2023 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  693 reviews

Current Resident: Definitely can be impacted by wealth and racial demographics, but Naperville is a fantastic community for raising children and pursuing almost any career! Many opportunities in the arts and media.... Read 693 reviews

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• Population 149,013

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  510 reviews

Current Resident: I always tell people The Woodlands is not an exciting place to live, but it is a nice place to live. When people from the greater Houston area hear "The Woodlands," they think of The Woodlands Mall. This is the most popular part of town, and it is conveniently located close to the freeway. The adjacent Market Street is an upscale shopping center that looks prettiest at night. Newcomers always point out the excess greenery and ask how we locals can find anything, but I have no problem with all the trees because the town is so well-organized. There are several zoning laws that ensure business and residential areas are clearly separated. There are plenty of franchise restaurants along the town's major streets. There are local churches and well-maintained parks hidden in every neighborhood. A common complaint is that residential streets do not have sidewalks. My least favorite part about TW is that it is a comedy desert. The closest comedy club is a 35-minute drive from the edge of town.... Read 510 reviews

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• Population 115,716

• City in Virginia

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  Rating 4.48 out of 5  272 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Arlington all my life, I went to elementary, middle, and high school here. I love that Arlington is a very safe neighborhood statewide. I've traveled to many other counties and cities in the US, nothing beats it. I'd most likely raise my children in Arlington, VA. Being 15 minutes from the nation's capital and 20 minutes from Maryland is a flex lol! The only downside is that Arlington is solely but surely kicking out minorities by gentrifying all of South Arlington (where I grew up and where my parents own a condo).... Read 272 reviews

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• Population 235,764

• City in Maryland

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  408 reviews

Current Resident: THE BEST PLACE TO LIFE. As a senior in high school I have never wished to live anywhere else. The ability to walk where ever I please is amazing! The small community allows me to bond with my neighbors and grow life long friendships. The schools in the area never fail to amaze me because of the strong community bond. The schools are always finding new ways to keep the community and students involved. Even from kindergarten to seniors in high school are always connected in community service with one another. Growing up in Columbia the convenience has allowed me to grow my individuality. I was able to walk to my friends house or even just to Dunkin to hang out. This gave me a sense of self awareness, individuality, responsibilty, and freedom to grow.... Read 408 reviews

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• Population 105,086

• City in Massachusetts

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  130 reviews

Current Resident: I love it here! Cambridge, MA is the Mecca of Biotechnology, which is what I want to continue in my Professional Career, but also in Graduate School. It is very safe, diverse, The Top Two Universities in the World are here, the salary is high, specially for those who work in Tech and Biotech meaning that you can easily have a great quality of life. Lastly, I highly recommend those who are ambitious and career driven to move here, if you can make it here, you can make it ANYWHERE!... Read 130 reviews

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• Population 116,892

• City in Washington

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  194 reviews

Current Resident: As I reflect on my life in Bellevue, I am filled with optimism about the future. The city's commitment to sustainability and innovation bodes well for continued growth and prosperity. Bellevue's forward-thinking approach to urban planning, transportation, and environmental conservation ensures that the city will remain a dynamic and thriving place to call home. In just a thousand words, it's impossible to capture all the joys and delights of living in Bellevue, Washington. From its dynamic professional opportunities to its cultural richness, natural beauty, and sense of community, Bellevue offers a unique blend of urban vitality and natural serenity. I consider myself fortunate to call this city home, and every day here brings a thousand reasons to smile.... Read 194 reviews

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• Population 149,365

• City in Michigan

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  579 reviews

Former Resident: Truly a magical place! A2 exists in its own world and operates drastically different from anywhere outside the city line. As the most educated city in America, A2 is full of sharp and highly intelligent people. These people tend to be very eccentric, youthful, and sometimes prickly or rude, regardless of age. It's a city of the forever young! Very walkable and dense in the urban center and stunningly beautiful everywhere you go. World-class dining, an incredibly diverse population, and a strong sense of community and optimism. Most of the population is incredibly wealthy which in turn makes living costs incredibly expensive for everyone else. However, living here is worth the price tag for the experience. Pro tip living here: take little trips into the real world (outside city lines) to give yourself a mental break sometimes. A2 is such a highly academic environment (even if you're not in school) it can sometimes be draining and feel like you're trapped in a bubble.... Read 579 reviews

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• Population 122,731

• City in Kansas

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  465 reviews

Former Resident: My family and I lived in a townhouse in Overland Park for three years. It was a great area! Lots to do - shopping, theatres, dinning, parks, bowling, IFly, etc. Great libraries. Appreciated the diversity of the area as we are a mixed race family - didn't experience any racism here. Lots of employers in this area with decent wages. A variety of housing costs - definitely getting more expensive but you still get a pretty good bang for your buck with basements adding to overall floorspace. The roads and parking lots are spacious so I didn't experience too much driving anxiety. The Overland Park school system is nice but they put a lot of pressure on fundraising. Don't miss their annual Carnival - So fun! Watching the news is concerning due to lots of crime in the Kansas City area - we lived in the safer side of town but the lower income areas have a problem with thefts. When choosing where to rent/buy - definitely speak with a local.... Read 465 reviews

