Explore the best counties to raise a family based on public schools, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
1 through 25 of 66 results
66 results
County in Pennsylvania
Current Resident: I moved a year ago to Montgomery county and I like it a lot. There are a lot of public transportations which makes moving around a lot easier. I feel somewhat safe in this neighborhood. I work nearby and enjoy the fact that things are not far away from each other. There are a lot of variety of grocery shopping types. There is giant, acme, Whole Foods... many different shopping places too such as mall and boutiques. Nightlife is all right because there are several restaurants that are open late and beautiful small pubs and bars to go to. It is somewhat quite at night and safe. The county is kept pretty and clean. Lots of green areas and very dog friendly. Many habitations are houses that are expensive but beautiful m. There are some affordable apartments to live in that accept animals so that makes it easy if you have a pet. There are several job opportunities with decent pay. But nothing major as in different career fields. Overall I enjoy living here and I will probably keep being... Read 31 reviews
Population 827,180
#1 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
County in Pennsylvania,
31 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved a year ago to Montgomery county and I like it a lot. There are a lot of public transportations which makes moving around a lot easier. I feel somewhat safe in this neighborhood. I work nearby....
I moved a year ago to Montgomery county and I like it a lot. There are a lot of public transportations which makes moving around a lot easier. I feel somewhat safe in this neighborhood. I work nearby....
Read 31 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 827,180,
Current Resident: I have grown up in Chester County, and everyone here is caring, affectionate, and supportive! I wouldn't change a thing about it.... Read 32 reviews
Population 521,980
#2 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
32 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I have grown up in Chester County, and everyone here is caring, affectionate, and supportive! I wouldn't change a thing about it..
I have grown up in Chester County, and everyone here is caring, affectionate, and supportive! I wouldn't change a thing about it..
Read 32 reviews.
Population: 521,980,
Current Resident: Growing up in Delaware County, I always loved the scenery. The green fields, rolling hills, and many towns with lots of friendly people. Overall, I think Delaware County is a wonderful place to start a family, it has many nice houses and stores that are too far a of a drive away. However, a lot has changed over the years. There are more and more houses being built and things are becoming more expensive but Delaware County still has it's wonderful community parks and events that bring people together. For example every year my local township, Concord Township, always hosts a free community event at the local park. Families all gather to see sponsored food venues in the area, children get face paintings and enjoy the various activities that are there. At the end of the night they always have a fire work show, which was always my favorite part when I went as a kid. Although Delaware County is not perfect I would say that it is full of great communities with great people.... Read 41 reviews
Population 565,328
#3 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
41 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Growing up in Delaware County, I always loved the scenery. The green fields, rolling hills, and many towns with lots of friendly people. Overall, I think Delaware County is a wonderful place to start....
Growing up in Delaware County, I always loved the scenery. The green fields, rolling hills, and many towns with lots of friendly people. Overall, I think Delaware County is a wonderful place to start....
Read 41 reviews.
Population: 565,328,
Upper Marlboro, MD•
School District
Senior: During all my time and educational evolution at Prince George's campus I have learn to cop with the adversities and different cultures going from a latin house hold to an caucasian and african american culture I can tell it is beautiful the impressive diversity in culture and opportunities for all students as matter to provide grow in education and professionalism I like Prince George's county public school because of the culinary opportunities it offers, educational programs, college readiness chance and many beneficial school courses to advance into more development in youngs. For a future I will love to see changes such as better educational standards that can be applied to the real work such as tax- work , and basic everyday use intelligence.... Read 572 reviews
Students 135,952
Student-teacher ratio 15:1
Blue checkmark.
School District,
UPPER MARLBORO, MD,
572 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says During all my time and educational evolution at Prince George's campus I have learn to cop with the adversities and different cultures going from a latin house hold to an caucasian and african....
During all my time and educational evolution at Prince George's campus I have learn to cop with the adversities and different cultures going from a latin house hold to an caucasian and african....
Read 572 reviews.
Students: 135,952,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
Current Resident: Bucks County is a great place to live and raise your children at! There are nice parks with a large hiking trails, traffic is basically non-existent and there are many places to shop for groceries and clothes along street road. Overall the school district is great with many options for AP credit courses in Bensalem.... Read 56 reviews
Population 627,668
#4 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Bucks County is a great place to live and raise your children at! There are nice parks with a large hiking trails, traffic is basically non-existent and there are many places to shop for groceries....
