Residence in East Side Providence (apartment complexes, rentals, lofts)

[ekanit_c]

Hi,
I'll be doing my master at Brown this fall and now I'm looking for a 1-bedroom apartment less than $1600. It took me a while to decide whether I want to stay in downtown or live in east side (including wayland square),. To be honest, I'm not really familiar with the city, since I live outside of the US. What would you guys suggest ?

I will have a car, so transportation isn't an issue but covered parking is a plus. I just wonder if there're apartment complexes or lofts in east side providence that are as nice as those Waterplace and others condos in downtown.

[lrfox]

Most apartments in the East Side are privately owned and not part of a condo/apartment complex. I would look at Craigslist.org's Rhode Island section for rental info. Remember, the East Side is really an umbrella term for a bunch of neighborhoods on the Eastern side of downtown. Not every one of them is created equal.

If you are owning a car, it would probably easier to live on the East Side as parking can be a pain downtown. A good number of East Side rentals have off-street parking.

[Hollytree]

If you want a large loft and/or really modernized apartment you will be better off downtown. It is only a 10 minute walk to Brown, however it is uphill- and a pretty steep one at that.

If you want a smaller, more easily walkable to Brown apartment, you might be able to find something nice with parking- probably not covered- in the College Hill or Benefit Street area for that amount of money.

[ediet]

Are you kidding me? $1600? I live in a one bedroom with a parking lot (not covered) for $650 on the East side of Providence right by the Whole Foods. I don't think you will have an issue at all. You might want to try the 903 or Waterplace Park. There is also the Green trolley that goes right by Brown and all of the stores in Wayland Square, Whole Foods and Eastside Marketplace, so if you find something along that route, you won't even have to worry about parking.
Craigslist, as mentioned by Irfox above, is a great resource, but be careful. If you are going to Brown, I am sure you are savvy enough to not send anyone money without seeing the place first. You can also try realtors in the area (rentri.com, keller williams, etc). Best suggestion is if you are in town, even for a weekend, drive around and look for the "For rent" signs, that is how I found mine.
Good luck and welcome to RI!!

[Hoxsie454]

I agree with everything 'ediet' said. You can choose from among the best apartments in town for $1,600 so don't be taken advantage of by some rental agent because he steers you into an inflated rent. A friend rents a very nice 2 bed room at The 903 including washer and dryer with a nice city view AND garage for $1,250! So, don't be too loose with your checkbook.

[rxman24]

please share.. i am living in north providence across from PC and can not get any fcking sleep. please let me know your friend so i can move this weekend.