What Are the Best Cities To Raise a Family In the U.S.?
Best Cities To Raise a Family — FAQs
Q: Which city is the best to raise a family?
A: Ranked by Niche as the No. 1 best city to raise a family is Naperville, IL.
Q: Where is the best place to settle down and raise a family?
A: Niche has Chesterbrook, PA, ranked at the top of its list for “Best Places To Raise a Family in America.”
Q: Where is the best place to raise a family in the U.S. that’s also affordable?
A: Sandy Springs, GA, and Overland Park, KS, are two affordable options to raise a family in the U.S. on this list.
Q: What is the #1 state to raise a family?
A: One of the best states to raise a family is Massachusetts — especially in Cambridge.
15 Best Cities To Raise a Family
It may seem overwhelming when you’re looking for the best cities to raise a family, since there are so many good choices. But it’s important to consider factors such as what part of the country you want to live in, the cost of living you can afford, and what the safety ratings are like. Keeping that in mind, here are 15 family-friendly cities you can’t go wrong with.
1. Naperville, IL
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
- Average home value: $576,800
- Great for: Schools, affordable housing, public safety, small businesses
Ranked by Niche as the #1 best city to raise a family is Naperville, IL. This thriving city is just over 40 minutes west of Chicago, and here you’ll find that there are all sorts of reasons to call it home. Naperville has held the title of one of the “kid-friendliest cities” in the U.S. since 1997, and it offers families not only fantastic schools like Neuqua Valley High School and Naperville North High School but also lots of ways for kids to get involved in sports and recreational activities.
You can enjoy the Springbrook Prairie Park and the DuPage Children’s Museum, or check out the family-friendly events at their award winning public library. Centennial Beach is a waterpark that offers a pool, splash pad, and swimming lessons. And Naperville prides itself on its safety for all, as it’s safer than 54 percent of all U.S. neighborhoods and comes with a 1 in 115 chance of becoming a victim of crime, according to NeighborhoodScout.
2. The Woodlands, TX
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
- Average home value: $311,300
- Great for: Housing options, being environmentally friendly, outdoors
One of the best cities to raise a family in Texas is The Woodlands, which is under 40 minutes north of Houston, TX. It has some of the best public schools in the state and an affordable housing market, and people even like retiring here! The Woodlands High School and the Creekside Forest Elementary School are standouts among the schools, and they offer lots of athletic, academic, and art opportunities.
Kids will love playing outdoors at the Bear Branch Park and Sports Fields or swinging from the trees on a ropes course at the Texas TreeVentures. The Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is another great spot for kids to learn to love the water and offers waterslides, a lazy river, and a splash pad. You can also go fishing at the nearby Bo Fleming Pond.
3. Arlington, VA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,625
- Average home value: $801,000
- Great for: Parks, camps for kids, nature centers
Always wanted to live near the nation’s capital? You can when you move the family to Arlington, VA. Located across the Potomac River from historic landmarks like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial is where you’ll find this tight-knit community that offers a lot of options for growing families. Bring the kids to one of the many green spaces in the area, such as Alcova Heights Park that offers residents a playground, a basketball court, a diamond field, and a volleyball court. You could also visit the Long Branch Nature Center, which has trails, a children’s Discovery Room, live animals, story times, and campfires for a variety of ages.
And at the Arlington Public Library, you can sign your kids up for a children’s art camp or get the kids involved with a new sport or activity like dance. Arlington offers programs and classes for tots all the way to teenagers, so you’re sure to find something your kids can really enjoy in this lovely city.
4. Irvine, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,125
- Average home value: $1.56M
- Great for: Public schools, outdoor recreation, aquatic centers
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is one of the best suburbs in California to raise a family — Irvine. This family-friendly city is just around an hour south of Los Angeles on the I-5, and it’s not only in the top 5 places in the U.S. to raise a family, according to Niche, but it’s also the No. 1 place to live in Orange County.
If you have younger kids, they’ll love spending time at the popular Pretend City Children’s Museum, which provides real-world learning experiences designed as play and includes a post office, a cafe, and a farm. Parents also love that the public schools of Irvine are highly ranked, including Orange County School of the Arts and University High School. And The Great Park in Irvine is a fantastic place to spend the day, where you can enjoy a carousel, the views from the Great Balloon, playgrounds, a sports complex, and an educational center.
| Q: What are the best cities in Florida to raise a family? A: Tampa, Gainesville, and St. Petersburg are some of the best cities in Florida to raise a family. |
5. Carlsbad, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,200
- Average home value: $1.55M
- Great for: Public schools, outdoor activities, access to the beach
You and the family can enjoy seven miles of pristine beaches, friendly locals, and year-round beautiful weather when you live in Carlsbad. Located around 40 minutes north of San Diego, this beach town has a lot to offer families, especially if you’re looking for a quieter pace of life. The beaches are some of the biggest draws, and you can spend time with the whole family at Tamarack Surf Beach, Terramar Beach, and South Ponto Beach. Get the kids surf lessons through the Pacific Surf School or take a kayaking trip in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and learn about the animals and plants that live there.
