Convenient location between Providence and the Massachusetts border
East Providence went through a bit of an identity crisis after its settlement in the 1730s, starting out as part of Rehoboth and then Seekonk, Massachusetts before becoming an independent Rhode Island city in the 1860s. Once a mix of agricultural and industrial activity, today’s East Providence is primarily a commuter community, though it’s the fifth-largest city in the state. Top employers include Hasbro, headquartered in nearby Pawtucket, and banks, universities and hospitals based in Providence, also close by. “It’s a nice little city,” says Realtor Jeffrey Mateus of Mateus Realty, an East Providence local with over a decade of real estate experience. He adds that the city’s location between Providence and Seekonk, Massachusetts, along with its competitive home prices, are the two features that appeal most to homebuyers.
College Hill, home to RISDI and Brown, is a short trip from East Providence’s rich culture.
Hasbro Headquarters in East Providence is a key employer for the local community.
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Hot market for Colonials, cottages and classic midcentury styles
The Rhode Island Association of Realtors data shows that the median single-family home price in East Providence increased by more than 15% between 2023 and 2024. But at $415,000, it’s still lower than the median for nearby Barrington, which is nearly $720,000. Mateus notes that its relative affordability is part of its appeal, observing that, when priced properly, homes are “flying off the market.” On average, homes here sell after 27 days on the market. That’s 18 days faster than the national average. Mateus observes that some of the most highly sought-after homes in the city are the New England coastal cottages and Colonial Revivals found in Riverside, on the Providence Riverfront. “Houses on the water fetch a lot higher of a price than elsewhere in the city, of course,” he says, noting that water view prices can climb to more than $1 million. Inland neighborhoods of midcentury split-level and ranch-style homes, like Kent Heights, tend to be less expensive, while historic areas with early 1900s-era Cape Cod cottages are in the middle of the price spectrum.
Take in the spectacular view of Riverside’s waterfront homes, perfect for nature lovers.
Riverside, RI, is home to many beautiful Cape Cod style houses that define the area.
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East Providence School District
East Providence School District earns a B from Niche. It serves over 5,000 students with an average student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. The small system allows school choice and comprises seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. B-minus-rated East Providence High’s current building opened in 2021, but the school has been a community fixture since the late 1800s. Private school options in the area include The Wheeler School and Moses Brown School, both in nearby Providence. They rank in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on Niche’s list of the best private high schools in the state. Providence also has several prestigious universities: the Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University and Johnson & Wales University, all big regional employers.
East Providence High School combines a modern campus with excellent academic programs, RI.
Brown University’s campus, filled with public art, is a short drive from East Providence.
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Providence Riverfront recreation and more
The East Providence Parks Division maintains over 300 acres of parks and recreation spaces across the city, putting 75% of residents within a 10-minute walk of a greenspace or recreation center. Parks on the city’s east side, including Sabin Point and Crescent Park, offer views of the Providence River. Crescent is even home to a historic carousel, open seasonally. Marinas dot the shoreline along Bullock Neck, on the city’s far south end. The East Bay Bike Path runs the length of East Providence, spanning over 14 miles from Bristol’s Independence Park to Providence’s India Point Park.
From above, the Narragansett Terrace Yacht Club in Riverside, RI is a sight to behold.
Ride through East Bay Bike Path and sip on Riverside’s finest at Borealis Coffee.
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Commercial corridor in Massachusetts carries name brands, with local shops in city limits
Locals head across the state line into Massachusetts for national chain retailers spaced along the commercial corridor between U.S. Route 6 and Interstate 195, while local spots line main roads within city limits. Mateus says most East Providence small businesses, from corner markets to mom-and-pop eateries, are on Bullocks Point Avenue and Willett Avenue. While East Providence has no traditional downtown district, Mateus observes that most locals jaunt into Downtown Providence, about 4 miles west, for nightlife and entertainment. The bigger city is home to venues like the Providence Performing Arts Center and Fete Music Hall. It also draws visitors from around the state for annual events like WaterFire, a summertime festival of food vendors, live music and floating lanterns on the Providence River.
From Riverside, take I-195 for a seamless commute to major cities like Providence, RI.
Borealis Coffee Company in Riverside is perfect for catching up with friends over a coffee.
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Quick commuting to Providence
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, known locally as RIPTA, provides bus service to East Providence and the surrounding region. Interstate 195 and U.S. Routes 6 and 44 run east-west through the city’s north side, connecting into Providence and Massachusetts. Major regional employers in Providence, like Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center, are within 6 or 7 miles of most East Providence homes. The most direct route into the capital city follows Interstate 195 across the Washington Bridge. It’s about a 4-mile drive from the middle of East Providence to the middle of Providence across the bridge, and while it can take as little as 10 minutes without traffic, it typically takes longer. Travel times are affected by lane closures and construction; the governor recently declared part of the bridge in critical condition. But Mateus says not to fear the extra traffic or the bridge itself: “It’s not as bad as we all think. I should know; I sit in it every day!”
Lower crime rates compared to the U.S.
According to the FBI, East Providence’s violent and property crime rates were lower than the national rates between 2020 and 2024.
Mathew J. Arruda has achieved perfect pitch. With his curated vision and cultivated knowledge, Mathew consistently delivers results.
Since establishing his real estate career in 2014, Mathew has become a leader in the South Coast real estate market. With an overall sales volume exceeding $300 million and logging over 800 real estate transactions, Mathew earned the prestigious 2022 RealTrends America’s Best recognition as the Top 1.5% of all REALTORS® in the country.
In 2021, Mathew founded The Mathew J. Arruda Group –– providing expert advice and guidance to the luxury residential and commercial real estate market. The team serves the Massachusetts South Coast region and Rhode Island with plans for expansion to better serve their clients' needs.
Prior to starting his real estate career, Mathew established himself in the hospitality industry in both Boston and Providence. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Psychology and Theatre and began his early career at Brown University as a project coordinator in psychiatric research. Raised in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Mathew is a bilingual, first-generation Portuguese-American and is an advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion. A dedicated professional, Mathew continues to burnish his professional credentials. He holds a Graduate REALTOR® Institute Designation (GRI) from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR). Mathew is licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Mathew & The Mathew J. Arruda Group provide their clients with marketing strategies and expert advice guided by professionalism, vision, and a specialist’s acumen providing real estate services in residential, commercial, leasing, and development.
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.
