Elmhurst

Location & identity

A residential neighborhood with a suburban feel

Elmhurst is a mostly residential neighborhood in Providence’s northwest, bounded by Chalkstone Avenue to the south, Academy Avenue and Smith Street to the west, and Douglas Avenue and Admiral Street to the northeast.

Once farmland, it grew after a streetcar line arrived in 1882. Providence College moved here in 1917 and La Salle Academy in 1925, and post-war growth gave much of the neighborhood its quiet, suburban character.

Lifestyle & vibe

Where to spend your time

  • Providence College: campus events, Friars athletics, and green space
  • Pleasant Valley Parkway: a landscaped parkway from 1909 with a bike lane
  • Smith Street and Admiral Street: everyday shopping, dining, and services
  • La Salle Academy: a landmark school campus
  • Downtown and Route 146: a quick drive for commuting

Elmhurst feels like a quiet suburb inside city limits, with driveways, yards, and a college neighbor that brings energy during the school year.

La Salle Academy in Elmhurst
La Salle Academy
The bike lane along Pleasant Valley Parkway
Pleasant Valley Parkway

Value & everyday appeal

Market snapshot

Median sale price

~$510K

3 months ending August 2026, Redfin

Time on market

~26 days

Median, August 2026

Owner-occupied homes

~64%

2020 Census

Owner-occupied tax

$8.40

Per $1,000, single-family (FY2027)

  • Housing mix: mostly single-family homes, plus two-families and some multifamily near campus
  • Active market: about 30 homes sold in August 2026
  • Rental demand: steady near Providence College

Elmhurst offers single-family living with yards and driveways at a price point below the East Side, making it popular with first-time buyers.

Before you buy

What to know before buying in Elmhurst:

  • Blocks near campus have more student rentals and traffic during the school year
  • Budget for inspections focused on roofs, heating, and older electrical systems
  • Homes priced well can move in a few weeks, so get pre-approved first
  • First-time buyer programs can help at this price point

Why people choose Elmhurst

Elmhurst offers space, stability, and value inside Providence. It suits buyers who want a yard and a quieter street without a long commute.

Junia works with Elmhurst buyers and sellers in English and Haitian Creole, and can help first-time buyers find the right home and financing.

Homes for sale in and around Elmhurst →

Gade kay ki disponib nan Elmhurst

Want the full picture?

History, block-by-block housing, tax math, transit, and a buyer checklist for Elmhurst.

Read the Elmhurst deep dive →

Thinking about Elmhurst?

Junia can walk you through the homes, pricing, and programs that fit your plans, in English or Haitian Creole.

Market figures: Redfin neighborhood data, August 2026. Owner-occupancy: 2020 Census. Tax rates: City of Providence FY2027 Municipal Levy Ordinance. Figures change often; contact Junia for current numbers. Photos: Harkins Hall and Pleasant Valley Parkway by Kenneth C. Zirkel (CC BY-SA 4.0); La Salle Academy by John Phelan (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

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