t be left wanting for anything.
- Den Den Café Asiana: Serves Korean and Japanese cuisine, with some vegan options as well.
- Durk’s Bar-B-Q: Serving barbecue classics, craft beers and cocktails. The perfect spot for casual dining.
- The Shop: When you’re looking for a quick bite, this ‘hip’ cafe is the place to be. They collaborate with local vendors and bakers to offer local and organic options on their menu.
Historical spots in Providence
From America’s first shopping mall, to period architecture that still adorns some parts of the city, Providence is a haven for history buffs. Want to know what you should explore when you’re in the city? Take a look!
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find rooms for rent in providence? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match!
