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Cranston, RI

Frequently asked questions

Cranston, RI

Cranston, formerly known as Pawtuxet, is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The official population of the city in the 2020 United States Census was 82,934, making it the second-largest city in the state. The center of population of Rhode Island is located in Cranston. Cranston is a part of the Providence metropolitan area.

Cranston was named one of the "100 Best Places to Live" in the United States by Money in 2006. Cranston ranked 36th on the list of "America's 50 Best Cities to Live" in a 2014 survey done by 247wallst.com.

The Town of Cranston was created in 1754 from a portion of Providence north of the Pawtuxet River. After losing much of its territory to neighboring towns and the city of Providence, Cranston itself became a city on March 10, 1910.

Much of the land was purchased by Roger Williams from the Narragansett Indians in 1638 as part of the Pawtuxet Purchase, and the first settler in the area was William Arnold, who was followed shortly by William Harris, William Carpenter, and Zachariah Rhodes. Stephen Arnold, a brother-in-law of Rhodes and William Arnold, built a gristmill on the Pawtuxet Falls and laid out the Arnold Road (modern-day Broad Street) connecting it to the Pequot Trail leading to Connecticut. 

Arnold's son Benedict Arnold became the first Governor of Rhode Island under the charter of 1663. Residents were unable to agree upon a name for a new town for decades, and the Town of Cranston was eventually created by the General Assembly in 1754 from a portion of Providence north of the Pawtuxet River. Historians debate whether the town was named after Governor Samuel Cranston, the longest-serving Rhode Island governor, or his grandson Thomas Cranston, who was serving as Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives at the time that the town was created.

Health and wellness are paramount in Cranston, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Home Care Advantage is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks and recreational facilities managed by Cranston Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Pro Fitness, IRV FIT, and Reflexion Fitness and Wellness. Discover the walking and biking trails in Cranston, such as the Washington Secondary Bike Path and the Meshanticut Park Trail. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Cranston, RI are Roger Williams Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park, and Cranston Public Library.

Population 82,635 (2023). ZIP codes: 02823, 02831, 02905, 02907, 02909–02910, 02920–02921. Area code 401. Elevation 66 ft (20 m). Area 30.02 sq mi (77.75 km²).

FAQs:

Is Cranston, RI a nice place to live?

Cranston is a suburb of Providence with a population of 82,691. Cranston is in Providence County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Cranston offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Cranston, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What is the poverty rate in Cranston, RI?

The average household income in Cranston is $102,800 with a poverty rate of 8.91%. The median rental costs in recent years come to - per month, and the median house value is -. The median age in Cranston is 39.9 years, 39 years for males, and 41 years for females.

Is Cranston, RI on the water?

As the second largest City in the State of Rhode Island, Cranston is home to over 82,000 residents. Cranston is also home to two of our State's premier shopping and dining centers - Garden City Center and Chapel View. Being a vibrant suburban community, Cranston also boasts of rural areas on the western side of the City and a shoreline on beautiful Narragansett Bay to the east.

Sources:

Wikipedia

City of Cranston

Home Care Advantage 

Cranston Parks and Recreation Department

Pro Fitness

IRV FIT 

Reflexion Fitness and Wellness

Washington Secondary Bike Path 

Meshanticut Park Trail

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park

Cranston Public Library

Niche

World Population Review

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.