Cranston, RI

Cranston, Rhode Island

Introduction to Cranston, Rhode Island

Cranston is located in Providence County and is the third largest city in Rhode Island. It's included in the Providence metropolitan area and is recognized as a suburban community. The majority of the citizens reside in the eastern region of Cranston which features a shoreline along the beautiful Narragansett Bay. The western portion of the city includes rural landscapes. It features numerous noteworthy historic sites.

History

The Narragansett Indians were the original inhabitants. In 1638 William Arnold constructed a house in the region now known as Cranston. He is recognized as the first Englishman to reside in the area. In 1754 Cranston was incorporated as a town. The early years featured an agricultural based economy. The Industrial Revolution attracted a vast number of immigrants from Europe. During this era, the mills were major employers.

Attractions

Cranston includes the National Historic Districts of Lippitt Hill, Pawtuxet Village, Furnace Brook and Oaklawn Village. The city includes numerous other attractions including:

• Narragansett Park was one of the first auto race tracks in the United States.
• Sprague Mansion, an historic, beautiful home is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Thomas Fenner House is considered to be one of the oldest houses in the state.
• Governor Sprague Mansion was the former residence of the prominent Sprague family. It includes 28 rooms. The carriage house and the stable features pony carts, a Bicentennial Conestoga wagon, carriages and sleighs.
• Joy Homestead is a historic farmhouse showcasing antiques.
• Confreda Greenhouses and Farms features a farmer's market and hayrides on the weekends.
• Mardi Gras Ball occurs nearby and is a popular event.
• Garden City Center is a notable outdoor shopping mall.

Activities

The Budlong Pool is one of the biggest outdoor swimming pools in the United States. Golf enthusiasts enjoy the Cranston Country Club. The Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School provides outdoor rock climbing courses. The John L. Curran Management Area is a large forest acreage featuring maple, oak and beech trees and two ponds. Residents and visitors enjoy ice skating at the large Cranston Veteran's Memorial Ice Rink.

Transportation

The city is served by the T.F. Green International Airport. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides bus service for the city.

High Points

Cranston strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Rhode Island):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. State)	Top 13%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 18%

Comparative Profile of Cranston, RI

Comparing Cranston to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Rhode Island (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Female Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Cranston Almanac

Cranston Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Cranston Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Cranston residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Cranston, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Cranston Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Starbucks in Cranston

Wal-Mart in Cranston

Cranston High Schools (2004)

CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL WEST
80 METROPOLITAN AVENUE
401-270-8049
Serves 1,806 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.5

CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL EAST
899 PARK AVENUE
401-270-8126
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,613 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.1

CRANSTON CAREER & TECH CENTER
100 METROPOLITAN AVENUE
401-270-8070
A Vocational School

Cranston Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island

(List of All Rhode Island Colleges)

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