Residential noise – Providence Noise Project

Self-appointed DJs

“Neighbors blasting music is the biggest problem.” — Elmwood resident (Ward 9) who’s live in the city for 25 years, June 2026

Mental Health

“Disruptive neighbors, loud music from vehicles, etc. I’m surrounded by excessive noise effecting my mental health.” — West End resident (Ward 13), May 2026

“I’m leaving Providence. Good riddance to all the jerks revving their crappy motorcycles and … ‘Look at me!’ idiots blasting profanity laden music from their rolling bass bins at all hours, the moronic fireworks enthusiasts who ruin a good chunk of summer, the bored and neglected dogs barking away (often for hours) until someone comes … Read more

Driven out of Providence

“I sold my home and moved out of the city to a place where neighbors and homeowners respect each other. Noise was a huge factor: the car stereos, illegal concerts, … dirt bikes, loud motorcycles, [and] loud cars. Police do absolutely nothing [about noise] in Providence and it is well known as a place to … Read more

“I have lived in two different houses in PDV, both near I-95, with lots of highway noise. But the most annoying source of noise here is neighbors (in houses and parked cars) playing music with the bass turned up. We hear this all the time, at all hours of the day and night. It makes … Read more

“The noise ordinance is not enforced [and the] problem never gets resolved. Start taking loud music from residential houses seriously. Train police on how loud music is a health hazard.” — Self-identified Latino resident at Branch and Flora Streets (Sept. 2025)

Driven out of Providence

“I had to move because the noise [was] unbearable and the police continue to let them disrupt the neighborhood with the loud music. I hope the noise problem is resolved. There are so many people who can’t move and have to helplessly deal with it.” — Former Elma Street resident, Lower South Providence

Noise mayhem

“I’ve lived in NY City, DC, and Boston and I can honestly say PVD is the noisiest!! Almost every night, there are fireworks being set off, cars racing up and down Parade Street, music blaring from neighbors’ [houses], you name it. It’s ridiculous! As I write this, there are fireworks going off every minute. Where … Read more

Performative enforcement

“[Excessive noise] doesn’t get properly addressed because it’s [still] a continuous problem, [and] there’s no protocol for ‘problem’ houses … Enforce the loud-noise ordinance with fines and fees.” — Metcalf Street resident, North End (Ward 4), July 2025

Ineffective enforcement

“Every year for 12 years I have called the police for loud music being played in neighbors’ yards at all hours of the night.” — Elmwood resident, June 2025