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• Population 195,249

• City in California

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  598 reviews

Nearby Resident: I love Irvine! I went to UCI for my bachelors degree and it was a beautiful area. There are many activities to do beyond campus life. My friends and I would ride our bikes in the park and then get food from the University Town center. Irvine became a second home for my friends and I. We would study all day and night in the library and then we would go to the movies in the town center. On the weekend, when we did not have much studying to do, we would go to university town center to interact with other college students. Irvine is not only a great place to raise a family, it is also one of the safest neighborhoods around the area. Additionally, because Irvine is a college town there are many job opportunities If I could, I would live in Irvine to pursue my future buying a house and raising children. To add the cost of living in Irvine is high and over the years has gone up; however, I believe that the cost of living is worth the amazing lifestyle one with achieve by living in Irvine.... Read 598 reviews

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• Population 297,868

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  946 reviews

Current Resident: As a current Plano resident, I love the sense of community and social activities around here. One of my favorite things about living in Plano is the emphasis on outdoor spaces. The city has a plethora of well-maintained parks, trails, and green spaces where residents can enjoy recreational activities, picnics, or simply a leisurely stroll. Places like Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park offer a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. The diversity of dining options is another aspect that makes Plano special. From cozy family-owned eateries to upscale restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, there's no shortage of choices for food enthusiasts. Exploring the local food scene can be a delightful adventure, and it's a great way to connect with friends and neighbors over shared meals.... Read 946 reviews

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• Population 282,181

• City in California

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  206 reviews

Current Resident: Berkeley is a diverse and inclusive city with a mix of residents from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the community and contributes to a wide range of cultural experiences. Also, Berkeley is situated in a picturesque setting with the Berkeley Hills to the east and the San Francisco Bay to the west. The city has numerous parks, hiking trails, and beautiful viewpoints.... Read 206 reviews

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• Population 119,607

• City in California

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  272 reviews

Current Resident: The city of Sunnyvale is beautiful. I am privileged to live near downtown and have convenience accessible, such as transportation traveling from city to city by train, entertainment districts for adults and children to enjoy themselves, and also has stores ranging from farmer's market to retail. Though the city might sound all great, I worry that this beautiful city is being taken advantage of by some people who leave feces, tents, and piles of trash on the sidewalk. I am concerned for visitors and locals walking into places they might feel unsafe and unsanitary. I still have high hopes for Sunnyvale, for the city is still expanding with ongoing construction plans of building apartments and stores. I believe that my love for the city of Sunnyvale will grow as the city grows.... Read 272 reviews

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• Population 155,550

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  335 reviews

Current Resident: Richardson, Texas is a vibrant city that offers a delightful blend of suburban charm and urban amenities. Nestled in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Richardson captivates visitors with its friendly community, diverse cultural scene, and a multitude of recreational opportunities. With its well-planned neighborhoods, Richardson provides a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The city boasts a range of parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking relaxation and leisure activities. Overall, Richardson, Texas offers a dynamic and livable environment with its welcoming community, ample recreational options, educational excellence, and culinary delights. Whether you're considering a visit or a permanent move, Richardson is a city that will capture your heart.... Read 335 reviews

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• Population 115,904

• City in California

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  208 reviews

Current Resident: I am in love with Santa Clara, it's culturally diverse. Hospitals are close and roads are close to freeways. The stores are walking distance. Santa clara electric system is separate from PG&E, making prices cheaper. Water is included in rent. The areas to rent are pet inclusive allowing for people to be with loved ones and having understanding neighbors. There's always a good location to dine in or to even have drinks. Public school systems have pretty well maintained fields and have alot of opportunities. Real estate is expensive however for living costs. Renting is more affordable. Jobs are available and competitive.... Read 208 reviews

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• Population 127,922

• City in Washington

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  1,055 reviews

Current Resident: Seattle is a beautiful city, with so much to explore and experience! I have met so many neighbors and community members that share my love of gardening and I have swapped knowledge and plants with so many of them. My wife has made friends through her love of cooking and baking and has found a similar community within this interest. We both love all of the resources, parks, and shops in our area. The verity of people here, with so many different backgrounds and experiences, is always expanding our minds and our social cercles. There are some drawbacks to living in this area of course; the traffic, the high cost of rent and living, the high rate of homelessness within the population of Seattle. So far, however, my wife and I have made it through every hardship, much thanks to the support of friends and family. We do the same to help out whenever we are able. Living here has been a team effort for many of the folks we know.... Read 1,055 reviews

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• Population 726,054

• City in Wisconsin

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  769 reviews

Current Resident: The buzz that's been surrounding Madison as a desirable city to move to (especially for young professionals or college students) is completely justified. Madison is an amazing city. It really has everything you might want: access to nature and outdoor activities; nightlife such as bars, clubs, and music shows; good public transportation; delicious local food. Madison is a thriving community. Depending on what part of the country you'd be moving from, Madison is expensive. Maybe not California-expensive but it's expensive for the Midwest. Home prices keep going up and rentals get snapped up quickly. That's partially due to people moving here in droves from all the hype it's getting!... Read 769 reviews

