Wayland Square - Providence, Rhode Island

Town Identity & Quick Facts

At the crossroads of Blackstone Boulevard, Angell Street, and Wayland Avenue, Wayland Square represents the East Side at its most approachable and elegant.

Home to a mix of historic residences, boutique retail, and walkable city life, it offers a perfect balance for those who want the amenities of Providence without the pace of downtown. The neighborhood centers around a small but vibrant commercial district, where local shops, restaurants, and cafés form the daily heartbeat of the community.

With its classic architecture, mature trees, and easy access to both Blackstone and College Hill, Wayland Square has become a destination for professionals, families, and those seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a residential feel.

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Housing Market Snapshot

Wayland Square’s housing market is consistently strong and highly competitive, fueled by its location, charm, and walkability.

  • Median Home Sale Price (2025): approximately $775,000

  • Median Rent: around $2,800/month

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

The neighborhood features early-20th-century colonials, brick townhomes, and condominium conversions from historic mansions. Apartments above retail storefronts offer classic East Side charm with modern convenience, while single-family homes on surrounding streets like Medway, Elmgrove, and Wayland Avenue remain in constant demand.

Limited inventory keeps appreciation steady, making Wayland Square one of the most stable and desirable micro-markets in Providence real estate.

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Schools & Education

Wayland Square benefits from the East Side’s proximity to some of Rhode Island’s most respected schools.

  • Public Schools: Vartan Gregorian Elementary (Fox Point), Nathan Bishop Middle, and Hope High.

  • Private Schools: Moses Brown School, The Wheeler School, Lincoln School, and Providence Country Day (15 min).

  • Higher Education: Brown University and RISD are less than 5 minutes away.

Families are drawn to Wayland Square not just for education, but for the community engagement and intellectual culture that naturally come with living near two world-class universities.

Commute & Transport Access

Wayland Square offers unmatched convenience within the East Side.

  • Distance to Downtown Providence: ~2 miles (8 minutes)

  • Distance to T.F. Green International Airport: ~20 minutes

  • Access Routes: I-195, Gano Street, and Waterman/Angell corridors provide quick access to major highways.

  • Public Transit: RIPTA bus routes and commuter rail access at Providence Station.

Residents enjoy a short commute to downtown and hospital campuses while remaining within walking distance of restaurants, schools, and green spaces.

Recreation & Amenities

Wayland Square is as much about atmosphere as activity — a walkable, curated experience that makes daily life feel effortlessly elevated.

  • Blackstone Boulevard: 2-mile greenway for walking, jogging, and cycling beneath a canopy of elms.

  • Wayland Avenue Shops: Independent boutiques, local cafés, and dining favorites like L’Artisan Café, Red Stripe, Tina’s Jamaican Caribbean Kitchen, and Pasta Beach.

  • Parks: Blackstone Park Conservation District and Paterson Park offer open space and river views.

  • Fitness & Wellness: East Side YMCA, Core Pilates, and community yoga studios.

The combination of neighborhood charm and urban access gives Wayland Square an enduring “small city within a city” feel.

Neighborhood Character & Housing Types

Wayland Square offers a rare mix of elegance and everyday accessibility:

  • Medway & Elmgrove Avenues: Classic single-family homes with period detail and updated interiors.

  • Wayland Avenue Corridor: Brick townhomes and mixed-use buildings with boutique retail below.

  • Angell & Waterman Streets: Apartments and converted condominiums ideal for professionals or students.

  • Irving, President, and Humboldt Streets: Quiet, tree-lined residential pockets just steps from the square.

The result is a neighborhood that feels polished yet personal — where each block has its own personality and pace.

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Climate, Environment & Coastal Considerations

Wayland Square enjoys a temperate urban-coastal climate, influenced by nearby Narragansett Bay.

  • Average summer highs: low 80s°F

  • Average winter highs: mid-30s°F

  • Annual precipitation: ~48 inches

Located well above sea level and outside of flood zones, the neighborhood combines coastal proximity with urban stability — ideal for long-term homeowners.

Why This Town Fits You

Wayland Square is the definition of balance — historic architecture, modern convenience, and a lifestyle that values both charm and connection.

It’s for those who want to walk to everything, greet familiar faces at the coffee shop, and enjoy the comfort of knowing the best of Providence is just steps away.

For buyers and sellers alike, Wayland Square represents enduring demand, thoughtful living, and urban refinement done right.

It’s where Providence feels most like home — cultured, calm, and quietly confident.