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. 

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 are even less so. While it is not without growth, and 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 as 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.



LookyLOO Review  of 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 entertains 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 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. 

To see what locals get up to for fun in Cranston, check out the [calendar of events](https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ri--cranston/events/). 

We highly recommend visiting Cranston and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.


Punches Above its Weight

Lifestyle

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 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 

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?

Anonymous
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

I’ve lived in Eden Park and grew up in Edgewood. I like it here. Edgewood is objectively the nicer neighborhood, but they’re similar in age and layout. Parts of Eden park are quite nice. Cranston is not progressive politically, if that’s what you mean, but you won’t have trouble finding like-minded people around. Eden Park has Rolfe Square for restaurants and shops, which has really turned around in the last several years. Garden City is also very close.

Providence is probably more your vibe, both politically and in terms of walkability. But avoiding major streets in a city isn’t going to happen. That being said, it’s an old city with narrow streets and is relatively pedestrian-friendly more times than not, so it’s not like you’re crossing four lane highways most of the time.

For more reviews of what living in Cranston is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/cranston/reviews).


Reviews of Cranston from Locals

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

**Gribblestix**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

Eden Park/Rolfe Square is great. Quiet and walkable.

And there are the nearby restaurants, Dave’s Marketplace, and an overall friendly family vibe. Eden Park residents pay close attention to what’s happening in the neighborhood as there’s an elementary school nearby.

Very excited for the brewery coming to Rolfe Square.

My one gripe is that I wish there was a dog park and or more opportunities to meet more people my age group w/o kids.

Anonymous
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

I’ve lived in Eden Park and grew up in Edgewood. I like it here. Edgewood is objectively the nicer neighborhood, but they’re similar in age and layout. Parts of Eden park are quite nice. Cranston is not progressive politically, if that’s what you mean, but you won’t have trouble finding like-minded people around. Eden Park has Rolfe Square for restaurants and shops, which has really turned around in the last several years. Garden City is also very close.

Providence is probably more your vibe, both politically and in terms of walkability. But avoiding major streets in a city isn’t going to happen. That being said, it’s an old city with narrow streets and is relatively pedestrian-friendly more times than not, so it’s not like you’re crossing four lane highways most of the time.

AlexanderTheAllright
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Welcome to RI! I hope you like it, I think our little state has a lot to offer. I live in East Cranston by Rolfe Square, which may be considered a blue collar / middle class area. Not super nice, but not the slums. My son and I go bike riding all over with no issues, and my wife often goes running or walking alone without any concerns. Honestly, we actually love it here. 

Cranston, Rhode Island

DUM VIGILO CURO

Looklyloo Score: 88

Reviews

What's it like to live in Cranston?