I was lucky to grow up in a suburb of San Diego. I was near the beach, with sunny weather, good friends, plenty to do, and a safe community. But not all kids are as lucky as I was.
Moving to a new home might seem like a huge headache, but did you know around 25.6 million Americans, or 7.8% of the population, did it just last year? It’s proof that finding the right place to live is a big deal for so many of us.
If you’ve got kids, you’re probably searching for a neighborhood that’s not just secure but also ticks all the other boxes—affordable housing, great schools, and solid job opportunities. It’s a lot to think about, but finding the perfect spot is not impossible.
A recent study by WalletHub looked all over the U.S. to find the most ideal spots for families according to data like accessibility to health care, the local economy, schools, and more. These cities got the best marks across the board for raising a family.
Fremont, California
Living in Fremont means having Silicon Valley and San Francisco just a short drive away, which locals love—but for families, there are even better reasons to call it home.
Over half of the families here have children under 18, and with a median family income of around $122,000 (adjusted for cost of living), it’s easy to see why. The city offers plenty of park space, top-rated schools, and tons of summer camps. Only 1.4% of kids lack health insurance, and just 1.1% of the population struggles to access healthy food.
Overland Park, Kansas
It’s amazing how Overland Park offers a higher median income than most of the country yet keeps the cost of living affordable. Ranked second overall, this Kansas City suburb is known for its low unemployment rate, high family income, and some of the lowest separation and divorce rates around. It’s also safe for kids, boasting one of the lowest traffic fatality rates.
For over 30 years, locals have enjoyed fresh, farm-to-table goodness at the beloved farmer’s market. And if your kids are into sports, they’re in the perfect spot—O.P. is the country’s top city for soccer!
Irvine, California
Some might say the challenge of living in Irvine is affording it. With living costs 52% above the national average, a median home price of $1.71 million, and average rent around $3,105 a month, it’s no small investment.
Irvine ranks third for good reason. The city boasts top schools in the Irvine Unified School District and private options like Westcliff Preparatory Academy. It’s also one of the safest cities of its size, with the lowest violent crime rate per capita. With major employers like Broadcom and UC Irvine and easy access to Los Angeles and San Diego, Irvine will benefit the entire family.
Plano, Texas
Ask anyone about Plano, and they’ll probably mention the schools—it’s a huge draw for families. The Plano Independent School District consistently ranks among Texas’s best, offering A.P. courses, tons of extracurriculars, and excellent STEM programs. And with big names like Toyota, Liberty Mutual, and J.C. Penney based here, the job market is thriving.
Plano ranks as the fourth-best city to raise a family, scoring high in socio-economics, health and safety, and affordability. It’s known as a close-knit community that looks out for their own.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s a fantastic place to raise children, but only if you can manage the high cost of living for a family-sized home. The good news is that it has lots of well-paying jobs, especially in tech and communication, with giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia. And with no state income tax in Washington, you get to keep more of your paycheck to enjoy life with your family!
Seattle also has top universities like the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound. The city’s culture is rich, with tons of music, theater, good food, and museums to explore.
Gilbert, Arizona
With the highest percentage of families with young kids, it’s no surprise that Gilbert is a favorite for parents. The A-rated Gilbert Public Schools serve over 33,000 students across 39 schools, offering a great education with a low teacher-to-student ratio. The city also boasts low crime rates and no worries about natural disasters.
This family-friendly spot offers the best of a quaint small town and convenience of a big city, with easy access to nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale. Gilbert hosts events like the Gilbert Outdoors Festival and Movies in the Park, along with low-cost programs for all ages through Parks and Recreation.
San Jose, California
Raising a family here is mostly great, aside from the long commutes and heavy traffic, especially if you live in South San Jose and work in places like Palo Alto. If that’s not an issue, the city offers a lot in return.
The area is home to great schools, including Stanford University in nearby Palo Alto, and has a booming tech scene with big names like Google, Apple, and Adobe. Add in world-class dining and 300 sunny days a year, and you’ve got a pretty sweet deal for the entire family.
San Diego, California
San Diego offers impressive schools with an 85% graduation rate and a 19:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Beyond school, there’s plenty of fun for everyone, like safari tours at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and trips to Legoland in Carlsbad.
While the cost of living is high, San Diego offers a safer environment with a crime rate of 10% lower than the rest of California. With a low 5.9% unemployment rate, the city’s job market is competitive, and you can enjoy perfect weather year-round without breaking the bank on beach vacations.
Boise, Idaho
Boise prides itself on its strong sense of community, with friendly locals and plenty of events, farmers markets, and neighborhood gatherings. Its downtown is full of culture, dining, and shopping, making it a lively spot for many families.
With a low 3.6% unemployment rate and a booming job market, Boise is a great place to grow your career. While the cost of living is about 4-5% higher than average, it’s still more affordable than many other cities. Just keep in mind the public transportation system is still developing.
Huntington Beach, California
Locals and tourists love Huntington Beach for the miles of beautiful coastline and excellent surf breaks. But it’s also a fantastic place for families, with a perfect mix of recreation and top-notch schools.
The schools here score 19% higher than the national average, and the Huntington Beach Union High School District is highly rated. With events like the California Wine Festival and Surf City Nights, you’ll never get bored here. Plus, it’s a walkable town, making daily life here both convenient and fun.
Source: WalletHub
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