Families are also drawn to the great schools in the area, and their children excel at highly rated institutions like Canyon Crest Academy, Sage Creek High School, and Pacific Ridge School. And although San Diego is close by, you don’t have to leave Carlsbad to find family-friendly activities. Whether you want to sign the kids up for sports or art camps, visit the popular LEGOLAND California and the Sea Life Aquarium, or check out the local skate park, there are lots of options for families to enjoy in Carlsbad.
6. Richardson, TX
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
- Average home value: $458,800
- Great for: Kids of all ages, public schools, outdoor adventures
Another great Texas city to raise a family in is Richardson, TX. This city is just under a half hour north of Dallas and is well known throughout the state for its great school district that includes schools like Lake Highlands High School, Apollo Junior High, and Bowie Elementary.
The tree-lined streets offer kids the chance to get outside and play, and the community prides itself on its police presence and emphasis on maintaining a safe area for everyone. There are also lots of parks and trails like Prairie Creek and Canyon Creek Park available for walking or biking with the family.
This charming town offers a lot of ways for kids to be involved and explore new areas of interest, as well, whether they do it through the activity programs at school or through the city. Kids can choose to play sports like baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, or pickleball, or they can delve into creative or STEM activities and camps that explore interests such as dance, music, cooking, or science.
7. Overland Park, KS
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
- Average home value: $441,900
- Great for: Jobs, housing, public schools
Ranked by Niche as the No. 2 best city to buy a house in the U.S. is the family-friendly area of Overland Park, KS. It is located just 20 minutes south of Kansas City, making it a quieter area that’s full of nice places to call home. Families love that there’s a lot to do here, and younger kids especially enjoy visiting the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead that features 250 animals, flowers, vegetables, and even a one-room schoolhouse. Children can also learn about the native Kanza Tribe or go fishing in the pond.
Overland Park has an Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, as well, where kids can learn about native species and spend some time outdoors in nature. In fact, this city encourages kids to stay active and has 83 parks for sports and playing as well as more than 10 miles of trails to check out.
8. Columbia, MD
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,125
- Average home value: $498,300
- Great for: Outdoor fun, peaceful community, proximity to major metros
Not only is Columbia, MD, a safe place to raise a family, but it was also ranked by Money Magazine as one of the most desirable places to live in the country in 2022. This city is located just southwest of Baltimore and is only 50 minutes away from Washington, D.C. So if you’re looking for a place to raise your family that also has easy access to some thriving cities, Columbia should be on the top of your list!
This area was designed to have everything residents need close at hand, which includes great schools like River Hill High School and Pointers Run Elementary School, as well as shopping and green spaces. Take the kids to the beautiful Lake Kittamaqundi, for example, to walk or bike along the scenic trails. Or head over to Robinson Nature Center for educational programs and the chance to meet new animals. And the community offers all kinds of ways to get the kids involved in sports, crafts, and the arts with the Columbia Association, so there will always be something fun to do.
9. Ann Arbor, MI
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
- Average home value: $520,200
- Great for: Public schools, access to the outdoors
If you want your kids to receive a top-notch education, then consider checking out the city of Ann Arbor, MI. Niche ranks it the No. 2 city with the best public schools in the U.S., and you’ll find lots of options for kids of all ages, including Huron High School, Clague Middle School, and Wines Elementary School. Ann Arbor is also just 50 minutes west of Detroit, and it is home to the University of Michigan.
Residents with kids especially enjoy spending time in one of the city’s 162 parks, where you can find all kinds of things to do. From playing pickleball and basketball to going swimming, canoeing, and ice skating, you won’t have a hard time finding a way to stay active. In fact, you can sign the kids up to learn how to swim, play hockey, or take a painting class all through the robust Ann Arbor community programs.
| Q: What is one of the best cities in Tennessee to raise a family? A: Nolensville is considered one of the best cities in Tennessee to raise a family. |
10. Cambridge, MA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,775
- Average home value: $1.02M
- Great for: Schools, beautiful neighborhoods, young professionals
Although this Massachusetts city is ranked by Niche as the best city for young professionals in the U.S., there are plenty of families that call this upscale city home. Cambridge is right across the river from the bustling city of Boston, and it’s also home to the prestigious Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Folks who want to raise a family flock to this city because it offers plenty of ways to keep kids active and get a great education. Kids particularly love spending the day playing along the shores of Fresh Pond or playing soccer and baseball/softball at the nearby Danehy Fields. The Charles River also offers residents with kids all kinds of fun activities, whether you want to learn how to kayak, row, or just want to walk the trails as a family.