Bucks County is a great place to live and raise your children at! There are nice parks with a large hiking trails, traffic is basically non-existent and there are many places to shop for groceries....
Read 56 reviews.
Population: 627,668,
Current Resident: I love living in Allegheny county! There’s an abundance of shops and restaurants, everything is close. And only 20 minutes out from the city of Pittsburgh! With very little crime rate, and friendly people, what’s there more to offer!... Read 44 reviews
Population 1,218,380
#5 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
44 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I love living in Allegheny county! There’s an abundance of shops and restaurants, everything is close. And only 20 minutes out from the city of Pittsburgh! With very little crime rate, and friendly....
I love living in Allegheny county! There’s an abundance of shops and restaurants, everything is close. And only 20 minutes out from the city of Pittsburgh! With very little crime rate, and friendly....
Read 44 reviews.
Population: 1,218,380,
Current Resident: Lehigh county is a beautiful area with both country and the city scenery. You can buy homemade honey from your local farmers street stand but also get a New York style bagel a little further up the street. You get to experience the best of both worlds in my opinion. Our schools vary from a variety of accredited universities along with more affordable community colleges as well. There are many outside activities to do during all four seasons which is a plus for out of town visitors and even local residents. Night life for the young adults is even rockin'!... Read 9 reviews
Population 367,338
#6 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
9 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Lehigh county is a beautiful area with both country and the city scenery. You can buy homemade honey from your local farmers street stand but also get a New York style bagel a little further up the....
Lehigh county is a beautiful area with both country and the city scenery. You can buy homemade honey from your local farmers street stand but also get a New York style bagel a little further up the....
Read 9 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Population: 367,338,
Current Resident: People seem well-adjusted, friendly and easy to work with. The overall vibe to the county is one that suits me well.... Read 2 reviews
Population 251,487
#7 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says People seem well-adjusted, friendly and easy to work with. The overall vibe to the county is one that suits me well..
People seem well-adjusted, friendly and easy to work with. The overall vibe to the county is one that suits me well..
Read 2 reviews.
Population: 251,487,
Niche User: Centre County is an amazing town! It is a safe area with many work, dining, and social opportunities.... Read 7 reviews
Population 162,264
#8 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Niche User says Centre County is an amazing town! It is a safe area with many work, dining, and social opportunities..
Centre County is an amazing town! It is a safe area with many work, dining, and social opportunities..
Read 7 reviews.
Population: 162,264,
Current Resident: Our county is scenic, has good economic opportunities, and is relatively affordable. It is a great place to raise a family, offering the excitement of city life, beaches, or secluded nature locations within a few hours drive. The schools all rank well, there are amazing medical facilities nearby, and there is a neighborly culture. While it s not the most exciting or progressive place to live, everyone is welcoming, accepting, and friendly!... Read 183 reviews
Population 543,050
#9 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
183 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Our county is scenic, has good economic opportunities, and is relatively affordable. It is a great place to raise a family, offering the excitement of city life, beaches, or secluded nature locations....
Our county is scenic, has good economic opportunities, and is relatively affordable. It is a great place to raise a family, offering the excitement of city life, beaches, or secluded nature locations....
Read 183 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Population: 543,050,
Current Resident: The atmosphere suits quite well to its mostly suburban environment. There is a sense of community, and quite keen in friendliness. Some areas may need an improvement externally, such as the roads, bridges, and highways through remedies like fixing the potholes, cleaning litter, etc. A stellar county in all.... Read 14 reviews
Population 277,071
#10 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says The atmosphere suits quite well to its mostly suburban environment. There is a sense of community, and quite keen in friendliness. Some areas may need an improvement externally, such as the roads,....
The atmosphere suits quite well to its mostly suburban environment. There is a sense of community, and quite keen in friendliness. Some areas may need an improvement externally, such as the roads,....
Read 14 reviews.
