Places in Michigan

2017 Best Places to Raise a Family in MichiganAbout this List

Explore the best places 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
2,110 results

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  1. East Grand Rapids

    • Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI
    • 16
    1 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Niche User: There is almost no crime in East Grand Rapids. Sometimes the police wait at certain intersections to give speeding tickets. The police/public safety station is in Gaslight Village, very visible and accessible.
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 11,128 Population
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  2. Okemos

    • Town in Michigan
    • 60
    2 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Okemos has a wonderful small town feel with big town amenities. With its proximity to Michigan State University, there are so many opportunities to engage in the diverse culture of the area.
    Read 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 22,073 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Lodi Township

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 13
    3 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Niche User: Not much crime that I know of. Have heard of some major issues, murder, bank robbery, etc. but very rare.
    Read 13 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 6,284 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Grosse Pointe Farms

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 28
    4 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: This is a wonderful lakefront community that has the feel of a small town. Neighbors still know one another in this tightly knit community. Did you say you needed help, or a cup of milk? Yes, neighbors still care about one another. As a bordering suburb of Detroit, GP Farms remains one of the safest communities in the region, boasting top ranked public schools for both academics and sports. With private access to beautiful Lake St. Clair, via Pier Park, this is the closest to a dream for raising a family. Ten minutes from Downtown Detroit, with a sense of timelessness that Peter Pan would have loved! No shoveling snow from your walk, putting trash to the curb, or bagging leaves, either. GP Farms city services are the best. Lastly, the AAA credit rating makes GP Farms economically responsible for continued, long term success!
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 9,307 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Northville Township

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 21
    5 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: I absolutely love being a part of the Northville community. I raise four children here and feel they could not be in a more safe and inviting environment. Northville is "home" with a modern yet rustic feel. We always attend the downtown events, eat at local cafes and have a blast at all of the parks. It's a city that holds value to the meaning "family", and creates a sense of appreciation to live somewhere that is still simple.
    Read 21 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 28,707 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Grosse Pointe

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 7
    6 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Former Resident: I grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. From a child standpoint, it was a wonderful place to grow up. The public school system was impeccable, and it was an incredibly safe neighborhood. It is a suburb for families, mostly middle class families. As I got older, however, I started to notice its' flaws. I lived with my single mother and 3 older sisters. We were not a wealthy family, to say the least, and therefore did not "fit in". I had found out my mother was completely segregated from social life with other members of the community because of her financial situation. Grosse Pointe is also not diverse at all, made up almost completely of white individuals like myself. There is no nightlife in Grosse Pointe, as many people my age joked that the city "shuts down" at 9 p.m. Overall, I think this city is a safe environment to grow up and attend school at, but it is not a place for the unwealthy or individuals without children.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 5,295 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Forest Hills

    • Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI
    • 74
    7 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: I am currently a senior at Forest Hills Northern and have lived in Forest Hills all my life. Throughout my life, I have been thankful to live a happy healthy life. One of the reasons why I believe I was able to do this is because of the community I live in. Forest Hills is a very diverse, family-friendly community. Crime is very low, and it is very ideal to raise a family in. Throughout the community, they provide many different types of housing for all types of families. Neighborhoods are diverse and friendly, welcoming all new neighbors. Not only is it a safe community, but provides one of the best public schools in Michigan, which I am currently enrolled at. Overall, I would recommend living in Forest Hills, especially to younger families looking for a safe and welcoming community.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 27,415 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Ann Arbor

    • City in Michigan
    • 293
    8 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: I've lived in Ann Arbor for 5 years and hope to live here forever! The town is great - friendly, socially conscious and diverse, fitness focused, environmentally minded. The culture of restaurants, music and art festivals is varied - and there are many! The schools are tremendous at all levels, and one of the best universities for both education and college sports in the world is built right into the town. Bike the roads and trails, kayak the Huron River, enjoy the farmers market. Great public transportation, and it's not far from the regional airport. There are many, many, many things to do and see. Welcome!
    Read 293 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 116,194 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Grosse Pointe Park

