Is Chapin St. in Providence RI safe? (apartment, rental)

[Gonzy]

I'm a 20 year old student looking to rent with a friend. We took a look at a pretty nice apartment that is across from a corner store and seems to be quite alright. However, I've heard some pretty bad things about the Armory District and I'm just wondering what others think of this area.

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by Gonzy

I'm a 20 year old student looking to rent with a friend. We took a look at a pretty nice apartment that is across from a corner store and seems to be quite alright. However, I've heard some pretty bad things about the Armory District and I'm just wondering what others think of this area.

Depending on where in the Armory. There are many students that live in that area, but it does have its hazards. The beginning of Chapin Ave is just on the wrong side of that district. The street does become safer towards Messer Ave, but again the area has its challenges. You would definitely need rental insurance. I would talk to your school residential dept. to get an idea where off campus students live.

[PortProv]

Chapin street is in the Armory district, which has really nice places and not so nice places. BUT - even "bad" neighborhoods in Providence are not that bad if you're coming from a place like Philly or Chicago or even dumpier New England cities like Bridgeport.
As for Chapin itself, if you use common sense, you should be fine. Get renter's insurance (like $100 a year) if you want. The other thing with that area is if you go south 3 blocks you're in a dumpy place, but you go north 3 blocks and you're in a very nice area. I don't think any young person would have a problem living on Chapin st.