Population: 277,071,
Population 18,178
#11 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
Population: 18,178,
Current Resident: I have lived in Butler County all my life so I tend to like it here. There are activities for all ages and there is a wide range of shopping to do. My high school was not the greatest but I managed! The things I like in Butler County include going to the movies and going bowling! There are really good restaurants in Cranberry Township, within Butler County. If I could change anything, it would be to for houses in Center Township (a very nice neighborhood in Butler) to be a little cheaper since I am going to be in the market of finding a small home in the next few years!... Read 26 reviews
Population 187,798
#12 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
26 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Butler County all my life so I tend to like it here. There are activities for all ages and there is a wide range of shopping to do. My high school was not the greatest but I managed!....
I have lived in Butler County all my life so I tend to like it here. There are activities for all ages and there is a wide range of shopping to do. My high school was not the greatest but I managed!....
Read 26 reviews.
Population: 187,798,
Former Resident: Erie county is a great place to raise your family. There’s a perfect balance for choices of public and private schools. We also have top notch colleges right in our backyards. There are lots of attractions all year round. Summer season, you can enjoy the beach, amusement park and community fairs. Winter season, you can sled ride, ski and snowmobile. The Fall is the best! You get to enjoy all the gorgeous colors of fall and don’t forget all the Pumpkins!... Read 55 reviews
Population 272,046
#13 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
55 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says Erie county is a great place to raise your family. There’s a perfect balance for choices of public and private schools. We also have top notch colleges right in our backyards. There are lots of....
Erie county is a great place to raise your family. There’s a perfect balance for choices of public and private schools. We also have top notch colleges right in our backyards. There are lots of....
Read 55 reviews.
Population: 272,046,
Current Resident: I have moved to Lackawanna County from Las Vegas, Nevada and I love it here. I feel safe its very family friendly. A place you would truly want to want to raise your family.... Read 1 review
Population 210,162
#14 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I have moved to Lackawanna County from Las Vegas, Nevada and I love it here. I feel safe its very family friendly. A place you would truly want to want to raise your family..
I have moved to Lackawanna County from Las Vegas, Nevada and I love it here. I feel safe its very family friendly. A place you would truly want to want to raise your family..
Read 1 reviews.
Population: 210,162,
Current Resident: I loved growing up and living in Northampton County. Specifically, I lived in Bethlehem, and have grown to appreciate it more and more as I have grown up, and moved away for college. The entire county has such great diversity, which is what I appreciate the most. Going to a large public high school prepared me immensely for the world for once I left. Pennsylvania is a great state, and I believe that although our area is sometimes referred to as "a suburb of nowhere"... I believe that it is an amazing and autonomous oasis of diversity, great schools, booming real estate, and plenty of career opportunities.... Read 17 reviews
Population 304,233
#15 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I loved growing up and living in Northampton County. Specifically, I lived in Bethlehem, and have grown to appreciate it more and more as I have grown up, and moved away for college. The entire....
I loved growing up and living in Northampton County. Specifically, I lived in Bethlehem, and have grown to appreciate it more and more as I have grown up, and moved away for college. The entire....
Read 17 reviews.
Population: 304,233,
Current Resident: Growing up here was always pleasant. I liked how in middle school you can choose where you would like to go for high School, I chose York Tech. The one thing I would like to see across the board for all schools in this county is Life skills. A class like home economics where students can learn how to cook a balanced meals, how to repair clothing, learn how to handle money and how to do taxes, and more. I would like to see a student hub where student can go and get extra help on their studys, preparing them for real life or college paths, where students get mentored and guidances by both staff and their peers.... Read 116 reviews
Population 447,628
#16 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
116 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Growing up here was always pleasant. I liked how in middle school you can choose where you would like to go for high School, I chose York Tech. The one thing I would like to see across the board for....
Growing up here was always pleasant. I liked how in middle school you can choose where you would like to go for high School, I chose York Tech. The one thing I would like to see across the board for....
Read 116 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Population: 447,628,
Population 350,722
#17 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
Population: 350,722,
Current Resident: I have owned my home in Berks county for 25 years. Berks County governance is fair and responsive in most cases. Berks is a good county in which to raise a family. There is a full range of school district sizes and real estate values available to anyone moving into Berks county. Residence ownership and education quality in Reading need to be significantly improved. A special broad based review group with ties to Berks of some kind should be appointed by and responsible to the state senate for that purpose. Educational revenue raising through Real estate taxes has become very burdensome for residential property owners and should be changed to a broader base.... Read 15 reviews
Population 419,062
#18 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
15 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I have owned my home in Berks county for 25 years. Berks County governance is fair and responsive in most cases. Berks is a good county in which to raise a family. There is a full range of school....
