Rhode Island : Safety by City
- Burrillville
- Cranston
- Cumberland
- Jamestown
- Johnston
- Little Compton
- Narragansett
- Newport
- North Kingstown
- Pawtucket
- Providence
- Warwick
- Westerly
- Woonsocket
Cumberland, Rhode Island, set in the picturesque Blackstone Valley, is rich with history dating back to the 17th Century and offers wonderful outdoor activities.
Initially known for its agricultural endeavors in the mid-160s, Cumberland soon became a thriving hub of industry during the American Industrial Revolution, thanks to its abundant waterways and natural resources.
Mills, factories, and bustling communities sprung up, shaping the town’s landscape and economy.
One of Cumberland’s most intriguing features is Tower Hill Road, infamous for its alleged hauntings and ghostly sightings.
Whether due to local legends or simply the eerie ambiance of its wooded surroundings, Tower Hill Road attracts thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike, adding an element of mystery to the town’s allure.
Beyond its spooky reputation, Cumberland enchants visitors with its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
From the tranquil trails of Diamond Hill State Park to the serene waters of the Blackstone River, nature lovers will find plenty to explore and enjoy.
Meanwhile, the town’s vibrant community spirit shines through in its bustling downtown area, where local businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions thrive.
It also has a great location, just 20 minutes to Providence and less than an hour from Boston.
Warnings & Dangers in Cumberland
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Enjoy a low-risk in Cumberland while enjoying the outdoor areas and local historic sites. Keep your basic safety practices going, but this is a safe area.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers several routes around Cumberland throughout the Providence region. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful. A rental car will give you more flexibility when traveling. All options are low risk.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in Cumberland in the past five years. That's a low risk, but never let your guard down because of a low risk.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Major winter storms and hurricanes are the biggest threats here, but unless there's a storm churning in the forecast, the risk is low. Stay weather aware because the higher risk problems can be very dangerous if you aren't prepared.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
This is a low risk, with five or fewer robberies each year since 2017. It would be more likely someone would break into a car than rob an individual.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risk is low here in this somewhat remote area. Plus, as a largely residential area, there's no hard target to protect. If you see something suspicious, please call local law enforcement at 401-333-2500. It's better to be unsure and report it than miss reporting something important.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
The police department has a list of common scams and how to spot them, but those are largely a concern for residents, not visitors.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women enjoy the same low risk as everyone else. I would recommend not hiking alone if you can avoid it, or at least tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. I also like to create a "check-in" on Facebook as I start a solo hike, so my last known location is detailed along with my planned destinations.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The 2022 Water Quality Report shows full compliance across the board and no violations. The only water issue might come during a flood, but there would be plenty of information sent out about that.
Safest Places to Visit in Cumberland
Cumberland doesn’t have its own tourist website, but you can join the Facebook group called “Cumberland, RI’s Events and Activities Page!”
Visit Rhode Island is the tourism site for the state which will cover this region.
You can also visit the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor website to learn about the historic spots along the river across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Discover Cumberland’s rich history by visiting local historic sites such as the Arnold Mills Historic District or the Hearthside House Museum.
If you’re looking for performance art, check out the Blackstone River Theatre schedule.
Embrace the outdoors at Diamond Hill State Park, which features hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
“The Big Hill” offers views of Boston on a clear day.
Nearly four miles of trails in the park make a challenging but not too time-consuming outdoor opportunity.
Look for sparkles in the rocks that lend the name to “Diamond Hill,” made of mica embedded in the rocks.
Epheta Park stands as a verdant oasis within Cumberland’s embrace, a treasured parcel of town-owned land spanning one acre yet connecting to more than 21 acres of a trail system through the Blackstone River Valley.
Take a relaxing break in Monastery Park, a tranquil green space with walking paths, picnic areas, and scenic views.
An abandoned monastery building resides here, with short trails spanning in different directions.
Some were meditative paths used by the monks.
Others come with a more somber tale, like the Nine Men’s Misery Trail, leading to a place where nine colonists were tortured by the Narragansett Indian tribe during King Philip’s War.
The oldest veterans memorial in the nation is believed to be here.
You can also explore the larger outdoor options through the Cumberland Land Trust, with seven properties ranging from swampland to scenic vistas.
One of those locations is Catamint Brook Preserve.
I’m intentionally putting it here between places to visit and places to avoid based on your belief in ghosts and haunted places.
The road that leads to the preserve is Tower Hill Road.
It’s widely regarded as one of the most haunted in the country, with apparitions of a little girl or boy on the side of the road.
A “monkey man” has also been spotted.
In any event, the road is narrow, winding, and dark and should be explored with caution, regardless of ghosts.
However, you can now make the decision to visit or avoid it.
Places to Avoid in Cumberland
Cumberland is a safe town with no bad neighborhoods.
It’s also a highly residential area.
Unless you are visiting here for a reason, you’ll find more hotels and things to do closer to Providence.
You can also choose to stay just across the Massachusetts state line.
You should also know that Cumberland has a lot of steep hills, which can make winter driving undesirable, especially if you aren’t used to it.
