Cranston is a city that believes in investing in its residents. Community outreach programs, social welfare services, senior citizen services, childcare services, and many other public amenities are local features. There are publicly funded affordable housing programs, drug addiction rehabilitation programs, and mental health facilities. The [**Comprehensive Community Action Program**](https://www.comcap.org/) is one of the city’s largest employers, allowing residents to earn a living while giving back to their community. In addition, the public parks, historical society, and other local programs that call Cranston home help to further the city’s greatness. If you are looking for a city that enriches the lives of its residents, look no further than Cranston. 


Community Investment

The Best Thing About Cranston

It is generally agreed that the toughest issue facing Cranston is the low growth rate. Cranston is estimated to grow at approximately .01% per year. Newcomers from other parts of Rhode Island are uncommon, and transplants from other states even less so. While it is not without growth, and in fact it surpassed Warwick as Rhode Island’s second largest city in 2017, the city does not expand at a very fast rate and the lack of increasing tax base impacts the financial side of the city as well is the energy the community receives from newcomers. As such, be prepared to live in a small and somewhat insular community if you move to Warwick; if you are someone who prefers a constantly-evolving urban environment, another city might be more to your liking


Low Growth

The Worst Thing About Cranston

Cranston supports a wide variety of lifestyles. It is more urban than other local towns, offering amenities such as an active nightlife and a solid restaurant scene. The historical society offers entertainment for those interested in the Revolutionary War, while the public library and parks department often put on events for families. Common occupations in Cranston include working in the public administration, technology, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, social services, and finance. It is considered an excellent place to raise a family thanks to its high quality schools and very safe streets. It's also a solid place for young urban professionals thanks to the diversity of the economy. 


Punches Above its Weight

Lifestyle of Cranston

Cranston’s schools are above the state average and rate a [**B on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/cranston-public-schools-ri/). Two of the solid high schools include, [**Cranston High East**](https://www.niche.com/k12/cranston-high-school-east-cranston-ri/?map) and [**Cranston West**](https://www.niche.com/k12/cranston-high-school-west-cranston-ri/?map), both known for extracurricular and athletic programs, and with West rating a bit higher for academics. Elementary schools such as [**Orchard Farms**](https://www.niche.com/k12/orchard-farms-elementary-school-cranston-ri/?map) exceed state averages in test scores and student performance. In total, the city boasts fifteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools.


Schools of Cranston

Cranston is rated one of the [**50 best cities in America**](https://247wallst.com/special-report/2016/10/26/americas-50-best-cities-to-live-in/) and one of the the [**50 Best Places to Live for Families**](https://fortune.com/well/ranking/best-places-families/2023/?utm_source=Iterable&ut%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dm=email&utm_campaign=best-places-to-live-2023&tpcc=NL_Marketing) in 2023 Fortune rankings. It is selected for its beauty, safety and reasonable costs relative to economic opportunities. What are better endorsements than these?


Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Why You Should Move Here Now?

Bordering Washington Park and boasting tree-lined streets, Edgewood is one of Cranston’s most desirable neighborhoods. Well-preserved Victorian homes are a prominent local feature, alongside two well-regarded inns. It's a peaceful, walkable neighborhood, perfect for families and college students. It is also home to a marina and two yacht clubs. Edgewood Highland Elementary School serves the neighborhood, and is well-regarded by locals. Average home list price is $326,000, a stellar example of the luxuries Cranston offers at lower prices than much of the rest of the country.


Families

Edgewood

Auburn personifies Cranston’s spirit of community outreach beautifully. From the many youth programs offered at their branch of the public library to numerous public parks and an overall higher level of walkability than other neighborhoods, Auburn is a family and service oriented neighborhood through and through. It also features easy freeway access, making it ideal for commuters. [**William DuTemple School**](https://www.niche.com/k12/wr-dutemple-school-cranston-ri/) serves elementary schoolers. Average home list price is $324,258.


Families/Young Professionals

Auburn

Garden City is considered one of the crown jewels of Cranston by many families. Its combination of Cape Cod, Colonial, and Ranch style homes give it a picturesque beauty, while its lack of cookie cutter subdivisions lend it a natural, eclectic charm. Garden City Center is also one of Cranston’s most beloved retail centers, with options for clothing, health and beauty, and fine dining outlets. [**Garden City Elementary School**](https://www.niche.com/k12/garden-city-school-cranston-ri/) opened its doors recently, and has already established itself as being up to par with the rest of Cranston’s elementary schools. Average home list price is $365,114.