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 21
    9 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Grosse Pointe Park and the surrounding Grosse Pointes are very nice communities to live in. The houses are clean-looking and the community is safe so it's a really good place to raise a family. It's also good for families because the Grosse Pointe school district is really great; one of the best in the state. It's a good community to guarantee a good education for your kids and their safety as well. Although the Grosse Pointes are big, almost everyone knows or knows of everyone, making it a tight knit community. The public parks are very nice facilities and the village (a string of shops and restaurants) is really convenient. The location of houses in proximity to the village, libraries, parks, and schools, is almost always in walking distance. One of the only downsides of living in Grosse Pointe is that some of the "old money" families living on the lake do live up to their snotty reputations. Other than that, Grosse Pointe Park is a pretty enjoyable and safe community to live in!
    Read 21 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 11,343 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Northville

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 23
    10 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Northville is a beautiful walkable community with plenty of grocery stores, specialty markets, and the downtown area has nice stores for shopping. The schools and education is top notch and prepares students to be successful leaders. Northville lacks diversity, but is a family friendly community, that is safe.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 5,990 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Huntington Woods

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 12
    11 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Niche User: If I could do it all over again, 30 + years ago, I would move into Huntington Woods. My kids say the same thing and want to come back here to live. It is the best milexmile1/2 area to live in the USA!
    Read 12 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 6,333 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Troy

    • Town in Michigan
    • 165
    12 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Niche User: I love coming home to Troy, MI. It is one of the safest areas I have ever seen in my life. The people that live here are so friendly, the area is beautiful, Troy is expanding, and becoming more dynamic. The location of Troy is perfect; right in the middle of everything! Not to far from schools like Wayne State University or Oakland University, Somerset Mall is in Troy, great schools, etc. The only thing Troy is missing is a downtown within it. From what I've seen rent in Troy may be a little more than other cities, especially if you want to live by certain schools and/or Somerset Mall, but it is well worth it to live in Troy.
    Read 165 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 82,542 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Pittsfield Charter Township

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 59
    13 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Niche User: One of the best things about my living environment is the cultural diversity. People are free to be different and not feel that they'll be judged for it. Diversity is one of the main reasons we moved to this area, and will be a big factor in any or all other moves I ever make. Diversity is important in friendships, the workplace and college experiences, so this makes my atmosphere an ideal one for personal and professional growth.
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 36,564 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Bloomfield Charter Township

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 67
    14 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: I was very fortunate to be able to grow up in this town. We are located close to lakes, downtown Detroit, and few hours away from beautiful northern Michigan. The neighborhood where I grew up in had welcoming, friendly faces from both adults and kids alike.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 41,836 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Novi

    • Town in Michigan
    • 119
    15 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Former Resident: I was only a resident for a short amount of time. However, within that time I made friends I am sure I will be close to until the end of my days. I moved there with my wife and two kids during a rough period in my life. We wanted to give our oldest child an opportunity for a good education as would any parents seeking better for their children. Fear of a new place doesn't just affect a child that has to make new friends at a school or local friends to have a social life. It also affects the interest of the parents who have to maintain the friendship that makes for good business relationships and long-term partnerships. This is something we gained during our years in Novi. The clean neighborhoods, nice people, and shopping opportunities allowed us some of the greatest conveniences a family could ask for, along with long lasting memories of a better time.
    Read 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 57,577 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Bloomfield Hills

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 11
    16 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Despite the Detroit recession, Bloomfield Hills is thriving. The diversity is great and all aspects of the community are stellar. Education is extremely good, local businesses are strong, and it's family-oriented.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 3,956 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Dexter

    • Town in Michigan
    • 8
    17 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Love this cute little Michigan town! This town is the perfect place for my husband and I to settle down and eventually have children. We love our house and community. The availability and access to nature and wildlife areas to enjoy the outdoors is amazing. We love to kayak or just take walks or runs outside.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 4,682 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Rochester Hills