If you were thinking of moving to Cumberland, I could tell you all kinds of reasons why it’s a great destination.
As a tourist spot?
Not so much.
However, the city is just 20 minutes from Providence, so if you want a quieter place to stay while still being close to urban amenities, this fits the bill.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Cumberland
- Cumberland has its own police department. You can follow them on Facebook @CumberlandRIPD, @cumberlandripolice on Instagram, or @CumberlandRI_PD on X. The phone number is (401) 333-2500 if you have specific questions.
- Sign up for CodeRED alerts, which will cover incoming severe weather, weather damage, road closures, water main breaks, and other public safety hazards. You can choose to get text messages, emails, or phone calls.
- If you are involved in a minor car accident, you don’t need to call the police to come to the scene. A form online can be filled out which will be required by your insurance company to cover the damage. You need to fill out this form while you are there and take it to the police station. Emails and faxed copies aren’t accepted.
- Since Cumberland is so close to Massachusetts, use New England 511 to track traffic, road conditions, and construction work. You can see all the New England states instead of having to jump between different apps and maps.
- Fishing requires a license in Rhode Island and there’s a separate one for saltwater fishing vs. freshwater fishing. It can be purchased online through Rhode Island Outdoors or at local approved vendors. Carry it with you at all times while fishing.
- Rental car drivers will want an all-wheel drive vehicle in the winter to navigate the icy and snowy roads. A parking ban will be in place when more than two inches of snow accumulates. That will prevent you from parking on the streets but allow snow plows to clear the roadway.
- Many bobcats have been reported on the trails in Cumberland. While these animals generally leave humans alone, they will attempt to interact with pets sometimes. If you see any wildlife while visiting the outdoors, contact the state Department of Environmental Management online in the section titled Report Wildlife Observations.
- Rhode Island is prone to flooding, and there are several hot spots in Cumberland. Review the most recent news reports to learn about the most common flooding areas, as repairs and improvements could lead to the information I currently have becoming outdated in the future.
- Learn the difference between weather watches and warnings, as it’s critical for your safety to be prepared to hunker down during a winter storm warning but just on alert for a winter storm watch. Hurricane warnings mean you should get out of town. Local media and police will tell you the safest evacuation spots.
- After hiking in the woods, always scan your body (including delicate areas like armpits and groin) for ticks. These tough bugs can spread disease and should be removed immediately.
So... How Safe Is Cumberland Really?
Never has a safe city provided so many scary moments for visitors.
While Cumberland is safe across the board and one of the safest places in New England, it is also known for its ghost stories and (alleged) paranormal activity.
The violent crime rate is 74% lower than the state average and 89% lower than the national average.
Theft rates are 72% below the national average.
The city has seen only three homicides in the past decade.
About 37% of all thefts are related to car break-ins or accessory thefts, like those pricey catalytic converters.
Simply locking your car, rolling the windows up, removing personal items, and parking in a well-lit area can lower that risk immensely.
In addition, theft is down 67% over the past decade, showing a steady pattern of reducing what used to be a problem area.
About 1–2 cars are stolen each month, and that’s a state-wide problem being addressed by local and state law enforcement.
Of course, if you’re here ghost chasing or driving the “most haunted road,” that means you’ll be out at night, and the risk goes up.
Just use common sense and situational awareness to enjoy the safe community of Cumberland, Rhode Island.
How Does Cumberland Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cumberland | 84 |
| New Orleans | 57 |
| Baltimore | 56 |
| Boston | 67 |
| Washington DC | 56 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Detroit | 56 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visas are required to enter the U.S. unless you qualify for a Visa waiver. That information is available on the U.S. State Department website. A passport that isn't within six months of expiring will be paired with that Visa to make entry through Customs and Border Patrol easier.
Currency
You can exchange currency at the airport if you don't take care of that before your trip to your home bank. Most ATMs will work with major credit cards and debit cards but expect to pay higher fees.
Weather
Four seasons make packing easy, depending on the time of year for your trip. Bring beach clothes in the summer with sunscreen and water shoes. Bug spray is needed from spring through fall.
Airports
You'll be about 30 minutes from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Those flying out of Boston Logan International Airport can expect an hour on the road.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance gives peace of mind for delays, cancellations, and emergency health issues. There is no free healthcare in America, and out-of-pocket costs can be incredibly high, even for basic issues like a sprained ankle.
Cumberland Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 3 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 18 | 12 | 6 |
| Low °C | -7 | -7 | -3 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 6 | 1 | -4 |
| High °F | 37 | 39 | 46 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 82 | 77 | 64 | 54 | 43 |
| Low °F | 19 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 48 | 57 | 64 | 61 | 55 | 43 | 34 | 25 |
Rhode Island - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Burrillville | 79 |
| Cranston | 88 |
| Cumberland | 84 |
| Jamestown | 82 |
| Johnston | 79 |
| Little Compton | 81 |
| Narragansett | 82 |
| Newport | 80 |
| North Kingstown | 83 |
| Pawtucket | 80 |
| Providence | 68 |
| Warwick | 85 |
| Westerly | 82 |
| Woonsocket | 65 |