And you don’t have to go to Harvard to get a great education in Cambridge, as younger kids can attend the Gibbs School, the Commonwealth School, or Boston University Academy.
11. Bellevue, WA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,725
- Average home value: $1.45M
- Great for: Outdoor activities, public schools, green spaces
If living in the Pacific Northwest has always been a dream of yours, make it a reality when you move the family to beautiful Bellevue, WA. This city is ranked No. 2 on Niche’s list for the best suburbs to live in Washington, and it’s just under 20 minutes across Lake Washington from Seattle. Families like Bellevue because it offers 2,500 acres of parks, playgrounds, and green spaces, as well as over 80 miles of trails perfect for walks or biking. Visiting the Kelsey Creek Farm is also a great way to allow your kids to get up close with farm animals, learn about Bellevue’s history, and even explore historic barns.
Do you have kids that love the theater? Then you’ll be pleased to know the Bellevue Youth Theatre is a thriving community that puts on all kinds of wonderful productions. There are lots of theater opportunities, and even classes and camps to help hone young acting skills.
12. Sunnyvale, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,100
- Average home value: $2.04M
- Great for: Outdoor fun, public schools, living in Silicon Valley
One of the best cities to raise a family in California is picturesque Sunnyvale. This city is situated in Silicon Valley and is just a short drive from San Jose and San Francisco. Sunnyvale has highly rated public and private schools for your children to attend, including Castilleja School, Mountain View High School, and The Harker School. Residents can also take advantage of the natural beauty of this part of California and get outside in 772 acres of parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. Lots of families in this community also love to take the kids on the many greenbelts and trails that offer stunning views of the bay.
13. Plano, TX
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
- Average home value: $528,700
- Great for: Outdoor activities, welcoming community, shopping
If you’ve always wanted to live in a Texas-sized, family-friendly city, then consider living in Plano, which is one of the best cities in the country to raise a family, according to Niche. Plano is just 30 minutes north of Dallas, has everything growing families could need, and comes with a lot of Texas hospitality.
Whether you want to spend the day out on Lewisville Lake swimming or boating, explore all the colorful fun to be had at the Crayola Experience, or take the kids bowling at Pinstack, there’s always something going on in Plano. Kids in Plano can also take advantage of community sports, sign up for art classes, or be a part of a play group that builds skills and friendships.
14. Sandy Springs, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
- Average home value: $657,200
- Great for: Good schools, water recreation, affordability
The affordable city of Sandy Springs, GA, is located 25 minutes north of Atlanta and 27 minutes from Marietta. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Center is one of the top perks of raising your kids in Sandy Springs. There, they can kayak, canoe, or just enjoy the trails along the beautiful Chattahoochee River. Families especially love having picnics and taking in the views at the Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Not to mention, there’s an ice arena, a gymnastics center, and a performing arts center, as well, where kids of all ages can get involved.
15. Santa Clara, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,200
- Average home value: $1.68M
- Great for: Parks and recreation, good schools, popular attractions
Rounding out our list of the best cities to raise a family in the country is Santa Clara. Close to Sunnyvale, Santa Clara is located near San Jose and features lots of beautiful neighborhoods and easy access to water activities on the bay. Residents with families also appreciate the great public school system, which offers schools like Cupertino High School and Laurelwood Elementary School.
And kids will enjoy the easy access to parks, a skate park, swimming pools, community sports teams, and the Roberta Jones Junior Theatre. You can spend the day at California’s Great Adventure when you live in Santa Clara, as well, or get out on the track and race each other at the K1 Speed Indoor Go-Karts venue.
Let PODS Help You Move to One of the Best Cities To Raise a Family
Whether it’s one of the best cities in Texas to raise a family, or you go with a city in another state, any of the options on this list will give you what you’re looking for. And when you’re ready to make the move, consider using a portable storage container from PODS. You can have it delivered right to your driveway, so you can load and pack on your own schedule. Then when you’re ready to go, a PODS driver will come and pick up the container and take it to your new home. Not ready to have it delivered to your new space? PODS can store it in a secure storage center.
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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