Cranston, RIBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

New England winters are cold on average. During the summer, temperatures can reach 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, and February is the month most likely to receive snowfall. 

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

Cranston averages 200 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.

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 on 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.

One of the most charming places in Cranston is the Meshanticut Park and Pond. It’s well-known among locals but not always widely recognized by visitors to the area. The park and pond are both excellent places to get outside and stretch your legs. Visitors can take advantage of the area’s walking paths, a scenic pond, and several recreational spaces for picnics and birdwatching. 

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.

Chapel Grille is a well-loved spot in Cranston. Housed in a beautifully restored chapel on a hill, Chapel Grille boasts both decadent dishes and great views. The menu features a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from seafood and steaks to innovative pasta dishes and several vegetarian options.

The Columbus Theatre, located in the nearby West End of Providence, is a historic venue that often hosts live music concerts, theater performances and other events. With its intimate atmosphere and architectural charm, the Columbus Theatre is a hot spot destination for Cranston locals willing to make the quick drive over to Providence. 

Caffe-Bon-Ami, Inc. on Park Avenue is a popular coffee shop among Cranston locals. The food is delicious, the service is fast, and some even claim it sells the best coffee in New England.

The economy in Rhode Island is largely shaped by manufacturing and service-based industries, so it is 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 significant employers.

In 2024, 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 no major colleges or universities are located in Cranston, several higher education institutions are within driving distance.