Roanoke Rapids, NC 5 Apartments for Rent

The city of Roanoke Rapids was originally built up around a canal, which was constructed in 1823.

Roanoke Rapids is an unusual place in as much as there's far more going on there in the way of arts, culture, and entertainment than you might expect from a town of its size. That said, it still has that small-town feeling and sense of community that a lot of bigger cities are missing. If that's not enough for you, Roanoke Rapids is a stunning area with plenty of access to the great outdoors (although, if you prefer the great indoors, there's plenty of that, too).

Renting in Roanoke Rapids

Finding a home for rent in Roanoke Rapids is pretty much the same as renting anywhere else in the United States. So, if you've done it before, there's really nothing to be worried about. However, even if you are an old hand at renting properties, it still doesn't hurt to be prepared so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

What You Need to Do

There's not a whole lot you need to do before you can move into rental houses or apartments in the city, but you'll usually need to provide your landlord with some documentation. If you want things to go quickly and easily, it's best to have this ready. You'll generally be asked to show your proof of income, photo identification, credit history, renting history, and any relevant references. Most landlords will also ask you to sign a tenancy agreement, tying you into renting the property for a minimum amount of time, usually six, 12, or 18 months. However, you may be able to rent some properties month to month, with no minimum contract.

How Long it's Going to Take

The amount of time it takes to find houses or apartments for rent in Roanoke Rapids can vary, depending on what kind of property you're looking for and how flexible you're willing to be. The good thing is that there is a larger percentage of renter-occupied homes in the town than the national average, so there are usually a fair amount of rental properties on the market. You could say that the rental process in Roanoke is... rapid (get it?).

How Much it Will Cost

It's hard to say exactly how much cash you'll have to pony up before you can move into your new property. Most landlords ask for a month of rent upfront, plus a security deposit of roughly the same amount, which should be refunded to you at the end of the tenancy, as long as you leave the property in the same condition as you found it in. This means that the cost of your move relates directly to how much your rent is going to be, so it will cost a lot more to move for people looking for five-bedroom houses with a pool than for those who want studio apartments for rent.

Neighborhoods in Roanoke Rapids

This city of Roanoke Rapids doesn't cover a huge area (just under eight square miles), but you'll notice quite a difference between the neighborhoods. They all have their pros and cons, so where you decide to settle will probably depend on a number of factors.

Littleton: This neighborhood contains mostly medium-size and small homes. There is a good mixture of houses and apartment buildings here. Most properties are on the older side, but not historic.

Darlington: Being quite far out from the center of town, this neighborhood has a more rural feeling to it. There's more green space here than in other parts of Roanoke Rapids, but most houses are still on the smaller side.

City Center: This is where you'll find the majority of shops, eateries, and other amenities. Homes are smaller and there are a lot of apartments, along with some houses. If Applebee's is your definition of gourmet, you'll be happy here.

South Rosemary: Homes here tend to be on the larger side. It's still fairly close to the center, making it a convenient location.

Life in Roanoke Rapids

It might not be the cultural center of the world (London, Paris, Roanoke Rapids doesn't sound quite right, does it?), but life in Roanoke Rapids will never be boring unless you let it be. There's always plenty going on and other residents are happy for a helping hand organizing community events and the like.

The Royal Palace Theater

If you're a fan of theater and music, you're bound to find something interesting at the Royal Palace Theater. Located at the edge of town, just off the I-95, this 1,500-seat venue hosts some amazing events. You'll be able to see top-notch plays and other theatrical performances, as well as big-name musical acts spanning a range of genres.

Art in Roanoke Rapids

Thanks to the Halifax County Arts Council, there are often exhibitions and other events of artistic merit happening in Roanoke Rapids. For instance, you can see pieces by local artists at the McRory Building, found at 1000 Roanoke Avenue, or if you go to the corner of Roanoke Avenue and East 14th Street, you can see a gorgeous mural, painted by Napoleon Hill.

Community Events

A range of different community events happen throughout the year. These events can be great fun to attend, but they can also be a blast to help organize, especially if you want a way to get to know some of your neighbors. Some of the highlights include the Seafood and Shag Fest and the Independence Day celebrations. However, there are a lot more low-key events and get-togethers, such as community hikes and neighborhood garage sales.

The Great Outdoors

There are 13 city parks dotted across Roanoke Rapids, all with different amenities. Some -- such as Tinsley Park -- are quiet spots, perfect for just walking around and getting close to nature, whereas others -- such as Emry Park and Chockoyotte Park -- have a range of sporting facilities, including tennis courts, baseball fields, horseshoe pits, and more.

Canal Museum

Since the city of Roanoke Rapids was developed around the canal, it plays an important part in the town's heritage. This fascinating museum takes a look at the past, present, and future of the canal. There's also a seven-and-a-half-mile nature trail that runs along the bed of the old navigation canal, which is a great place to see some local wildlife.