Providence, Rhode Island is the capital and most populous city in the state, serving as home to more than 175,000 people within its limits, and over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area. It is a city rich in American history; in fact, Providence was one of the original thirteen colonies. In 1636 the area was founded by Roger Williams, who named it in honor of “God’s merciful Providence.” The area prospered over the next two centuries and became one of the first cities to embrace industrialization, specializing in the jewelry and silverware industries. Today the city is home to a wide expanse of industry, including the Fortune 500 conglomerate Textron, Fortune 1000 company Nortek Incorporated, and the world headquarters of the GTECH Corporation.

Downtown Providence has been compared to Venice in recent years due to the three rivers that run through the city center, which offer romantic gondola rides, river walks, quaint arched bridges, and a waterside amphitheater. One of the unique events that Providence visitors and residents enjoy alike is that of WaterFire, where on designated evenings throughout the year, wood braziers, interspersed along the riverfront, are lit, creating a magical natural art exhibit. The event tends to bring out street musicians and performers, and coaxes people into taking long evening walks and enjoying the many upscale restaurants nearby.

Real estate in downtown Providence offers homebuyers many options, from refurbished industrial lofts, to luxury condominiums and high-rise penthouses. Buying a loft or condominium in Providence has never been easier due to the number of new and out-of-state developers who have been working with the city’s industrial landscape to create unique living spaces. One of the many prominent downtown residential buildings is The Residences at the Westin Providence. Homes in this building offer panoramic views of the city and Narragansett Bay, and provide all the amenities for its residents that the Westin Hotel does for its guests. If loft style living is what you’re after, Westminster Lofts has refurbished several historic industrial buildings in the downtown area and each one offers unique and stylish floor plans and amenities, such as arboretums and roof-top gardens.

Outside of the city center, neighborhoods in Providence can feature anything from historic homes to traditional homes with huge lawns and white picket fences. When looking for a house in Providence, you have over 25 neighborhoods to choose from, each unique in its style of development and atmosphere. For example, the Armory District on the west side features historic homes with creative and colorful paintjobs, whereas the neighborhood of Silver Lake on the same side of town is a more recently constructed community, offering homes built in the mid to later half of the 20th century. Some of the east side neighborhoods are well known as kid-friendly, and are considered to provide great environments for growing families due to their large number of parks and bike paths, a children’s museum, a library just for kids, and a good number of top independent schools.

Whether you are looking for a trendy urban getaway above the evolving streets in Downtown, or a traditional single family home in one of the many neighborhoods, the real estate in Providence, RI will meet your needs.

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