North Providence, town in Rhode Island, United States
North Providence is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, made up of several distinct village areas. Two main corridors, Mineral Spring Avenue and Smith Street, run through the town and concentrate most of its shops, schools, and parks.
The area was settled in the late 1700s by farmers seeking independence from the city of Providence to manage their land on their own terms. That agricultural past left a mark on the layout of the town, which still consists of closely knit neighborhoods rather than a single urban center.
The name North Providence simply points to its position just north of the city of Providence. Along Mineral Spring Avenue, small shops and local restaurants serve the everyday needs of residents, giving the main street a neighborhood feel.
North Providence is easy to reach by car via I-95, Route 295, and Route 146, and public bus lines also serve the area. Those without a car will find most shops and services within walking distance of Mineral Spring Avenue and Smith Street.
Stephen Olney Park has a skatepark alongside tennis and basketball courts, while Governors Notte Park nearby offers a pond with a small beach. The two parks sit close to each other and together cover a wide range of outdoor activities in one part of town.
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