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 80
    18 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Former Resident: Rochester Hills is was ranked 9th in Time Magazine's "Top Ten Places to Live" in America in the year 2014, mostly for financial reasons. I once heard from one of my middle school teachers there that the average cost of a family home there is about $250,000, hinting at the quality of life there. Education in the public schools is far from subpar, and as a former student at Adams High School, my classes were challenging with a lot of homework. People are generally friendly, and sports generally dominates the youth culture in the area. The Village is the main attraction and resembles the larger downtown area, with great restaurants and an attractive nightlife.
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 72,643 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Rochester

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 27
    19 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Rochester is a growing college town with a plethora of restaurants, bars, night clubs, etc. Rochester is just north of Detroit which is home to Eastern Market, the Detroit Institute of Art, Campus Martius, the Red Wings, the Tigers, and the birthplace of Motown so there's always something happening for young people to be involved in. Housing prices are reasonable in most suburbs surrounding Rochester and there's lots of on campus housing for those who don't want to travel or have cars.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 12,909 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Plymouth Charter Township

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 48
    20 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Plymouth Charter Township has many well priced houses. The value of my house has gone up since 2008 and everyone is very friendly. It's a good distance from downtown Plymouth and it is not too far from northville, plymouth, canton, and Livonia. Lots of food around the city. Not very diverse, predominantly white
    Read 48 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 27,109 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Plymouth

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 18
    21 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: I have grown up in Plymouth my entire life. I have never been in a place that was so family friendly, while still being a fun place for twentysomethings as well as retirees. Plymouth is truly a well-rounded town, that is perfect, no matter what age you are! Lots of restaurants, shops and bars make downtown a busy center, while 500 yards down the road, there are quiet neighborhoods full of young families. Overall, Plymouth is a town that is pretty close to perfect.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 8,952 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Canton Charter Township

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 177
    22 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: Canton, Michigan is a great place to live and one of the fastest growing towns in the metro Detroit area. It is home to many retail stores such as Ikea and restaurants created to fit every budget and taste. The homes in Canton are well designed and maintained. They are a bit expensive, but are constructed to accommodate a growing family and community. There are numerous employers in Canton as well. Medical centers that are located in the metro Detroit area, such as the Detroit Medical Center in Detroit or the University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor, for instance, have clinics located in Canton. These clinics provide services to patients such as ultrasounds and appointments with a primary care physician. Overall, Canton, Michigan is the ideal place to live if you want to have a better quality of life.
    Read 177 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 89,517 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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  32. West Bloomfield Charter Township

    • Suburb of Detroit, MI
    • 149
    23 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Current Resident: West Bloomfield is beautiful and quite health conscious. People are warm and it has a fantastic educational system. There are plenty of places to worship, and one of the top hospitals is just around the corner where your sure to get the best treatment, be it medical or otherwise. There are also plenty of spas and salons to relax in, as well as juice bars. West Bloomfield sticks out not only because of their top notch library which is right next to the police station (so you know your kids are always safe), but it is he only city that does not have ANY fast food restaurants. If you want a beautiful and peaceful environment, West Bloomfield is the place for you!
    Read 149 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 65,646 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Haslett

    • Town in Michigan
    • 26
    24 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Former Resident: Haslett is a very kind and safe community with great schools. Although there is not a wide variety of things to do in Haslett proper, it is very near to Okemos and East Lansing, which have a lot of shopping centers and restaurants to offer, and a large natural center in the form of Lake Lansing is a great place to visit with friends or family. Haslett could use some more local businesses to further its growth.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 20,057 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Larkin Charter Township

    • Town in Michigan
    • 3
    25 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan

    Niche User: Living in Midland has been amazing. I went to elementary through high school in Midland and the school system there is unbeatable, the level of learning is very high and it prepared me for college. Also living in Midland you have so much to do, our biggest tourist attraction is the fridge which is on the Tittabawase river. The bridge connects the skate park and playground with downtown midland which is full of local businesses including my brothers clothing shop. If I had to do it over again I would go back to Midland every time. Its a great city to raise a family.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Good for Families
    • 5,261 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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2017 Best Places to Raise a Family in Michigan