Apartments for Rent in Rhode Island

Rhode Island

This unique state is the smallest state in the U.S., measuring only 37 x 48 miles. With a relatively long (for its size) stretch of Atlantic Coastline, the state is known for an excellent port and wonderful opportunities for sailing. In fact, no one living in Rhode Island is more than forty-five minutes from the beach, which is why there are so many Rhode Island apartments available on the coast – residents flock to the seashore on the weekends.

The primary industry of Rhode Island is healthcare, with excellent hospitals, several medical manufacturing facilities and health insurance companies all situated here. Tourism is also very important due to the gorgeous coast dotted with lighthouses and charming port towns that offer world-famous Rhode Island sea food specialties. Tourists also love to visit the island resort areas that have mansions from the mid nineteenth century that were once retreats for the country's wealthiest families. One of the most famous is "The Breakers."

Companies located in Rhode Island include CVS, Textron, Hasbro and American Mutual Insurance. There are also many small and large boat manufacturing companies and innumerable family owned boat building companies that specialize in some of the finest sailboats in the world.

Outdoor Attractions

The ocean provides the most popular recreation in Rhode Island – sailing. Some of the world's best sailors start their training here, but you don't have to be an expert. You can charter a boat, own your own or take leisurely guides day cruises around the small islands along the coast.

Warm, sunny summers lead into autumns that are famous for stunning foliage, drawing visitors from May through October. Newport, Rhode Island periodically hosts a Tall Ships gathering with old-fashioned masted ships, from whalers to frigates and war ships that come from around the world.

Picnics, fishing and arts festivals along the shore are common to the many small port towns, most of which have retained their Victorian charm and feature downtown shopping and arts districts.

Colleges and Universities

The University of Rhode Island, Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design are three of the more prominent schools in the state. Surprisingly, there are about two dozen universities and colleges in this tiny state.

Real Estate and Housing

Renting an apartment in Rhode Island will set you back quite a bit; the apartments here generally go for about 40% more than the national average. Fortunately, recent revitalization projects in manufacturing towns have reduced costs somewhat by converting former textile mills to trendy condos and loft apartment complexes. If you want to find the most reasonable apartment rentals, avoid Providence and Newport, which are both at the higher end of the scale. Fortunately for all residents, you can rent an apartment anywhere in Rhode Island and be within a half hour’s drive of city lights or the seashore.