A new report says University of Rhode Island students living off-campus have altered Narragansett's housing market.
The study by the Vermont-based Crane Associates was commissioned by the town. It found nearly 50 percent of Narragansett's population is made up of URI students, and they occupy half of the available rental units.
Further, the study says URI has benefited by not spending to build needed housing for students.
Landlords and property owners also reap the rewards, by renting out to students nine months of the year, then charge higher costs to summer vacationers.
Recommendations include dialogue between the university and developers to produce affordable housing for students and full-time residents.
(Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images