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Pawtucket,RI Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhoods in Pawtucket, RI – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights

Neighborhood Map

Discover the Charm of Pawtucket: Exploring Its Best Neighborhoods

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a vibrant city known for its rich industrial history and tight-knit community feel. When diving into the best neighborhoods in Pawtucket, residents and visitors alike find a blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and diverse cultural influences. From artsy hubs to quiet residential streets, the Pawtucket neighborhoods map reveals a city full of unique character waiting to be explored.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

Safety is a key consideration for those looking at the best neighborhoods in Pawtucket. Areas like the Slater Park neighborhood tend to have a strong sense of community and lower crime rates, making them appealing for families. Meanwhile, neighborhoods closer to downtown Pawtucket have seen revitalization efforts that continue to improve stability and safety. Local neighborhood associations actively work to maintain a welcoming environment, and police presence is generally consistent, contributing to the overall feeling of security in these communities.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Pawtucket’s neighborhoods each boast their own distinct personality. The Iron Hills area is known for its beautiful historic mills and charming Victorian homes, while the East Avenue district offers a more urban vibe with its mix of shops, galleries, and renovated loft apartments. The city embraces arts and culture, with the Pawtucket Arts District serving as a creative hub where residents gather for events and festivals. This rich cultural tapestry is part of what makes the best neighborhoods in Pawtucket so appealing to newcomers and long-time residents alike.

Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility

Getting around Pawtucket is convenient thanks to its well-connected transit system. The Pawtucket/Central Falls train station links the city to Providence and Boston via the MBTA commuter rail, making it easy for commuters and visitors. Local bus routes cover the main neighborhoods, including the bustling downtown area and residential districts like Central Falls. For drivers, the city’s proximity to major highways like I-95 allows quick access to surrounding areas. The Pawtucket neighborhoods map clearly shows the transit lines and main roads, helping residents navigate the city with ease.

Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots

Food lovers will find Pawtucket’s neighborhoods a delight, with hotspots scattered throughout the city. The Iron Hills neighborhood features cozy cafes and some of the best Italian restaurants around, while downtown Pawtucket offers trendy bars, craft breweries, and diverse eateries that draw a lively crowd. The social scene often centers around events in the Pawtucket Arts District, where food trucks, art shows, and live music create a vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re craving a casual bite or a night out, the best neighborhoods in Pawtucket have something to satisfy every palate.

Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?

Pawtucket is home to institutions like the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), located near the downtown area, which brings an energetic student presence to the surrounding neighborhoods. This proximity influences the local culture, with nearby cafés and affordable eateries catering to students. Although Pawtucket doesn’t have large universities within its borders, its close distance to Providence means residents can easily access Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, enriching the city’s educational and cultural landscape. The Pawtucket neighborhoods map is helpful for prospective students or faculty looking to find convenient housing options near these campuses.

Pawtucket Demographics

Population 75,176
Density (People/sqml.) 8,674
Median Age 37.1
Married Couples
39%
39% of the population of Pawtucket aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
26%
26% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Darlington 41.5 23.5% $260,980 $81,593 3.4
Pine Crest 38.3 28.1% $266,939 $83,703 3.5
Fairlawn 40.2 25.1% $258,239 $67,655 4.2
Quality Hill 39.9 22.2% $260,746 $65,012 4.2
Oak Hill 42.1 23.2% $410,371 $100,841 4.3
Woodlawn 37.2 26.8% $265,853 $61,206 5.4
Downtown 39.1 24.8% $246,844 $45,469 6.3

Pawtucket neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Pawtucket—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Pawtucket, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Pawtucket

Violent Crime 14% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 14% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 14% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Pawtucket
/100k
RI
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 3 3.9 2.1 5.0
Rape 43 56.3 29.5 37.5
Robbery 43 56.3 22.2 60.6
Assault 146 191.1 99.8 256.1
Total Violent Crime 235 308 154 359
Burglary 136 178.0 91.0 229.2
Theft 834 1,091.6 820.5 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 185 242.1 120.9 258.8
Total Property Crime 1,155 1,512 1,032 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 1,390 1,819 1,186 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.