Garden City

Comstock Gardens is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Cranston, with a huge number of privately-owned single-family homes. Many were built in the 1970s, with an average list price of $512,583. Numerous greenhouses, churches, and retail outlets reside in the area, giving residents ease of access to whatever they may need. Elementary schoolers attend Orchard Farms School, one of the area’s best-rated elementary schools. If you are looking for a place for your family, money is not an object, and you want only the very best for your children, Comstock Gardens may offer the home you have been looking for. 


Comstock Gardens

Cranston

**What is Cranston like?**


Cranston is the best city in the state. Taxes have been flat for 4 out of the last 6 years, the city is in fantastic financial shape, lots of parks, best library system in the state, strong community groups across the entire city, excellent shopping and supermarket choices, easy access to every major highway in the state, minutes from Providence. . .Good police department, great fire department, hospital is seconds away, entire city is covered so your house won't totally burn down like living in the woods in South County where they are all volunteer fire departments. Schools are decent and actually exceptional considering the demographic and socioeconomic makeup of the student body. Most urban school districts are behind Cranston. It's a good place to raise a family. We moved here from Warwick and found there is way more community feeling and spirit, much more love for the city. Neighborhoods have more character. Lots of good restaurants.

**Living in Cranston?**

**Hi everyone! Hope you’re all enjoying the storm. Looking for some local insight on living in Cranston— I know they have a bit of a reputation, but curious to know what those who live there think. We are 25, no kids, love coffee, good food, and biking/walking most places.**

Ny husband and I lived there in our mid to late 20s and liked it. Centrally located and easy to take an Uber to PVD for date nights, etc. He was working in Cambridge and it made the commute to the Attleboro T easy and I work all over New England so easy access to 95 is great. We lived in the Park View neighborhood and while houses are small and on top of each other, safe neighborhood and right off of the highway. There are some decent bars within 10 min that have good food (Brass Monkey, Thirsty Beaver, Stadium Pub and Shannon View), buttonwoods brewery is great as well. Awesome Italian food (Cucina Rustica and Basta) and awesome pizza (Big Cheese and Betolla). Sonja’s for sandwiches we miss everyday. There are real nice neighborhoods in western Cranston but likely out of the 300-325 range unless it’s a fixer up. Western Cranston is way more space, but less convenient to 95 (close to 295 though). Pawtuxet village is probably my favorite part of eastern Cranston and a cute place to walk around. I liked biking Roger Williams park or walking if I was with someone, just be aware it can get a little shady, especially at night. One of my girlfriends was going for a walk and a dude was whacking off 50 yards away in broad daylight watching her. For your budget, I would look into Park View or anything near Garden City. Garden City area will be on the upper end of your budget but a nice area. For real good coffee we did usually go to Providence (Dave’s and white electric) but there are decent enough spots around Cranston (Latte Love and some little spot right across from the Cranston stadium I always forget the name). I would avoid the areas super close to park Ave and behind Cranston East high school, not that it is super dangerous or anything, just not as nice in my opinion. I don’t mind the area behind the stadium though and there are always lots of houses for sale over there. If you can find something in the neighborhood behind Cranston West it’s a hidden gem as well. We enjoyed our time in Cranston, but during Covid my husband got the green light to work from home most days and we wanted more space/land. Moved to North Kingstown and love it, but miss the food options up that way for sure.

**Living in Cranston?**

My fiancée and I are both in our early 30s (no kids) we moved from Boston to the Forest Hills area of Cranston about a year ago. Overall we love the area and the neighborhood. I would say it’s a good mix of young families, older long time residents, and young couples. For example, we got over 100 kids for Halloween this year! Super close to Providence, we sometimes take the bus to downtown for brunch or to walk around. You’re under 10 min for all the providence has to offer and also close to Warwick for more retail shopping. There’s also a ton to do just in Cranston. Garden City has good shopping options and I’m really excited about the reopening of the Park Theater that was just announced. It will have the theater for movies and live productions, coffee shop, comedy club, and dinner club. All within a 10 min walk. We brought for just under $320 in March 2021 and I know prices have gone up, but you can still find homes from under $350.

Cranston, Rhode Island

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