I just signed a lease for an apartment in Cranston. It ended up at $1650 for 860sqft. I went through about two months of apartment shopping.

I viewed some in Riverside (Parkway, Winchester) and they seemed okay. But having to cross over the bridge seems like a chore. However they have many units in your range. I heard lofts can be very hit-or-miss and their prices are skyrocketing. Some in Pawtucket are fairly affordable in terms of rent but heating it (especially with rising electricity rates) is a whole different story.

I'm also moving from out of state (out of country!).