Blackstone - Providence, Rhode Island

Neighborhood Identity & Quick Facts

Nestled along the northern edge of the East Side, Blackstone is one of Rhode Island’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods — defined by its broad boulevards, stately homes, and enduring tranquility.

Centered around Blackstone Boulevard, a 2-mile parkway designed in the late 19th century by the same firm that landscaped New York’s Central Park, the neighborhood combines old-world grace with everyday livability.

Home to approximately 6,000 residents, Blackstone sits between Wayland Square and the Pawtucket line, bordered by the Narragansett Bay to the east. With its tree canopy, manicured lawns, and strong sense of community, Blackstone embodies the kind of refined residential stability that has long defined the East Side.

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Housing Market Snapshot

he Blackstone market is among the most desirable — and exclusive — in the state, known for architectural integrity and sustained value.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): approximately $1,025,000

  • Median Rent: around $3,200/month

  • Property Tax Rate: $18.70 per $1,000 of assessed value (Providence 2024 rate)

Blackstone’s housing stock includes early-20th-century colonials, Georgian manors, and Tudor-style estates, many meticulously preserved or tastefully modernized. Smaller homes and condominiums appear closer to Wayland Square, while the grandest residences line Blackstone Boulevard, Elmgrove Avenue, and Cole Avenue.

Inventory remains limited year-round, with properties often sold privately or within days of listing — a testament to the neighborhood’s enduring reputation and demand.

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Schools & Education

Blackstone’s location offers convenient access to many of Providence’s top educational institutions.

  • Public Schools: Vartan Gregorian Elementary, Nathan Bishop Middle, and Hope High.

  • Private Schools: Moses Brown School (directly within the neighborhood), The Wheeler School, Lincoln School, and Providence Country Day (East Providence).

  • Higher Education: Brown University and RISD are 5–10 minutes away.

Families choose Blackstone for its academic environment and proximity to top-tier schools — one of the area’s defining draws.

Commute & Transport Access

Despite its serene residential character, Blackstone offers quick access to major destinations.

  • Distance to Downtown Providence: ~3 miles (10 minutes)

  • Distance to T.F. Green International Airport: ~25 minutes

  • Access Routes: Elmgrove Avenue and Hope Street connect directly to I-195 and I-95.

  • Transit: RIPTA bus routes and Providence Station (Amtrak & MBTA commuter rail) nearby.

The combination of peaceful living and central access is one of the neighborhood’s most defining strengths.

Recreation & Amenities

Life in Blackstone naturally centers around its green spaces and community rhythm.

  • Blackstone Boulevard Park: 2.5-mile landscaped walking and jogging path connecting Lippitt Park to Wayland Square.

  • Lippitt Park: Farmers markets, art fairs, and family events at the northern end of the Boulevard.

  • Blackstone Park Conservation District: 45 acres of woodlands, trails, and river views at the southern edge.

  • Dining & Shops: Walk or bike to Wayland Square for boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.

  • Nearby Clubs: Wannamoisett Country Club and Hope Club for golf, dining, and social gatherings.

Blackstone offers quiet luxury — where recreation feels organic and community engagement happens naturally.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

Every home in Blackstone reflects its legacy of craftsmanship and care:

  • Blackstone Boulevard: Grand estates and classic colonials on spacious lots.

  • Elmgrove & Cole Avenues: Mix of large single-family homes and refined multifamily residences.

  • Cole & Humboldt Streets: Tudor, Georgian, and Arts & Crafts-style architecture.

  • Lorraine & Rochambeau Corridors: Smaller homes with tree-lined charm and walkability.

Architectural integrity is a shared value here — restoration is celebrated, and history is preserved.

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Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

Blackstone enjoys a temperate coastal-urban climate, with breezes from Narragansett Bay providing mild summers and crisp, manageable winters.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~48 inches

Set on elevated terrain, the area is well above flood risk zones, with extensive green infrastructure contributing to its clean, quiet streets and lush canopy.

Why This Town Fits You

Blackstone is where Providence feels timeless. It’s for those who value beauty, order, and privacy — without losing touch with community or culture.

Here, the sound of traffic gives way to birdsong. Mornings begin with a walk along the Boulevard, and weekends might mean coffee at Wayland Square or a gallery opening on Angell Street.

For buyers, Blackstone represents enduring value and effortless grace. For sellers, it represents heritage — a neighborhood whose reputation enhances every property within it.

This is Providence at its most polished — refined but never pretentious, peaceful but deeply alive.