2021 Best Places to Raise a Family in Providence County

Cumberland Hill

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 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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• 8,249 Population

Cumberland

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 4.1 out of 5  60 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 60 Reviews

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• 34,846 Population

North Smithfield

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.83 out of 5  47 reviews

Current Resident: North Smithfield is a small, clean town with lots of nature to walk around. We have local swimming rocks, Basketball courts, Playgrounds, Baseball and Softball fields and a new volleyball court added to our town by one of our local neighbor. Known for its very well school system and academic curriculum, a lot of our students have done so well with their academics. One of our original New England mill village, was turned into a condo complex. With the waterfall view behind our library, you are able to get a breath of fresh air along with walking the trails.
Read 47 Reviews

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• 12,413 Population

Lincoln

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.84 out of 5  63 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 63 Reviews

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• 21,731 Population

Smithfield

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.85 out of 5  27 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 27 Reviews

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• 21,693 Population

Cranston

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.81 out of 5  147 reviews

Current Resident: Cranston is a very special place because it has so many different facets: coastline along Narragansett Bay in the eastern part of the city, woods and farms in the western part of the city; very good restaurants offering all types of international cuisines; convenience in proximity to the airport and highway; well-manicured neighborhoods; the list goes on and on. I have been a resident here for almost 40 years and have never wanted to live anywhere else.
Read 147 Reviews

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• 81,254 Population

Blackstone

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• 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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• 10,864 Population

Glocester

• Town in Rhode Island
• Rating 4.2 out of 5  10 reviews

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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• 10,141 Population

Valley Falls

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 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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• 11,882 Population

Greenville

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 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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• 8,695 Population

Wayland

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• 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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• 4,730 Population

Scituate

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.52 out of 5  31 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 31 Reviews

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• 10,634 Population

College Hill

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• 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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• 12,422 Population

Harmony

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• 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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• 1,207 Population

Mount Hope

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

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• grade B

• 5,903 Population

Hope

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• 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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• grade B

• 4,365 Population

North Providence

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.52 out of 5  61 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 61 Reviews

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• 32,564 Population

East Providence

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.84 out of 5  85 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 85 Reviews

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• grade B

• 47,483 Population

Fox Point

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• 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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• 4,544 Population

Burrillville

• Town in Rhode Island
• Rating 4.67 out of 5  12 reviews

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

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• 16,588 Population

Valley

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• Rating 3.06 out of 5  16 reviews

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• grade B

• 6,084 Population

Johnston

• Suburb of Providence, RI
• Rating 3.38 out of 5  80 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 80 Reviews

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• 29,307 Population

Smith Hill

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• 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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• 6,869 Population

South Elmwood

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• 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

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• 5,017 Population

Mount Pleasant

• Neighborhood in Providence, RI
• Rating 3.18 out of 5  11 reviews

Niche User: I feel that the area I live in is nice, however there are some surrounding areas that are a little bit unsafe. But that's true for any place that people live. I live in the suburbs of Providence and it has a very peaceful atmosphere to it. There's a high school near by, kids playing outside, people exercising, and people walking their dogs. The downtown area Providence is very lively. There's a mall, plenty of restaurants, as well as activities for the public to take part in, such as Water Fire and parades. In comparison to other places in the United States, I believe that Providence is one of a kind.
Read 11 Reviews

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• 11,859 Population