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2018 Best Cities to Raise a Family in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best cities to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best for Families
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  1. Naperville

    • City in Illinois
    • 476
    1 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Naperville is a nice place to live. My favorite part of Naperville would definitely be the downtown area, where there is plenty to eat! Food choices range from a small cup to ice cream to a five star meal (including everything else in between). Another thing I like about Naperville is that there are many public events held in here that bring a lot of the residents together for a good time!
    Read 476 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 145,789 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. The Woodlands

    • City in Texas
    • 291
    2 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Works Here: Living in the Woodlands and working here was a great experience. Everything is pretty close together, a short drive away. The real estate is getting more expensive, but there are a lot of restaurants and shopping opportunities in the Woodlands and surrounding areas. It's also only 40 minutes from downtown via i45! If coming to live here, a gated community is definitely available, but not needed. Many police are out and about in the Woodlands, and it is a generally very safe community. Public schools are generally very safe, clean, and well-taught as well. Keep in mind the area can be a little pricey. Average cost of a dinner for two is about 25-35$.
    Read 291 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 108,373 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Plano

    • City in Texas
    • 627
    3 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Plano is one of the best cities you can live in Texas. Not only is Plano one of the safest communities, it also has some of the best schools in the nation! One of the cool things about Plano is they have many different stores for specific ethnic backgrounds. The neighborhoods are very nice and are quite affordable. Plano has many biking trails and outdoor parks for exercising and for the kids to play. The best thing about Plano is that it is super close to Dallas. If you ever want to go down to Dallas, it's a quick 15-25 minute drive!
    Read 627 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 279,088 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Ann Arbor

    • City in Michigan
    • 345
    4 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Ann Arbor is an amazing town to live in. My overall experience has been a very good one. Having grown up here in Ann Arbor, and now being a college graduate from Michigan State University, I was able to experience all the great events and activities thrown by the city. The art fair in July is one of my favorites, even though its always brutally hot, its amazing to see the amount of artists as well as beautiful and very interesting pieces of art. I feel that it represents the city as a whole; Ann Arbor is a very whimsical supportive place to live in and i've loved every moment of it!
    I gave it 4 stars, not 5, only because like most great cities...theyre great yea but they are also not perfect. There is crime in Ann Arbor and sometimes not all agree and fights and protests occur, especially due to the University of Michigan Students who are sharing the city.
    Overall great music, food, bars, drinks, and town
    Read 345 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 118,087 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Arlington

    • City in Virginia
    • 95
    5 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Arlington is a mixing bowl of job opportunities, people, and fun! There is incredible cuisine from many countries, authentic and delicious! Downtown has many options such as Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, Rosslyn, and more for exquisite restaurants, shopping, and night life. There are lots of trees despite the urban atmosphere. The school system is top in the state. The communities are diverse and offer a short commute into Washington, D.C.!
    Read 95 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 226,092 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Overland Park

    • City in Kansas
    • 309
    6 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: I've lived in the Overland Park, Kansas area for about 4 years now. Overall it's a great area that has a lot to offer. It's close proximity to Kansas City, Missouri allows you easy access to bigger nightlife and large concerts, events, museums, theater, ballet, and more. Overland Park itself is family friendly with great schools. While we do have some diversity, it isn't nearly as diverse as other areas. However, you can still find some great cultural restaurants that reflect the diversity we do have, such as Indian, Ethiopian, Thai, Korean, and even from El Salvador! Cost of living is on the higher end for the KC Metro area and the housing market is very much a seller's one right now as many homes are being sold for over asking price or without stipulations such as inspections, etc. The public parks, libraries, and community centers are all great and well maintained. They all individually have quite a lot to offer.
    Read 309 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 183,775 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 223
    7 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Irvine is probably one of the safest, cleanest, and greenest cities in CA (if not, in the US)! It is located in Orange County, so it's really easy to go up to LA area or drive down to San Diego. Irvine is home to a lot of high-ranking schools like the University of California Irvine (UCI), Concordia University, Irvine Valley College, the Orange County Center of the University of Southern California (USC), and campuses of California State University Fullerton (CSUF), University of La Verne, and Pepperdine University. This city is really beautiful with streets dotted with flowers and trees. It is very quiet and all neighborhoods are well-maintained. There's a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities.
    Read 223 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 246,992 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Columbia

