Living in Cranston, RI offers a suburban lifestyle with a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. As one of the largest cities in Rhode Island, Cranston is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and convenient location near Providence. The city’s rich history is reflected in its well-preserved neighborhoods, such as Pawtuxet Village, which is one of the oldest settlements in the state.
Cranston’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from classic Italian eateries to contemporary American cuisine. The city’s Garden City Center is a popular shopping and dining destination, featuring a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and seasonal events. The annual Gaspee Days celebration is a local favorite, commemorating the historic burning of the HMS Gaspee with a parade, arts and crafts, and a reenactment of the event.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Cranston provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Roger Williams Park and Meshanticut Lake, offer scenic spots for picnicking, walking, and enjoying nature. The nearby Pawtuxet River provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of Rhode Island.
Cranston is also known for its strong commitment to education and family-friendly environment. The city’s schools are highly regarded, making it a popular choice for families. Cranston hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the St. Mary’s Feast and the Cranston Greek Festival, which bring residents together to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and community spirit.
For those considering a move to Rhode Island, Cranston offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort, historical charm, and modern conveniences. Whether you're drawn by its rich history, outdoor activities, or welcoming atmosphere, living in Cranston, RI provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Nothing Found
No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.
Cranston, Rhode Island is a medium-sized city with a population of 81,252 inhabitants. At 76%, the majority of the Cranston population is White; this is followed by 7% Asian and 6% Black. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Cranston, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Cranston, Rhode Island could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Cranston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Rhode Island and national averages.
Cranston has a livability score of 84 out of 100 and is ranked #1 in Rhode Island and #523 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Cranston ranks well in multiple categories! Cranston also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Cranston ranks very well for amenities (B+), crime (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+). Cranston does not do well for the following: cost of living (D-). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Cranston has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Cranston has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Cranston gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 119 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Cranston, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.41% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Cranston apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Cranston is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Cranston come in at $257,400, which is 8.1% higher than the Rhode Island average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cranston, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 14.6% lower than the Rhode Island average.
| Statistic | Cranston | Rhode Island | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.7% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.6% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.7% | 2.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.1% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.4% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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