I have owned my home in Berks county for 25 years. Berks County governance is fair and responsive in most cases. Berks is a good county in which to raise a family. There is a full range of school....
Read 15 reviews.
Population: 419,062,
Population 44,831
#19 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
Population: 44,831,
Current Resident: Monroe County is a pretty good place to live, but the property taxes are a bit steep. There is plenty of nature. Forests, hiking trails, and many other outdoor opportunities await you here. There are great, wonderful, kind people here but there is also an undercurrent of racism that is rather sickening. It is good and bad in any place that you live in. The good generally outweighs the bad here. Health care access is more plentiful than it used to be. The same goes for ease of access to grocery and convenience stores.... Read 13 reviews
Population 168,824
#20 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
13 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Monroe County is a pretty good place to live, but the property taxes are a bit steep. There is plenty of nature. Forests, hiking trails, and many other outdoor opportunities await you here. There are....
Monroe County is a pretty good place to live, but the property taxes are a bit steep. There is plenty of nature. Forests, hiking trails, and many other outdoor opportunities await you here. There are....
Read 13 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Population: 168,824,
Current Resident: I feel blessed to have grown up in Beaver County. This is the place where neighbors are very proactive in each others lives and enjoy the time and activities they share with other Beaver County residents. The public schools here are very competitive and superior to other neighboring counties. This is a close-knit town where you are bound to see a friend, family member, teacher, or even coworker walking down the street. Parents have little to no worries letting their kids stay out late, or bicycle to their friends house because the safety here is impeccable. Beaver County is rooted in traditional values that allows the relationships of residents to be strong and prosperous.... Read 21 reviews
Population 164,781
#21 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
21 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I feel blessed to have grown up in Beaver County. This is the place where neighbors are very proactive in each others lives and enjoy the time and activities they share with other Beaver County....
I feel blessed to have grown up in Beaver County. This is the place where neighbors are very proactive in each others lives and enjoy the time and activities they share with other Beaver County....
Read 21 reviews.
Population: 164,781,
Current Resident: I love Pike County because of all the beautiful land and the fresh air! Great for people who would like to enjoy a nice view and time. I rate it 4/5 because everything is beautiful to see and many tourist attractions that we have here! One star was lost because of how you must drive for a while because the stores are farther apart form each other. Overall, it is a great getaway place to be and live in!... Read 9 reviews
Population 55,660
#22 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I love Pike County because of all the beautiful land and the fresh air! Great for people who would like to enjoy a nice view and time. I rate it 4/5 because everything is beautiful to see and many....
I love Pike County because of all the beautiful land and the fresh air! Great for people who would like to enjoy a nice view and time. I rate it 4/5 because everything is beautiful to see and many....
Population: 55,660,
Current Resident: I like how close it is. I also like how friendly everyone is. Everybody is a family. We are a community. If you need help, someone is always there for you. Their schools are good too. They have great football and basketball team. Everyone knows everyone.... Read 32 reviews
Population 207,081
#23 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
32 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I like how close it is. I also like how friendly everyone is. Everybody is a family. We are a community. If you need help, someone is always there for you. Their schools are good too. They have great....
I like how close it is. I also like how friendly everyone is. Everybody is a family. We are a community. If you need help, someone is always there for you. Their schools are good too. They have great....
Population: 207,081,
Current Resident: I have lived in Adams county all my life, and can safely say that it's a great place to grow up in. There are plenty of hiking trails or parks to take your kids (being in/near the Adirondacks mountains). Being homeschooled, I can't speak for the public schools, but I know that it's a mostly welcoming area to homeschool your kids. It's an area in which many people know each other; it's not unheard of for someone to know someone that you know.... Read 4 reviews
Population 102,627
#24 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
4 Niche users give it an average review of 2.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Adams county all my life, and can safely say that it's a great place to grow up in. There are plenty of hiking trails or parks to take your kids (being in/near the Adirondacks....