    • City in Maryland
    • 243
    8 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: I love the trees. There are so many tall, well established trees here! The city itself is so close to major areas ( Baltimore, Washington DC, Annapolis, etc.) but the trees and the overall landscape make you feel like you're somewhere else, at least it does to me. There are wooded trails everywhere, even behind my house. I only have to walk out my back door. It's always bright. I also love that we have a little bit of everything here: every store, mall, and restaurant you could ever hope for and they are five minutes from my house! Yet, with all the trees and natural landscapes you would never know it. The only thing that gives it away is the sound of traffic. I love it here. I've lived here for twelve years and not regretted a single year.
    Read 243 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 103,439 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Richardson

    • City in Texas
    • 191
    9 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: I can genuinely say that I enjoy living in Richardson! It is a reasonable distance from Dallas proper and Downtown, as well as a reasonable distance from the surrounding DFW area. It is close enough to everything to be convenient, but not right in the heart of the action where property is far too expensive.
    Read 191 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 108,350 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Bellevue

    • City in Washington
    • 54
    10 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Nearby Resident: I would rate Bellevue with 4 stars overall is a great city, has lots to do. The shopping center is great, it has a very wide selection of different restaurants and also shopping stores. Every time I pass by or I’m town I see new construction it’s a city of opportunity and growth. I notice a lot of pedestrians either going out for a walk or just strolling through town, their safety is very good. The Nightlife is always busy, because of the expansion that Bellevue has had there’s something for everyone, there a big variety of things to do and see. Some of the things that could be as a disadvantage is the traffic and also the affordability there, it's very expensive to rent or buy.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 136,718 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Cambridge

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 43
    11 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Nearby Resident: Cambridge Massachusetts is a wonderfully vibrant and exciting city. I have lived in the text town over my whole life and I have gone to school and worked there for many years. Cambridge is the home of many colleges, which bring such a wide variety of people to the city which make it incredibly diverse. I really enjoy how many different areas there are in the city, there is something for everyone. Everywhere you turn there are amazing restaurants and shops to explore. Having worked in the school systems in Cambridge they are wonderful, which isn't much of a surprise seeing as though the city is known for their world-class education. I also love how many health-focused stores and restaurants there are as well having areas for outdoor exercise and encouraging bike riding over driving. The only downside to Cambridge is that all of these wonderful qualities make it a rather expensive place to live. However, I love this city and consider it be my home!
    Read 43 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 108,757 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Berkeley

    • City in California
    • 91
    12 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: I moved here from Houston, Texas where you need a car to get everywhere. At first, the city does provide a bit of a culture shock because people are so eccentric, and almost too friendly! Over time though, this feeling wears off and you realize how invitng the people fo the city are. The city itself has wonders of food and entertainment for those keen on local treats. The amount of cultural food is absolutely insane and more diverse than any other city I have been to. Unfortunately, the only downside is that the cost of a house of apartment is extraordinarily high. Your best bet is t live near the outskirts of Berekley, away from campus. With this in mind, the bike safety rules are super strict and commutng via bike is safer than any oter city I have visited.
    Read 91 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 118,585 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Round Rock

    • City in Texas
    • 236
    13 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Having recently moved to Round Rock, I was pleasantly surprised with the closeness and the friendly atmosphere of the town. It also has a few unique specialties, such as the Round Rock Donut Shop, which certainly serves as a unifying thread. I would certainly recommend to anyone considering a move the wonderful town of Round Rock!
    Read 236 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 112,767 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Rochester