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• Population 265,447

• City in California

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  375 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here my whole life, so I may be a bit biased in my review. I love it here, and I think it's an amazing community filled with amazing people, cute restaurants, shops, etc. My reasoning for removing a star is because of the inability to live here if you aren't rich. My parents bought our house almost 20 years ago, so the market was much better. Over the past couple years, many neighborhoods have been gentrified, as well as the small cute village. Low-income families are being bought out of their houses, where developers are building as many condos as they can fit onto a small space of land. No yards, no cuteness, just plain cramped housing. The city gets most of it's revenue from tourism, so I understand why they've been making these developments, but its just heartbreaking to watch my hometown get turned into an urbanized tourist town.... Read 375 reviews

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• Population 114,858

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  1,337 reviews

Current Resident: I love the diversity you see in Raleigh! There's so many amazing restaurants and shopping areas that offer me so many fun experiences. I can always find something to do in Raleigh, which I appreciate on the weekends, and I think it's extremely accessible for people of all ages. I feel safe and comfortable in Raleigh as a gay woman too. The one thing that I would love changed is that cost of living is getting extremely expensive. Apartments are going up in their cost and it's becoming a little less accessible for people of certain income lives. As a student, I do worry about my longevity in my home. I know that there are single mothers or low-income families that also struggle with this worry.... Read 1,337 reviews

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• Population 462,219

• City in California

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  320 reviews

Niche User: I have had an amazing experience living in Torrance. I've lived in Torrance for most of my life and I have met many nice people. Going to school in Torrance was the best school experience I have ever had. When I first went to Madrona Middle School, I was greeted by many nice and respectful students. I have also met very nice teachers who were always there to help me when I needed help. When I transitioned over to high school, it almost felt like I never left middle school because the students are very nice and caring. Torrance will always have a special place in my heart when it comes to making friends and having an education.... Read 320 reviews

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• Population 147,156

• City in Colorado

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  351 reviews

Niche User: As a college student from a small town, Boulder is a very nice area to be! I enjoy the nightlife, although make sure to stay away from The Hill area if you are not fond of loud sounds and lots of people during the night. Because Boulder is a college town there are lots of students running around doing whatever they want. If you look past that though, Boulder is incredibly beautiful and there are lots of places you can go inside the community to get away from obnoxious people. I love it here and find there are so many opportunities and things to do as a young person!... Read 351 reviews

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• Population 104,930

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  429 reviews

Current Resident: I love this town! I live in the suburban area, There are so many things to do, we are close to lakes (Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Austin, etc) and we are close to Kalahari (The largest indoor waterpark). We also have several schools in our district that are very highly educated and diverse. The weather here is very beautiful, it can be really hot, but better than cold/icy. We are close to the malls, like the Domain and Barton Creek Mall, which have a very large selection of items compared to smaller malls. The only con I would say related to Round Rock is that there aren't many things to do that don't cost money. There aren't many pretty views, mostly flat land, or cliffs that drop to lakes. The cost of living is going up daily, and the population continues to grow. I love this town though, and I wouldn't trade growing up in it for anything.... Read 429 reviews

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• Population 117,735

• City in Virginia

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  412 reviews

Current Resident: Great neighborhood and very diverse! Great restaurants as well. There are some road and bridge repairs at the moment that make traffic a bit heavier at times, but once completed should get back to normal. A great private school to mention is Queen of Apostles Catholic School, which really reflects their motto “Faith, excellence & joy”.... Read 412 reviews

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• Population 158,185

• City in Virginia

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1,891 reviews

Nearby Resident: Virginia Beach is a growing city with many opportunities. There are many job opportunities available in every field. The beach is a beautiful place to visit with many attractions to enjoy. The people are friendly. The schools are great! There are a variety of places to shop. The population is very diverse. There are many parks to visit. Because of the growing population, there can be a lot of traffic. The interstate is easily accessible. There are many ways to join others in the community. Churches are plentiful. Recreation centers are available. You can experience all four seasons in Virginia Beach. The weather is beautiful. Virginia Beach has a wide variety of restaurants available to enjoy. There are multi-ethnic markets to purchase food from as well. There is a wide variety of concerts and live music available to enjoy.... Read 1,891 reviews

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• Population 457,658

• City in Georgia

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  217 reviews

Current Resident: Very walkable city with plenty of amenities, offices, restaurants and shopping Perimeter Mall right next door in Dunwoody! There are numerous dentist and doctor office's in Sandy Springs; there are two hospitaks close by (Northside & Emory St. Joseph's). There is also City Springs Theater is a great place to see a show. Traffic is a bit of a pain, but not unusual for the Atlanta area!... Read 217 reviews

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• Population 106,605

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  744 reviews

Nearby Resident: College Station, TX, is a vibrant and welcoming community that offers an exceptional blend of academic excellence, southern hospitality, and a rich cultural tapestry. Home to Texas A&M University, one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education, College Station provides a nurturing environment for students and families alike. With its strong sense of community, diverse recreational opportunities, and a thriving local economy, College Station is more than just a city; it's a place where people come together to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.... Read 744 reviews

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• Population 116,276