I have lived in Adams county all my life, and can safely say that it's a great place to grow up in. There are plenty of hiking trails or parks to take your kids (being in/near the Adirondacks....
Read 4 reviews.
Population: 102,627,
Current Resident: Mercer County is a great county with a lot to offer for the very affordable cost of living. The schools are phenomenal, the people are great, there are a lot of parks and lakes, the housing is nice, there is plenty of trade in Mercer, Grove City, Sharon/Hermitage, and Greenville. It is in a great location near the Ohio Line and is located directly between Pittsburgh and Erie. There are also a lot of churches and it is great for families!... Read 7 reviews
Population 110,519
#25 Best Counties for Families in Pennsylvania.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Mercer County is a great county with a lot to offer for the very affordable cost of living. The schools are phenomenal, the people are great, there are a lot of parks and lakes, the housing is nice,....
Mercer County is a great county with a lot to offer for the very affordable cost of living. The schools are phenomenal, the people are great, there are a lot of parks and lakes, the housing is nice,....
Population: 110,519,
Norfolk, VA•
Private School•
1-12
Senior: This is truly an amazing school. I value the relationship between my teachers and me. It is obvious they love what they do and want every student to succeed. Also, I know Academy has prepared me for college - the work load, albeit difficult, is manageable. Additionally, the sports facilites are incredible; I do not know many schools that have their own pool attached. That being said, I would like to see more attention given to the fine arts department. There are so many hidden artists in my grade that I did not know about until taking Studio Art. Finally, recognizing the minorities in the community, Norfolk Academy has taken steps to make their campus more inclusive this year. Overall, I have loved my high school experience at NA and highly recommend this school to students striving to make the most of their education.... Read 143 reviews
Students 1,184
Student-teacher ratio 8:1
Private School,
NORFOLK, VA,
1-12,
143 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says This is truly an amazing school. I value the relationship between my teachers and me. It is obvious they love what they do and want every student to succeed. Also, I know Academy has prepared me for....
This is truly an amazing school. I value the relationship between my teachers and me. It is obvious they love what they do and want every student to succeed. Also, I know Academy has prepared me for....
Read 143 reviews.
Students: 1,184,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
Reston, VA•
Parent: The curriculum is thoughtful, encourages critical thinking and think outside the box. While the school has a strong focus in math and science, my child is getting a well rounded education with classes in Language Arts, History, Community, etc., electives in art, foreign languages and history of food as well as after school fun like drama, sports and animal lovers clubs! The daily updates are informative detailing by class what my child did that day and I like the sneak peak on what the higher grade levels are learning/reading/doing. The teachers encourage the students to advocate for themselves but they are always on hand to help! My child has developed strong friendships with kids at various grade levels which shows that there is a common comradery and closeness in this community. The best review I can give comes from my child who says that Ideaventions Academy "is the best school ever!" and we wholeheartedly agree.... Read 7 reviews
Students 63
Student-teacher ratio 5:1
RESTON, VA,
Featured Review: Parent says The curriculum is thoughtful, encourages critical thinking and think outside the box. While the school has a strong focus in math and science, my child is getting a well rounded education with...The daily updates are informative detailing by class what my child did that day and I like the sneak peak on what the higher grade levels are learning/reading/doing.The teachers encourage the students to advocate for themselves but they are always on hand to help!My child has developed strong friendships with kids at various grade levels which shows that there is a common comradery and closeness in this community.The best review I can give comes from my child who says that Ideaventions Academy "is the best school ever!" and we wholeheartedly agree..
The curriculum is thoughtful, encourages critical thinking and think outside the box. While the school has a strong focus in math and science, my child is getting a well rounded education with...The daily updates are informative detailing by class what my child did that day and I like the sneak peak on what the higher grade levels are learning/reading/doing.The teachers encourage the students to advocate for themselves but they are always on hand to help!My child has developed strong friendships with kids at various grade levels which shows that there is a common comradery and closeness in this community.The best review I can give comes from my child who says that Ideaventions Academy "is the best school ever!" and we wholeheartedly agree..
Students: 63,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,
Showing results 1 through 25 of 66