Cranston Named One of 50 Best U.S. Cities to Live

CRANSTON, RI— The city's economic and civic renaissance is paying off, according to Mayor Allan Fung.

"For the third year in a row, Cranston has been named one of America’s 50 'best cities to live' by 24/7 Wall Street," his office said.

Plus, it's the only Rhode Island city on the list, and one of very few nationwide, Fung noted, to make the cut three years in a row.

The website's editors dubbed Cranston “the most livable city in Rhode Island and one of the most livable in New England,” when consdering quality of life, strong finances and low crime rate, some of the key factors used to determine this year’s ranking.

The city actually improved its ranking this year by moving up from the 41st spot to No. 34, between Charleston, S.C. and Boca Raton, Fla.

“We’ve held the line on taxes and attracted businesses, both big and small," he said. "Our rainy day fund is more than $20 million and the largest of any community in Rhode Island. We have quality schools, an accredited and accomplished police department and a diverse and growing business community,” Mayor Fung continued. “I am proud that Cranston is being nationally recognized as a great place to live and work and wish to thank everyone in the community who have helped make this happen.”

Proximity to Providence -- while not actually living in the capital city -- helped, the editors said, in that “city residents can take advantage of cultural venues in neighboring Providence, the largest city in the state, while enjoying some better living conditions in their home city.”

By better conditions, they cited the fact Cranston's violent crime is 75 percent lower than in Providence. The unemployment rate is also lower; plus salaries are relatively high when compared to the rest of the state. And real estate is doing well.

"The median home value in the city is pegged at $223,300—a whopping $23,100 increase from 2015," Fung's office said.

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