Best Community #1: Cranston

Best Community #1: Cranston

Cranston was once part of Providence and didn’t gain independence as a city until 1910—but now the state’s second largest community has certainly grown into its own, rising to the top of our list of the best communities.

“It’s definitely an honor to be the best community,” said Mayor Allan Fung.

Cranston leads the pack with plenty of affordable housing, solid schools, and strong scores across all categories. And, with rich ethnic communities, coastal gems like Pawtuxet Village, interior farmland, and the bustling Garden City Shopping Center, Cranston certainly has it all.

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“It’s a great community. I love it. It has so many things to offer. It has a proud past and a very promising future,” Fung said. “It’s a great place to live and work and play.”

 

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: 81.65%

ECONOMIC CONDITION

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $44,108.00

EFFECTIVE PROPERTY TAX RATE: $15.84

EDUCATION

NECAP SCORES 4th Grade

Reading: 75%

Math: 64%

NECAP SCORES 8th Grade

Reading: 78%

Math: 59%

NECAP SCORES 11th GRADE

Reading: 75%

Math: 23%

SAFETY

Violent and property crime total over population: 2.90%

ARTS & CULTURE

Total number of theaters, museums/galleries, libraries, golf courses, and restaurants & bars: 120