2022 Best Places to Raise a Family in Providence County

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.44 out of 5  43 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in this specific area my entire life. I have hardly experienced any crime, and have never feared for my life, even walking or biking at night. The public schools are clean, spacious places that take bullying, violence, and other issues very seriously. Though I hope to someday move elsewhere or experience the rest of the world, I am grateful I had a safe and freedom-filled childhood in this area.... Read 43 reviews

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• Population 8,925

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  64 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Cumberland when I was in the second grade. I am proud to say that there are relationships I made during my first year here that I still have to this day, as a high school senior. Through my experience through the different levels of the Cumberland Public school system, I can safely say that it is one of the strongest and well developed public school systems across the state. As an athlete my whole life I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity I have had to participate in town sports. More specifically in regards to the given pandemic, the Cumberland school system has done a great job maintaining the risk of spreading Covid-19 while still giving students the opportunity to learn in person.... Read 64 reviews

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• Population 36,186

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  68 reviews

Current Resident: Lincoln has been a wonderful place to raise my children. There are sports and after school programs available for the kids at all age levels. Even the library has activites for families. We first moved here solely for the school department and have never been disappointed! The teachers and guidance counselors are incredible at being involved and supporting families. However, there is a financial divide. Too often it's about who you know or how much money you have in order to be accepted or part of the team. That would be a big change that could be made.... Read 68 reviews

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• Population 22,415

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Smithfield is a great place for people who enjoy small towns and getting close with their neighbors. There's pretty much always something to do, from going to Deerfield Park for a nice jog, or heading to the Smithfield Crossings to do some shopping. The people in town are nice to be around, with most of the population ranging in their later adult years. There is also a lot for children of all ages to do, with parks, playgrounds, and multiple areas for different sports to be played all around town.... Read 30 reviews

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• Population 21,855

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  49 reviews

Current Resident: There are many things that are enjoyable in North Smithfield. One thing I personally like is the small size of the schools. This allows for many close relationships with the other students which creates many friendships. Also, North Smithfield is known for having a wonderful high school choir that holds multiple concerts for the public. Another thing about North Smithfield is the very short commute times. Everything is within around a 15-minute drive from many of the neighborhoods located in North Smithfield.... Read 49 reviews

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• Population 12,537

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Greenville my whole life and it is a wonderful town to grow up in. I believe it has very dedicated educators, friendly neighborhoods, and provides a feeling of both pride and safeness. I would love to see its dining establishments continue to grow and diversify.... Read 10 reviews

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• Population 8,955

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Good central location to Boston, New York, Connecticut and more. Beautiful, growing small historical city. Cons are high taxes and the public transit could absolutely extend/improve.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 9,324

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  154 reviews

Current Resident: I am a lifelong resident of Cranston RI. The culture in Cranston RI is like no other, very tight community. Us cranstonions pull together when the community needs us to do so. From the Feasts that shut down one part of the city to the amazing restaurants to the beautiful renovated foot ball field at Cranston west high school. Garden City shopping center is like an small outlet that people from all over RI come to shop. I intend on being a life long resident. I love my city!... Read 154 reviews

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• Population 82,654

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  12 reviews

Niche User: I love it here, but don't know about city stats.... Read 12 reviews

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• Population 6,857

Current Resident: I liked the nature and the how it gives an opportunity for a lot of exploration and fun. It can be challenging to live out in this town because of the large amounts of snow in the winter and the distance to convenience stores.... Read 10 reviews

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• Population 10,007

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.53 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: Scituate is an amazing hidden gem of Rhode Island. Most people know Scituate for, "The Scituate Art Festival," but this town is so much more than an annual festival! The village holds tons of rustic and antique style shops. This town is what I love to call, "a Hallmark Town." The community is amazing and supportive of one another. The education and school systems are great and very personable with families. I feel safe and comfortable living in this beautiful town!... Read 32 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 10,423

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  22 reviews

Niche User: The police enforce anything that goes wrong but there are still some corrupt people in our community.... Read 22 reviews

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• Population 12,064

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: The College Hill area is home to students from RISD and Brown University. There are many restaurants in the area, in particular on Wickenden Street, Thayer Street and South Main Street. There are also many bars and great spots for a drink. College Hill is close to Downcity Providence, which also has many restaurants and bars/clubs. As well as residential homes, College Hill has dorms and apartments that students rent. It is overall a safe area, although one should not walk alone at night. College Hill is, literally, a very big hill, so be prepared for a good workout!... Read 25 reviews

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• Population 8,301

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.55 out of 5  67 reviews

Current Resident: North Providence is not just a town, it's a home. This cute and cozy town is filled with friendly people and has everything you need close by. Such as my morning coffee from dunkin' that's about on every other street!... Read 67 reviews

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• Population 33,935

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: To me, Hope is the casual Blackstone, second highest home ownership in Providence, second highest income in Providence (both after Blackstone) people are friendly, kids can comfortably walk the streets and dogs are abundant. There have been a lot of people from the Boston Area / Massachusetts that have moved in recently and many home renovations have followed. The one downside to Hope is that North Main street could use some work but there is an official committee working on that and the plans are very very promising. It’s really a great place to live and has been getting better by the day.... Read 12 reviews

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• Population 5,015

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  89 reviews

Current Resident: East Providence is a very diverse community that has a wide variety of activities available. The East Bay Bike Path runs through the city and connects Providence to Bristol and provides great opportunities for exercise. The public libraries have great resources and routinely run activities for children and adults. There are several churches and local agencies which provide resources to individuals who have low-income or who need additional support. We have had positive experiences with the public schools. Recently, the high school has been rebuilt and will be opening in the fall.... Read 89 reviews

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• Population 47,171

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

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• Population 5,474

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: I love the lake community and all the activities it entails. I also like Rhode Island's small town atmosphere.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 1,493

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I love that I live in Fox Point because there are many stores close to where I live. There is a grocery store, a meat shop, a coffee shop, a nail salon, a fish store, an elementary school, and even a gasoline station. It is everything in a little area.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 6,953

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.07 out of 5  15 reviews

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• Population 5,269

• Suburb of Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.4 out of 5  81 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful town with many Italian influences! Good town to raise a family. Very family friendly! Our mayor is very involved with his community, from attending recreational sports games, to attending schools for good meeting influences. Johnston is a well rounded town with a lot to give!... Read 81 reviews

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• Population 29,550

Current Resident: Burrillville has a unique style all its own. From farms to city lifestyles within the seven villages including Harrisville, Pascoag, Oakland, Mapleville, Glendale, Mohegan, Bridgeton, and Nasonville. It has 5 wonderful schools, 3 elementary. 1 middle and 1 high school. All offering top quality educations. You will also find access to boating, fishing, swimming, golf courses, campgrounds, and other recreational opportunities.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B

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• Population 16,186

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Nearby Resident: Smith Hill is a wonderful neighborhood and so close to downtown. Close to schools, shopping and restaurants, yet quiet. Public transportation is everywhere, but so easy to walk to most things I need.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 5,788

Current Resident: I recently moved to Pascoag over the Summer of 2018. I love the peaceful surroundings and the friendly atmosphere among the residents. The town has several heritage buildings and little antique shops, which adds to the beautiful country setting of the town of Pascoag.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 4,471

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Really good neighborhood nice homes , nice area could use some cleaning up in terms of some homes. Borders with Cranston so it’s in the middle of everything.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• grade C minus

• grade B

• Population 6,543