As you search for the perfect place to buy a home, you may also be hunting for the perfect place to raise a family. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up some of the best cities, towns, and areas to move to (when you have the whole family in tow). The last thing you want to do is pay those hefty moving expenses, only to realize you moved your little ones to a neighborhood with a high crime rate and poorly-rated public schools.
The best place to live in the USA for families will need to be affordable, fun, and demonstrate a solid commitment to high-quality education. Luckily, plenty of options out there check all of these boxes.
Best Place To Live in the USA for Families: Our Top Picks
Some of the best cities in the US for raising families include Huntsville, AL, San Jose, CA, and Green Bay, WI. Each of these cities has come out on top, thanks to its highly rated schools, flourishing job markets, and low crime rates.
Huntsville is a great spot for anyone interested in pursuing a career in space exploration. Green Bay is all about community (and a bit of football during those long winters). San Jose, on the other hand, is acclaimed for its highly-rated public schools and family-oriented neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Cambrian Park.
Family-Friendly Cities with the Highest-Rated Public Schools
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Naperville, IL
- Bellevue, WA
Ann Arbor, Naperville, and Bellevue boast top-rated public schools, each offering a unique ambiance. Ann Arbor is ideal for families who crave the convenience, walkability, and vibrant energy of a downtown city center.
Naperville, on the other hand, is a suburban area with expansive parks and community events, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a quieter, more spacious setting. Overall, Naperville is a great place for children who need plenty of space to play and burn off energy.
Bellevue strikes a balance between urban and suburban living, offering proximity to Seattle’s downtown center while maintaining that suburban feel.
Family-Friendly Cities with Thriving Job Markets
- Raleigh-Durham, NC
- Huntsville, AL
- Austin, TX
With an average salary of close to $62,000 in Raleigh-Durham and $61,000 in Huntsville, you’ll surpass the national salary average and have enough money in the bank to purchase (or rent) in a family-friendly location. Another great thing about both Raleigh and Huntsville is the strong availability of jobs, especially in the tech sector.
Austin has a similarly impressive job market. As a result, Austin has seen significant population growth as folks flock to greener career pastures. But earning potential and family friendliness aren’t the only factors you’re considering. In Austin, people find the climate to be somewhat similar to California. And who doesn’t want to savor beautiful California weather on a budget?
All three of these family-friendly locations with strong job markets offer a variety of neighborhood options, from downtown condos and apartments to suburbs with tree-lined streets.
Most Affordable Family-Friendly Cities
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Hickory, NC
- Fort Wayne, IN
If money is a concern, Grand Rapids, Hickory, and Fort Wayne all offer affordable living and a wide availability of jobs in a range of industries–not to mention a wide selection of restaurants and parks built with families in mind.
All three cities have a cost of living index in the 85-90 range, below the national average of 100.
Cities like Grand Rapids and Hickory, in particular, offer low-cost housing options for renters and home buyers alike. In Fort Wayne, the average cost for a home is in the $220,000 range.
The Safest Family-Friendly Cities
- Madison, WI
- Green Bay, WI
- Irvine, CA
Everyone should have the privilege of raising their family in a safe area with low crime.
While most large cities, like Madison, WI, have higher crime rates than neighboring suburban areas, Madison is still considered one of the safest big cities in the nation. In Green Bay, the property crime rate is 17.51 per 1000.
In Irvine, CA, violent crime rates are .83 per 1000, well below the national average. In all three of these cities keeping your property and your family safe should be a little easier.
Family-Friendly Cities with Pristine Parks
- Minneapolis, MN
- Alexandria, VA
- San Francisco, CA
Nothing beats a Saturday morning at the park with the family. In Minneapolis, Alexandria, and San Francisco, there are plenty of great parks and recreational areas with a family-friendly feel. Notable parks in Minneapolis include Minnehaha Park and Theodore Wirth Regional Park. In San Francisco, you can’t miss Golden Gate Park or Dolores Park.
These cities recognize that green spaces aren’t just a want, they’re a need for families who strive to lead a healthy lifestyle
Metropolitan Cities That Are Family-Friendly
- Sunnyvale, CA
- Boulder, CO
- Nashville, TN
Suburban areas, such as Sunnyvale and Boulder, blend the culture and feel of a big city with the charm of a small town. You can safely (and comfortably) walk the streets of Sunnyvale, Boulder, or Nashville with your kids in tow.
Another great thing about all three of these cities is the desirable temperatures. Although Boulder is prone to some harsh winters, most of the year can be spent enjoying the outdoors.
Family-Friendly Cities With the Lowest Average Commute Times
- Austin, TX
- Green Bay, WI
- Boise, ID
Life is busy, a more time spent commuting means less time spent with family. When raising kids, even an additional 10 or 15 minutes of commute time saved is well worth it. After all, you don’t want to miss a single minute of your little one’s childhood.
Areas like Austin, TX, and Green Bay respect that, offering shorter commute times and plenty of livable communities just outside the heart of the city. If you need some work-life balance, this is a place to find it.
The Most Diverse Family-Friendly Cities
- New York City, NY
- Tucson, AZ
- Houston, TX
Diversity is more than just the numbers; it’s a feeling that engulfs you when you set foot in that city. In places like New York City and Tucson, there’s a learning opportunity around virtually every street corner.
From cultural groups to holiday celebrations to unique restaurants, these cities are melting pots where traditions thrive and differences are celebrated If you want to raise your children in an environment where they can grow up learning to respect people from all walks of life, these cities will help you reach that parenting goal.
Summary
This list may have given you some of the best options to move to. Now you need to plan that move! If you need to downsize or declutter as part of this move, don’t forget to consider Neighbor – the cheaper, closer, safer storage marketplace. You’ll find storage spaces from Washington to Maine and everywhere in between. The best part is the pricing is nearly 50% lower when compared to traditional storage options. Having your things stored in your neighborhood gives you peace of mind and proximity should you need access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is the Safest Place in the USA for Families?
Irvine, California, is often considered the safest place in the US for families. If you are planning a cross-country move, expect lower-than-average crime rates and community-focused residents.
What Is the Best State to Raise a Family Financially?
Utah has a high median family income combined with a lower cost of living.
What Is the Best City to Raise Children?
Madison, Wisconsin, has a strong educational system and family-friendly activities all year long. If your children are still young, this is a great place to move in large part because of the Madison Children’s Museum, libraries, and community centers–all of which appeal to curious little ones.
