The neighborhoods of Cranston, Rhode Island
There are over 30 neighborhoods and villages in Cranston. Some of the most notable include:
Auburn – Cranston’s downtown area sits in an area called Auburn, which is also home to an extensive residential section. Park Avenue features numerous restaurants and shops, in addition to a theater, City Hall, and a high school, while Pontiac Avenue and Reservoir Avenue also have shopping and dining. The I-95 runs through this section of the city, too, providing direct access to downtown Providence.
Edgewood – Bordered closely by Providence to the north and Warwick to the south, Edgewood is Cranston’s only waterfront neighborhood. This area sits on the shores of the Providence River, and features marinas and yacht clubs, making it a popular place for locals to spend their time.
Howard – You probably won’t live in Howard once you move to Cranston, but there’s a good chance you’ll work there. This section of town doesn’t have much in the way of residential properties. Still, it is home to multiple correctional facilities, the RI Office of the Attorney General, a hospital, the Rhode Island Lottery offices, some car dealerships, and numerous industrial sites.
Oaklawn – If you’re working in Howard, Oaklawn is an excellent place to live because it’s right next door. This village on the south end of town features a sizeable residential area, in addition to some shopping and dining along Oaklawn Avenue. Oaklawn is also a historic area that is highlighted by the Edward Searle House, one of the oldest structures in all of Rhode Island.
Knightsville – The neighborhood of Knightsville sits at the north end of Cranston and is mostly residential. There are some shops and restaurants on Atwood Avenue and Phenix Avenue, however, in addition to schools and parks. Knightsville is perhaps best known for the Feast of Saint Mary, a week-long annual event featuring a carnival, fireworks, and, of course, a large meal.
Meshanticut – Many families choose to live in Meshanticut because it’s away from the central parts of the city and home to Meshanticut State Park. This park has a lake that provides a great place to fish and a surrounding wooded area where you can do some hiking.
A brief history of Cranston, RI
The land that is now Cranston was part of 1638’s Pawtuxet Purchase when Roger Williams bought a large section of property from the Narragansett tribe. This purchase created the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, which would later become one of the original 13 colonies of the United States.
For over 100 years, Cranston was part of Providence, but in 1754, it separated to form a town of its own. In the coming years, Providence and Warwick would slowly annex land from Cranston, leading to it incorporating itself as a city in 1910.
How to spend your time in Cranston
Cranston isn’t the liveliest place in the state, but it doesn’t need to be thanks to its proximity to both Providence and Washington County. For shopping, check out the Garden City Centre, a major shopping mall located in the Garden City neighborhood, which is just north of Howard.
If you’re interested in checking out some historical sites, the Norwood Avenue Historic District, Pawtuxet Village, and the Governor Sprague Mansion are worth a visit. Many of the buildings are restored and allow you to step back in time to see how life in this part of the country operated centuries ago.
For outdoor activities, Pawtuxet Oxboes Park has baseball diamonds and wooded trails, while Budlong Pool is one of the country’s largest outdoor swimming facilities. The pool area also has fields and basketball courts, making it an excellent place to spend the day.
You can also do some swimming or fishing in John L. Curran State Park, while Cranston Stebbins Stadium is a meeting place on Friday nights, as there is always a high school football game in the fall.
Just outside of Cranston is Roger Williams Park Zoo, the state’s largest, and some of the country’s most beautiful beaches are nearby in places like Warwick and Narragansett.
You’ll always find things to do in Cranston, and if you don’t, you’re only minutes from other towns and cities that will meet your needs.
Buy a home in Cranston, RI
Buying a home in Cranston, Rhode Island, places you minutes from downtown Providence, yet in a quieter atmosphere filled with parks, nature, and open spaces. You can also drive from Cranston to the ocean in less than half an hour, so you’re never far from a completely different environment.
