Culturally vibrant community on the banks of the Blackstone River
Originally a mill town turned textile hub, Central Falls is now a proud “majority-minority” city — the only one in Rhode Island. Home to a thriving community of Latin American descent, including many recent immigrants, this “City for All People” celebrates its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. “Imagine 20,000 people living in a square mile,” says Alexander Parmenidez, a bilingual real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who has been selling homes for a decade. “Mexican, Salvadorian, Columbian, Guatemalan — It’s a small city with a mix of flavors from different countries; that’s why it’s unique,” adds Parmenidez, who’s originally from Colombia. He says that in addition to being a family-oriented community, Central Falls is close to Interstate 95 for commutes to Boston and Providence and is very walkable. Though the state's smallest and least affluent municipality, Central Falls and its people, Parmenidez says, are resilient.
Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering Colombian treats at La Casona in Central Falls, RI.
Marvel at the vibrant and diverse array of murals that adorn Central Falls, RI.
Experience the taste of tropical ice creams at La Fruta Loca in Central Falls, RI.
Treat yourself to the best of Colombian cuisine at La Sorpresa Bakery in Central Falls, RI.
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Local restaurants with authentic flavors
Latin American eateries dot Lonsdale Avenue and Dexter and Broad streets. At La Casona Restaurant, traditional Colombian cuisine is served in a spacious yet warm dining space accented by black and white tiling and wooden banisters. Just down the street is a newer restaurant making waves in the national food scene: Tuxpan Taqueria Mexican Kitchen. The small family-owned and operated restaurant recently became a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. For dessert, residents can sample Colombian classics, including cheesy sweet corn arepas and Tres Leches cake at La Sorpresa Bakery. Or, they can head to the local fruit parlor, La Fruta Loca, for a refreshing Mexican-inspired treat. For everyday shopping essentials, residents rely on local Latin grocers and a handful of mom-and-pop convenience stores such as Compare Foods of Central Falls and Mi Pueblo Market. They can also shop small, hang out and try the local services housed in Still on Main in Pawtucket, a community and culture-focused shopping mall.
Treat yourself to delicious Mexican cuisine at La Herradura Taqueria in Central Falls, RI.
Experience the bite of Peruvian cuisine and the buzz of the bar at Sharks in Central Falls, RI.
Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering Colombian treats at La Casona in Central Falls, RI.
Dive into a sea of flavors at Sharks in Central Falls, where Peruvian seafood delights awaits.
Central Falls locals do their grocery shopping at Compare Foods Market.
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Multifamily and single-family options on walkable streets
Along the city’s dense gridded streets sit multifamily clapboard triple-deckers, some with stacked balconies. Sitting close together, these buildings make up most of the housing stock, constructed in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. With short setbacks, lots either have grassy backyards dotted by mature trees or paved parking. Parmenidez says these homes, while low in inventory statewide, are in high demand and are a popular choice for first-time homebuyers here. “Affordability is a big part of the equation. They are driven to buy multifamily, as two-thirds of the mortgage will be paid by future tenants,” he explains. Multifamily properties range in price from $300,000 to $750,000, based on size and condition. The largest collection of single-family homes can be found in the city’s north end. These 20th-century properties range from ranch-style homes with attached garages to compact Cape Cods, typically listing as low as $250,000 or upwards of $400,000. There are also condos and townhouses available from $215,000 to $250,000.
Discover the charm of Central Falls with its iconic multifamily triple deckers.
Traditional Cape Cod style homes can be found in Central Falls, RI.
Wander through the historic Central Falls neighborhood, and admire its classic colonial homes.
Discover duplexes and multi family homes in the Central Falls, RI neighborhood.
Explore ranch style and single family homes in the Central Falls, RI neighborhood.
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Riverside recreation and upgraded parks coming soon
The beautiful Blackstone River, which flows along Central Falls’ eastern boundary, once powered the city’s industry. Today, it remains a defining natural feature and a popular outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike. Central Falls Landing is a launch site for small boats, canoes and kayaks. From here, residents can paddle around the Valley Falls Pond or explore the marshy wetlands’ scenic side channels. Central Falls Dog Park gives pups a chance to run freely or play on the obstacle course. Children and teens frequent the Project GOAL futsal courts along Ledge Street. Meanwhile, families eagerly await renovations at Jenks Park, which will have a new playground and upgraded Cogswell Tower, a historic city landmark.
A boat ramp at Blackstone River in Central Falls Landing, RI.
River Island Park is graced by the Blackstone River located in Central Falls, RI.
Kick off your dreams with futsal and mentorship at Project GOAL in Central Falls, RI.
Take in the sights of Central Falls, RI, from a whole new perspective.
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Bus or train to Boston and Providence
Central Falls has a large population without personal vehicles. To reach Boston, 45 miles away, and Downtown Providence, 7 miles away, commuters can head to the Pawtucket/Central Falls Transit Hub to take the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail or hop on a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus. City leaders publicly oppose proposed cuts to RIPTA funding, which they say will significantly impact Central Falls, reducing the number of bus routes serving the community by a third. For drivers, Interstate 95 is minutes from anywhere in the city. High Street and Roosevelt Avenue are marked with bike sharrows, a pavement marking that indicates a lane is shared between drivers and bicyclists, and connect to other bike-friendly routes outside the city. T.F. Green Airport is 15 miles southwest.
Catch the train to your next destination from Pawtucket/Central Falls Station in Central Falls.
Embark on a journey from Pawtucket/Central Falls Hub Station, in Central Falls, RI.
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A dual language elementary school
Children here can start at one of three elementary schools, including Raíces Dual Language Academy. Earning a C-minus from Niche, the school teaches pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade students equally in English and Spanish, with the goal of them becoming both bilingual and bi-literate. Students can move on to Raíces Upper, which is in Calcutt Middle School, also receiving a C-minus rating. Teens can attend C-rated Central Falls High, where they can apply to the Real CTE Program, providing technical and career training across in-demand fields, such as computer science and biomedicine. The city is working on a comprehensive plan to improve city schools, starting with community feedback, and crews will soon break ground on the construction of a new Central Falls High at the Higginson Sports Complex, set to open in 2025. Rhode Island Alternative Academy, Blackstone Academy Charter School and St. Raphael Academy are nearby alternative and private school options.
Experience bilingual education excellence at Raices Dual Language Academy in Central Falls, RI.
Empowering futures one lesson at a time, Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls, RI.
Explore the exterior and signage of Central Falls High School, RI.
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Crime
Central Falls has a CAP Index crime score of 8 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. The overall score is driven by higher-than-average risk for violent and property crime. The Central Falls Police Department is internationally recognized for its community policing efforts and crime prevention programs, such as the Leading Ladies Initiative, supporting teenage girls through mentorship.
Samuel Alba The ALBA Group Whether you are buying or selling a home or just curious about the market, our team is eager to be your local resource throughout the entire process. We know our community — both as agents and neighbors — and have the knowledge and local expertise to get the job done in today’s market. Our experienced professionals have access to top listings, a worldwide network, exceptional marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology to help make your real estate experience memorable and enjoyable.
The ALBA Group was formed to bring together our network of property owners, investors, contractors, mortgages brokers and top producing real estate agents. When you hire a member from The ALBA Group, you will have the assistance of our entire team. Our network of professionals will guide you through your real estate transaction with care and ease. The ALBA Group will be sure to get you the best deal in the right amount of time!
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
