Providence is the kind of place that you can quickly fall in love with. While the Rhode Island capital is home to just under 200,000 people, it’s small-town America at its best. Part of what makes Providence unique is its 25 neighborhoods. It’s even home to one of the best Little Italy neighborhoods in the U.S.! But another neighborhood worth putting on your must-see list is the peaceful, charming, and budget-friendly South Elmwood.
Here, you’ll find the 435-acre Roger Williams Park, with its zoo, carousel village, museum and planetarium, lakes, and Botanical Center. This oasis is a highlight of the neighborhood that prides itself on diversity. There’s a mix of people who live here, from retirees and families to the hard-working 20-somethings. The low cost of living is a definite draw. At the time of this writing, according to Best Neighborhood, the median price of a home in South Elmwood is $234,781. This is good news if you’re looking for an affordable place to live or to rent, because rents are also lower than in other neighborhoods nearby.
The neighborhood’s appeal is wide because you can live and play there without having to spend a fortune. You can dine in coffee shops and ethnic restaurants like Apsara Asian Restaurant, where dinner specials start at around $10. As for what else there is to love in South Elmwood, for sure, it’s the peace and quiet. Crime rates are 79% lower than in other Providence neighborhoods (via World Atlas).
What to do and see in South Elmwood
Roger Williams Park, Rhode Island’s oldest park, tops the list of what to do in this neighborhood — after all, its zoo is among some of the best in the U.S. While Providence is known for its Children’s Museum, you might want to check out the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Roger Williams Park. Otherwise, there’s always a special event happening in the park, like the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in October. It’s something like you’ve never seen, with 5,000 creatively carved pumpkins. No doubt, as you walk along the pumpkin trail, you’ll do a lot of oohing and aahing. Come early, not only to beat the crowds, but to get the best of the free parking that’s first-come, first-served. For some relaxation, Roger Williams Park is ideal for a picnic near its Elm or Pleasure Lakes. You can also kayak, paddleboard, and ride a swan boat on the park’s lakes.
Beyond the great outdoors, get your fill of culture and history in South Elmwood. Providence has bragging rights for having one of America’s oldest libraries, the Providence Athenæum. However, not far from South Elmwood, you should check out the Knight Memorial Library’s 1920s architecture. The library hosts activities and special events ranging from meditation programs and magic shows to ABC at Knight, a series exploring the impact art and books have had on some of the community’s most influential residents. If you want to keep that cultural vibe going, head to the Southside Cultural Center and take in the latest exhibit, dance performance, concert, or lecture, as there’s always likely to be something going on.
Best eats and stays in South Elmwood