    • City in Minnesota
    • 159
    14 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: I have had a wonderful eighteen years growing up in Rochester, Minnesota. From city-wide bike trails, local swimming pools and lakes, and many opportunities for retail shopping, Rochester has an unending array of activities available. There are many local churches and non-profit organizations to become involved with and be involved in the community. Rochester provides the perfect combination of the quick pace of a big city and the charming connection found in small towns!
    Read 159 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 111,396 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Boulder

    • City in Colorado
    • 216
    15 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Boulder is a splendid place to live. It perfectly mixes together a small town vibe and an urban metropolis. There are always things to do because of the young vibrant university atmosphere, and the multitude of outdoor activities. With the various canyons that have world renowned climbing, 100+ miles of hiking trails, fly fishing in the Boulder Creek; it is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise.

    There are tons of options for groceries, housing styles, options for schools, and any and all types of restaurants. It's a town that is small enough to bike to just about anywhere you need to go, and also a magnificent amount of bike trails and lanes throughout the city and suburbs.

    If you're looking for a forward-thinking town that is inclusive and pushing the boundaries, Boulder is just the town for you!
    Read 216 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 105,420 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Sunnyvale

    • City in California
    • 173
    16 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: My husband and I have been living in Sunnyvale, CA for about 2.5 years now. We purchased our mobile home at that time, and have been quite satisfied with our decision. The area in Sunnyvale that we live in is fairly quiet, and secluded. One of the downsides to living in our neighborhood is that we have very limited grocery store options that are walking distance, as well as restaurants and shopping. One of the best things about our area is that we are a short walk away from the VTA light rail, getting us to Levi Stadium in 10 minutes, along with various other destinations close by. The family atmosphere is our area is nice, but could be drastically improved with better parks, dog parks, and recreational areas. The downtown scene is alright. Nice restaurants, but kind of misplaced amongst the run down Macy's. Could use some cleaning up to make it the vibrant downtown it has the potential to have.
    Read 173 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 149,596 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Madison

    • City in Wisconsin
    • 529
    17 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Madison is an incredibly vibrant city full of culture! Having moved from Las Vegas, I was apprehensive about what I may find, but was pleasantly surprised and absolutely impressed. There is no shortage of music, art, food, festivals, shopping, and of course stunning lakeside views. The city is always growing and always adapting to the needs of the community. I take great pride in living in a place where such great care is taken. Madison, with its many exceptional schools, leads the nation in research and advancements in agriculture, medicine, business, and environmental health and safety. The opportunities that I have had here have allowed me to be successful and well rounded. I am happy to call Madison, Wisconsin my home.
    Read 529 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 246,034 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Raleigh

    • City in North Carolina
    • 822
    18 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Raleigh is an excellent city with plenty to do and it's overall a great city for families and those seeking to further their careers. One great thing about Raleigh is that there are various ways to get around the city and it is easy to get around, whether you want to go by bus, car, bike, or even walking there are plenty of routes available to you. Likewise, the city is rapidly expanding, making it a hub for job opportunities and real estate as well, though this also contributes to a semi-high cost of living and increased congestion as the population here is rapidly expanding. The city is quite diverse, with plenty of exploration into the rich culture of all the communities that make up this great city, and which also makes for an interesting and exciting city with plenty to do, especially at night. But don't worry, despite the excitement, it is a safe city overall, and I love it here. It's a 5/5 from me!
    Read 822 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 441,326 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Carlsbad

    • City in California
    • 258
    19 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Former Resident: Wonderful city nestled next to the beach. You are far enough from down town SanDiego to enjoy the night life there (accessible by the Coaster - if you don't want to drive). But it also has it's own party/bar scene in the downtown area. Just wear your jeans and flip-flops and you'll fit right it. Lots of great Mexican food choices -- go to Garcia's! Go for a walk on the boardwalk and enjoy a sunset. Or go hiking in the hills a bit more inland. Yes, LEGOLAND is there but unless you have a five year old, it's not worth the money (Everything is sun/water damaged and needs spruced up, which I would expect they do with the money they get) - you're better off with a free day at the beach.
    Read 258 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 112,008 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Fort Collins

