2022 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  670 reviews

Nearby Resident: It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! I love being here!... Read 670 reviews

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• Population 147,734

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  480 reviews

Current Resident: Amazing little town! There are plenty of walking and biking trails, everyone here seems to be health conscious which is awesome. There are trees everywhere and everywhere you go is clean and beautiful.... Read 480 reviews

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• Population 114,532

• City in Virginia

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  Rating 4.51 out of 5  253 reviews

Current Resident: Arlington is great for college students! Lots of restaurants and places to shop. It is so close to Washington D.C. that it is easy to find internships, jobs, and other opportunities. You can take the metro from Arlington right into Washington and get to see all the museums, galleries, food places, and the monuments. Housing can be a little expensive so it is best to find roommates to split the cost. Everything is so close that you do not really need a car unless you want to travel out further than the metro or a bike can take you. Plenty of coffee shops and study places, and the mall is a nice place to grab food and do work. The local shops and businesses really like to employee college age kids and they pay good for a part time job. They make applications easy and will let you know quickly. There are several options for grocery stores that are pretty cheap depending on where you go. With it being a city, you can also have groceries delivered to your apartment which is awesome!... Read 253 reviews

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• Population 236,434

• City in Kansas

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  452 reviews

Current Resident: Overland Park is a nice, warming, growing city, with lots of fun hidden things to do. For example, there are many fun hiking trails, exhibits, and neat restaurants to eat. Overland Park is apart of Kansas City, which is known for their barbecue. Because Overland Park is centralized, it is near downtown KC and other downtown areas. With lots of new land open for building, you can be apart of either a new or older neighborhood. Its a growing city with lots of opportunities to have fun, relax, and get out!... Read 452 reviews

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• Population 193,412

• City in Maryland

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  396 reviews

Current Resident: I love Columbia! There are so many great things to do. For example, in the spring, I like to walk the beautiful paths. I enjoy biking the loop around Lake Kittamaqundi and Wild Lake. I have frequented the Columbia Association’s pools and gyms to better improve my health. The Festival of the Arts and summer concert series held on the lake front are also a favorite of mine. Overall, I love Columbia’s outreach and wonderful ways to enjoy Maryland’s nature.... Read 396 reviews

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• Population 105,412

• City in Michigan

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  551 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 551 reviews

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• Population 121,093

• City in Massachusetts

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  125 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 125 reviews

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• Population 117,822

• City in Washington

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  179 reviews

Current Resident: Bellevue is a wonderfully safe city with well funded private schools that offer academic rigor. It is a very racially diverse city and is home to major companies such as Microsoft which offer many job opportunities. It has a very active city life during the day and has many restaurants with diverse menus, as well as large shopping malls. The city offers Metro transportation buses that are completely electric fueled, however buses are very often subject to late arrivals. Despite its good qualities, Bellevue is a very expensive city to live in with the average house costing 1.5 million. Goods and services are also very overpriced, and have risen sharply due to inflation.... Read 179 reviews

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• Population 146,145

• City in California

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  566 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 566 reviews

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• Population 272,694

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  921 reviews

Former Resident: Plano is a great area for those who want to be nearby enough to downtown Dallas without actually living IN downtown Dallas. Almost everything is very easily accessible and its just a short drive to get to all of the fun in the Dallas area. The downtown Plano has a small city-life feel, and I think it's absolutely adorable. I highly recommend this area if you like the city!... Read 921 reviews

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• Population 288,870

• City in California

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  195 reviews

Current Resident: Living in Berkeley has been an extremely eye-opening experience. I am currently attending the University of California Berkeley so I have been able to experience the city first hand. The public transportation is excellent and punctual. The city is dense. but not so much that it feels congested. This makes it easy to get around with or without a car, which is important for young students. The northside seems like a great place to raise a family, while the southside provides a range of shops and nightlife to engage in. It is truly a city that has something for everyone.... Read 195 reviews

