Cranston Apartments and Rentals

Located 10 miles south of Providence, Rhode Island, Cranston is the third largest city in the country's smallest state with a population of 80,392, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A thriving suburban community, the city of Cranston has both a beautiful shoreline along the Narragansett Bay to the east and quiet farming communities to the west. With such a diverse and growing population, many Rhode Islanders are looking for Cranston apartments for rent so that they can be a part of a tight-knit community just moments away from everything Providence has to offer.

Formerly dubbed Pawtuxet, the city's beginnings date back to 1638 when Roger Williams and 12 other proprietors purchased the Providence area from Native Americans. After over a century of skirmishes over property between Williams and other Pawtuxet residents, the town's lines were drawn and city was incorporated in 1754 with a population of 1,460 inhabitants.

When the Industrial Revolution took hold of the mid-Atlantic states, many immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Greece came into the Providence area in search of the American Dream. Ever since, Cranston has remained a multi-ethnic community that embraces citizens from all walks of life.

Cranston is near Brown University, the seventh oldest institution of higher learning in the country and part of the esteemed Ivy League. Students here can expect a world-class undergraduate, graduate or doctorate education in an urban setting with a diverse campus of students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Students looking for Cranston apartments who wish to commute to the Providence area should begin their search in early summer to find the perfect place. 

The majority of residents in the Cranston area are employed by the City of Cranston and the State of Rhode Island. However, Cranston's largest private company is Citizens Bank, who employs around 1,880 people in the area. Although there are several manufacturers and distributors in the community, the city's close proximity to Interstate 95 entices many Cranston residents to downtown Providence for work as well.

Considering it is so close to a metropolitan area, it is surprising that Cranston enjoys a cost of living index that is 4 points lower than the national average, according to city-data.com. As of 2009, the median gross rent was $983 per month. Because the median household income is nearly $5,000 more per year than the state's average, it is no wonder that Cranston is becoming well-known as one of Providence's most sought after communities.

The Sprague Mansion is a historical home that housed the family of a cotton mill tycoon in the early 19th century. The sprawling 2 ½-story, gable-roofed house built in 1790 is a wonderful example of late colonial architecture. Home to the two sons of William Sprague after his death, many in the area believe the home is haunted since Amasa, one of the Sprague brothers, was murdered here in 1843. Popular with ghost hunters and supernaturalists, this home is a great attraction for tourists and locals alike.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the country, is a point of pride with many locals. Sitting on 40 acres of property and popular with young and old, this institution is home to a variety of animals from all over the world.

To find a Cranston apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.