Last Updated on: 9th September 2024, 02:58 am
Cranston, Rhode Island, a popular suburb of Providence and just 10 miles from the capital, is a beautiful mid-sized coastal city that offers everything you’re looking for. Located in Providence County, Cranston has been named one of the 100 Best Places to Live by Money magazine, one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live, and one of the top 25 safest cities in the U.S. Enjoy life on the coast without the high cost of living of major New England cities with all of the amenities of the big city! You don’t even need to go far from home for excitement; Cranston boasts a great nightlife and attractions like the Roger Williams Park Zoo, Pawtuxet Oxboes Park on the Pawtuxet River, and the Budlong Pool, one of the country’s largest outdoor pools.
Get ready to get excited about all the fun that awaits you after moving to beautiful Cranston, Rhode Island!
Cranston, RI Population & Demographics
Located in Eastern Rhode Island on Narragansett Bay, the coastal city of Cranston has a population of 80,000. Cranston is in area code 401 and zip codes 02823, 02905, 02907, 02910, 02920, and 02921.
The median age in Cranston is 41, quite higher than the U.S. average, with a fairly diverse population. The city is about 72% white, 14% Hispanic, 6% Asian, and 5% black. Nearly 15% of people in Cranston were born outside of the United States with common countries of origin including Guatemala, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic.
Concerned about safety ahead of moving to Cranston, RI? Cranston is one of America’s 25 safest cities with a crime rate about 50% below the national average!
Average Cranston Weather – Lots of Rain & Snow with Comfortable Summers
Be prepared for lots of precipitation while living in Cranston! The city gets 49″ of rain and 36″ of snow every year, both well above the U.S. average. On the plus side, Cranston gets the average amount of sunny days and summers in this beautiful, coastal city are usually very comfortable. June, September, and August are very pleasant with temperatures in the high 60s to high 70s. During the winter, normal Cranston weather can be a bit rough with lows in the 20s.
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Cranston, RI Schools & Higher Education
Cranston is served by two high schools, four middle schools, and 16 elementary schools within the Cranston Public School District. The district has several schools that rank at least average with several highly rated schools like Orchard Farms Elementary School which far exceeds the state average for testing and student progress.
Considering higher education after moving to Cranston, RI? The closest college is the Ivy League Brown University in Providence. Other colleges and universities within 10 miles include:
- New England Institute of Technology
- Community College of Rhode Island
- Providence College
- Rhode Island College
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Bryant University
Average Cost of Living in Cranston, RI
As a general rule, Rhode Island is an expensive place to live with a cost of living 23% higher than the national average. So, how much does it cost to live in Cranston, Rhode Island? Cranston is a bit more affordable than the rest of the state but still about 10% more expensive than average.
Like the rest of Rhode Island, Cranston has very affordable healthcare. Transportation and groceries are close to average but utilities and housing help push the Cranston cost of living a bit higher.
The average cost of a home in Cranston is $280,000. That’s higher than the U.S. median average of $247k but not by too much. Planning to rent after moving to Cranston? According to RentJungle, the average rent in Cranston is $1,030, far below the median rent in neighboring Providence of more than $2,000.
Best Neighborhoods in Cranston
What kind of neighborhood are you looking for while living in Cranston? Do you want to be close to restaurants and the downtown nightlife or do you prefer a quiet, single-family community? Cranston has something for everyone!
One of the most prestigious Cranston neighborhoods is Edgewood located in the east along Narragansett Bay. Edgewood is adjacent to Washington Park in Providence and it’s known for its blooming tree-lined streets, historic districts, and large Victorian homes as well as the Pawtuxet Cove Marina, Edgewood Yacht Club, and Rhode Island Yacht Club.
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Want a family friendly and affordable neighborhood in Cranston? Consider Auburn, an urban neighborhood with easy freeway access and great walkability with plenty of parks to enjoy.
Another one of the best places to live in Cranston for families is Garden City which balances residential streets with the region’s major shopping destination, Garden City Center. You’ll find a mix of ranches, Cape Cods, and Colonial homes without the cookie-cutter subdivisions so common today.
You can start the search for Cranston, RI homes for sale to get an idea of what your budget can get you in the city.
Jobs in Cranston, RI
The median household income in Cranston is $64,282, above the national average, with an average hourly rate of $17.96. The economy in Cranston is largely dominated by health care and social services, retail, and manufacturing but you’ll find the highest-paying jobs in professional and technical services, public administration, and finance.
Cranston boasts a strong economy and great quality of life that has helped it secure its reputation as one of the best cities to live in the United States. With its many village centers, Cranston is able to deliver a diverse economy with numerous commercial and industrial centers.
Start the search for jobs in Cranston, RI online to get an idea of the careers available to you after you relocate.
Great Restaurants & Fun Things to Do in Cranston, RI
Ready to explore the top Cranston attractions you’ll love while living in Cranston, RI? From outdoor activities along the shore to Cranston’s art and culture, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Cranston to keep you busy. In addition to great restaurants and fun attractions, you’ll benefit from convenient shopping while living in Cranston with options like Whole Foods, Shaw’s, REI, Aldi, CVS, and Garden City Center Mall. You can also make the short 5.7-mile drive from Cranston, RI to Providence, RI for even more excitement!
Marchetti’s Restaurant
Located in the Knightsville neighborhood, Marchetti’s is a family-owned eatery and one of the best restaurants in Cranston for Italian. On warm nights, enjoy home-style dishes like pink vodka penne and veal marsala on the outdoor patio!
Marchetti’s Restaurant, 1463 Park Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 943-7649
Spain Restaurant
Frequently voted as the top fine dining and romantic restaurant in Greater Providence, Spain is one of the best things to do in Cranston for couples celebrating a special occasion. Enjoy succulent meals like Coruñesa and Mariscada Verde in the well-appointed dining room and finish with classic desserts like tres leches cake and flan.
Spain Restaurant, 1073 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 946-8686
Park Theatre
The historic Park Theatre, built in 1926 for vaudeville, is now a center for performing arts with everything from concerts and comedy shows to theater and opera performances and movies. There’s also an on-site restaurant and banquet hall.
Park Theatre, 848 Park Ave, Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 467-7275
Haunted Labyrinth
Experience the terror of New England’s longest-running haunted house! Haunted Labyrinth is open from late September through Halloween with admission priced at just $12.
Haunted Labyrinth, 804 Dyer Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 943-8686
Tips for Moving to Cranston, RI
- Take advantage of a strong and diverse economy to find employment
- Choose from many great neighborhoods including beautiful historic districts and the action-packed downtown
- Enjoy a lower cost of living than most of New England
- Choose from top-rated public schools and several universities and colleges within 10 miles
- Be prepared for plenty of rain and snow
Ready for your new life in Cranston, Rhode Island? Call the trusted Cranston movers at Correira Brothers’ Moving & Storage. We’re proud to be Rhode Island’s award-winning moving company with 10+ years of experience!