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• Population 123,065

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  322 reviews

Current Resident: Mid-level college town close to Dallas. Lots of restaurants, but also lots of traffic. It has pretty parks. There are a lot of stores nearby, and many events happening. It is overall very safe too. I like living here. It's a diverse place depending on where you go, some areas are very "segregated" almost. I like the suburb atmosphere and the location is amazing with being minutes away from Downtown Dallas and not too far from Fort worth/ Arlington area. The cost of living in this city is not too high, the schools are continuing to grow and the safety is increasing with awareness and funding. There is plenty of things to do, see, and eat for all ranges of families. Richardson as a city is a really good balance between suburban and urban life. There are small neighborhoods where it feels like you know everyone around you but there are also nearby metro cities that make the environment feel extremely lively.... Read 322 reviews

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• Population 118,583

• City in California

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  263 reviews

Current Resident: A lifelong resident of Sunnyvale, and it is a great place to live! Many great public schools and parks are within walking distance throughout the city. The traffic is not too bad for the most part, and there is a Caltrain station downtown, in addition to many bus stops. There are also a lot of opportunities in the area.... Read 263 reviews

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• Population 152,569

• City in Wisconsin

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  745 reviews

Current Resident: Madison is a wonderful city with a lot to offer! It feels very safe, has a fairly reasonable affordability (especially compared to places on the coast), and has great amenities (extensive bike path system, metro transit). The only downside for me is that the food is not as good as everyone thinks. Coming from the east coast where seafood is actually fresh and incredible cuisine is abundant, the food scene here is a bit of a step down.... Read 745 reviews

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• Population 258,366

• City in California

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  367 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in NYC, lived in L.A. and Marin County, CA and then moved to Carlsbad when it was time to start a family. We've lived in Carlsbad for 25 years now, first in La Costa Valley and now Olde Carlsbad, which is my favorite area of town (custom homes! no sidewalks! no HOAs! ocean views!). I love this city, and my neighbors. Unlike most of coastal California Carlsbad still leans conservative, meaning that I'm still able to find others who share my values. The local beaches are beautiful and I love being able to walk and bike along the local beach without needing to sit in traffic or struggle to find somewhere to park, all year round. Carlsbad's downtown area is fun with great restaurants, a farmer's market, and a huge biannual street fair. I feel lucky every day to live here.... Read 367 reviews

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• Population 114,411

• City in Colorado

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  338 reviews

Current Resident: Boulder is a clean location with an inspiring dedication to environmental care and wellness. It has made countless commitments to altering every-day functions for the sake of combatting climate change, and the city as a whole has become a leader and model for green urban living. It attracts a lot of athletic-driven people, specifically because of its highly-accessible mountains (with hiking, skiing, etc.) and has a general theme of athletic and wellness (you'll often see people jogging, biking to work, or doing other related sports). However, there is low diversity (Boulder is well known for its "Boulder bubble" and lack of exposure to diversity) and the general demographic caters to more wealthy people (housing here is expensive). It also has an issue with the fair and equal treatment of unhoused persons, and lacks a commitment to helping these people. Despite the diversity/homeless problem, Boulder is very liberal/democratic and is a safe area for LGBTQ+ youth and BIPOC.... Read 338 reviews

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• Population 108,777

• City in Washington

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  1,004 reviews

Current Resident: Lived in this city most my life, almost 40 years. Due to the tech industry it’s ungodly expensive now. However, it’s a fun city, beautiful, so much to do. Lots of sports, art, cinema, and nearby nature and winter sports. It’s very progressive so if that’s you you’ll fit in. The homeless issue is bad, but hardly homeless everywhere. Mostly downtown and in Ballard both historically seedy locations. Residential areas are safe and I see kids riding their bikes, playing ball and walking home from school when driving around the residential areas. The biggest problem in Seattle is the traffic. Since it’s the employment hub of the area people from all over come to work. The cities population during the day is around 700k but during the weekdays it gets over 2 million people in the city limits to work and shop! Be warned the traffic is terrible at certain times. And due to the geography it’s almost impossible to build alternative routes and transportation. Great place to find work though.... Read 1,004 reviews

