Experiencing New England weather, winters, on average, are cold. During the summer, temperatures can go as high as 90 degrees. The average highs and lows are 80°F and 66°F (summer) and 41°F and 28°F (winter). 

The average annual snowfall in Cranston is around 35 inches, with February being the month most likely for snowfall. 

The average annual rainfall in Cranston is 48 inches, and March is typically the wettest month. 

Cranston averages 202 sunny days a year.

Pawtuxet Oxboes Park is full of flora and fauna and incredible vistas. The J. L. Curran Management Area is a nature preserve graced with deciduous hardwood trees like oak, maple and beech. There are many other parks, including Brayton Park, Meshanticut State Park and Doric Park, and two playgrounds, Hilltop and Village. In addition, plans for the Budlong Pool, a community spot, have been announced for its targeted reopening in the summer of 2024 after a multi-phase redevelopment.

Del’s Frozen Lemonade, a beloved Rhode Island brand, had its first stand in Cranston. 

Take a stroll around Pawtuxet Village, whose origins predate the American Revolutionary War. In the present day, this neighborhood has restaurants and coffee shops and hosts community events. Or browse the Pawtuxet Village Farmer’s Market, one of the oldest in Rhode Island. It takes place Saturday mornings from early May through late October at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. 

Mulligan’s Island, a 64-acre complex, provides fun activities for all ages; it even makes for a nice place to hold a birthday party. Try your hand at mini-golf or take a swing at the batting cages. If you want more of an “edu-tainment” experience, the MobileQuest STEM Center provides engaging STEM activities and challenges for students in grades K-8. The Cranston Public Library system has six locations throughout Cranston. Some of these libraries host regular events such as story times. Cap the afternoon off with a visit to the Cranston location of Newport Creamery, where youngsters can order kid-friendly meals. Try the New England classic, Awful Awful, an ice-milk-based drink.

Garden City Center has been a retail fixture in Cranston for over seven decades. The center contains top store brands and serves as a community space with various events and a free public library.

The economy in Rhode Island is largely shaped by manufacturing and service-based industries, so it’s no surprise that the largest industries in Cranston include health care, retail trade, and professional and technical services. For example, CVS Health has administrative offices in Cranston, and Fidelity Investments has a regional headquarters in the city, making both major employers.

In 2023, the sales tax rate in Cranston is 7%. 

Yes, Rhode Island has a state income tax.

Cranston residents can stay in good health at any of the providers located in the Providence metropolitan area. Nearby providers include the Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Miriam Hospital. 

Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities located in Cranston, there are several higher-education institutions within driving distance.