    • City in Colorado
    • 673
    20 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Fort Collins is an excellent town. Located just an hour north of Denver, it has a population of around 150,000. To the west lies Horsetooth Resevoir, a beautiful lake where people can swim, boat, hike, and more. It's a short drive up to the mountains, as well. Old Town Fort Collins has tons of great restaurants, and an excellent nightlife scene--there's something for everyone. Fort Collins also hosts some of the best breweries around: New Belgium Brewing Company, which is on its way to becoming a nationwide favorite, to name one. This city also has residents from all different backgrounds so no matter your age or the size of your family, Fort Collins is a great place to live. Colorado State University is also a great school with about 35,000 students, so there are plenty of opportunities for students and non-students to enjoy CSU events. Fort Collins is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S., and in my experience, this is definitely the case!
    Read 673 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 157,251 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Columbia

    • City in Missouri
    • 328
    21 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: I have been coming to Columbia, MO for years and I finally moved up here. I love that I have the option to be in the city and enjoy the shopping downtown and in the mall. I also love the diversity being that it is a college town. There are also some great parks to go to when you want to get away and enjoy what nature has to offer in here Mid-MO. There are many sports events that anybody if able to go to and concerts as well. There is something for everyone to do here in the city!
    Read 328 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 117,165 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Thousand Oaks

    • City in California
    • 266
    22 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: My experience with Thousand Oaks is that I'm a local resident of the city, from the people to the atmosphere, to the weather the city in a nutshell is fantastic! I've lived here for nearly fifteen-years and haven't looked back. A slight downside to living in Thousand Oaks is the lack of nightlight, meaning it isn't a great place for having fun late out. Lastly, something I think I'd like to be changed in Thousand Oaks is for better local transportation systems to be implemented on a regular basis, rather than a transportation system with very scarce hours.
    Read 266 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 128,623 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your Area

  32. Seattle

    • City in Washington
    • 447
    23 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: A great city to live in! Wealth of job opportunities in the tech sector,many different neighborhoods to explore, great bars & selection of food, especially if you're into health-conscious options. Easy access to outdoor activities. People are chill and laid-back and summers are the best here. No state income tax.

    Cons: Housing market is hot right now (as of Dec-2017) and rents increase every year, but there are deals - you'll just need to look thoroughly. As a Seattle area local, the "Seattle Freeze" is real - it's hard to connect with new people and social circles are tightly knit, especially locals. People are polite, but not nice to you. Diversity seems to be segmented by neighborhood - the white "liberal" tech hipster archetype seems to be omnipresent. You can get by without a car, but it'll be inconvenient a lot of times - drivers tend to be very passive.
    Read 447 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 668,849 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Lincoln

    • City in Nebraska
    • 568
    24 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Lincoln is a large city with a University, community college, and a private University. Many healthy options are available with a city wide biking path system and several lakes for activities. Lincoln is quite diverse with many cultural activities and demonstrations held throughout the year. Warm summers, not so bad winters, and many public schools for the residents here help make Lincoln one of the nicest large cities in the midwest!
    Read 568 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 273,018 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Alexandria

    • City in Virginia
    • 170
    25 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America

    Current Resident: Alexandria is a beautiful place to live, it has diverseness and has interest for everyone! Alexandria is about a 20 minute drive from D.C., although the traffic will make it seem longer. There are many things to do in Alexandria as well. There is Old town Alexandria and there is a variety of diverse different cultured foods in Old towne . There are big name clothing stores but little local ones too. There are beautiful little gardens and a waterfront that you can sit and enjoy your local ice cream. Alexandria is a great mixture for wanting to live close to the city but having your quiet time and being able to come back to your suburban neighborhoods.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Good for Families
    • 151,473 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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2018 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America
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