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• Population 741,251

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  1,293 reviews

Current Resident: Overall i’ve loved growing up in Raleigh. To me it’s kind of like you get a tiny piece of different cake every corner you go to. so many experiences and different people you can meet all within a 25 mile radius. Downtown is really the life of the party. My main connection to downtown is one that most purple who grew up around here may be able to relate to. There is a popular child-friendly museum located in the heart of the city that my school would have us go on a field trip to every year of my elementary school duration. I recently went there because the high school I currently attend was hosting a charity ball in that building. It always amazes me how full circle this city can be and you don’t really realize it as an insider. This is one of the many reasons Raleigh is a great area to visit because it can easily feel like home. Take it all in and you’ll have a ball!... Read 1,293 reviews

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• Population 469,698

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  412 reviews

Current Resident: It is very nearby to many big and upcoming areas like Austin, Georgetown, Pflugerville, and Hutto. There is so much to do with city wide events, baseball games at the Dell Diamond, and America’s largest indoor water park resort, Kalahari!... Read 412 reviews

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• Population 128,812

• City in California

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  206 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 206 reviews

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• Population 126,723

• City in California

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  310 reviews

Current Resident: I believe the city of Torrance is a diverse and safe city in Southern California! The Torrance unified school district is one of the best districts, and also has the best hospitals in the area. A very family friendly town with so many parks and things to do, not to mention all of the good food that comes out of this town.... Read 310 reviews

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• Population 144,430

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  724 reviews

Current Resident: College Station is a great place to live as a college student. The cost of living here is relatively inexpensive. The community overall has a positive impact on those within it. There are great food options! It is also right in the middle of pretty much all the major cities. The neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city center are mostly residential and are the homes to many families. College Station is great for all ages and family sizes. It is a big city with a small town feel.... Read 724 reviews

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• Population 115,802

• City in Virginia

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  Rating 3.99 out of 5  1,829 reviews

Current Resident: Lots of great dinning options. Local gems like Citrus that was featured on diners drive ins and dives. A diverse population. Strong military presence, visit the Wisconsin for some military history and a sense of national pride! Be aware that there will be rush hour traffic and bridge opening you should plan your traveling around. Of course the local beaches are amazing but visit when it’s not the peak of summer! Unless you want to come for something in the water, it was canceled because of the pandemic but the previous year was amazing. A lot of big name performers have concerts at Veterans United. There is a lot of outdoor fun to be had too! Rent paddle boards or kayaks for a fun day on the water. Or experience whale watching and dolphin tours, and my favorite the pirate ship tour!... Read 1,829 reviews

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• Population 450,882

• City in Missouri

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  470 reviews

Current Resident: I’m originally from St. Louis, but moved to Columbia for college. I like how quiet this location is. Everything you need is either in walking and driving distance. Crime is low compared to bigger cities and it’s a cool place for college students. I wish that there were more things to do here. The place lacks a good mall, and businesses that students would enjoy.... Read 470 reviews

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• Population 122,659

• City in Minnesota

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  276 reviews

Current Resident: Overall, I enjoy living in Rochester. It's a decent place to raise our family. I laugh when people complain about the roads or traffic. There is no traffic, and the roads are well-maintained (compared to every other place I've lived). But you'll find Minnesotans love complaining about the roads, weather, and how bad the Vikings choke in the playoffs (if they make it). Housing is still fairly affordable compared to the rest of the country, but higher than places like Iowa, Kansas, etc. Rochester has a lot of family-friendly activities, but is geared towards family with younger kids. Teens would probably struggle to find things to do here. I enjoy outside activities: fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, etc. There's a fair amount of that, but you have to travel 25+ miles for anything good. Growing up in Montana, I have high standards for that sort of thing, but the trout fishing in nearby streams is satisfactory. Overall, a nice place. I long for the mountains and scenery though!... Read 276 reviews

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• Population 117,134