What makes a city a good place to raise a family? The answer is not an easy one, as different families might have different priorities and preferences. However, there are some solid indicators that can “make or break” a city in terms of family-friendliness. We’re talking about public school ratings, safety, socioeconomic factors like housing costs or childcare costs, access to outdoor recreation and cultural opportunities. Recent StorageCafe research looked at how all these indicators stack up in the country’s top 100 biggest cities in order to find out which ones are the best for families with children.
As it appears, the best-equipped places to cater to the needs of families with children are the mid-sized cities with a population of around 200K to 300K residents. Also, the Southern US seems to have an edge in terms of family-friendliness, with many of the leading cities in that general area. With no further ado, here are the country’s top 10 cities for families with children:
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1. Plano, Texas
Plano manages to combine the typical urban-life perks with suburban amenities, thus offering a great experience for families. The quality of education is one of its strongest points, with the city boasting a 96% graduation rate and almost 60% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree. In other words, not only can families with children count on the public schools to provide excellent education, but the local community also creates a great environment for educational pursuits as well. About a third of the households in Plano have children, which means that your little ones will have plenty of friends. The city shines when it comes to neighborhood safety and access to playgrounds and other recreational areas.
Housing costs are above the average of the cities analyzed, sitting at around $533K. However, the income opportunities in Plano offset the housing costs – the median household income is close to $116K/year. Plano residents have many options when it comes to renting as well, while the local self storage sector offers solutions for parents who simply don’t have enough space at home for all of their kids’ stuff. Renting a 10’x10’ self storage unit in Plano hovers around $110 per month.
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is the country’s second-best city for families with children, boasting excellent schools, the seventh-lowest crime rate among the country’s 100 biggest cities and very good air quality. Home prices are not as taxing as in other cities, hovering around $377K. But Virginia Beach truly stands out when looking at outdoor recreation opportunities. The city offers access to some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches, but there are man-made attractions as well: 5.4 playgrounds per 10K residents, one of the highest averages among the cities analyzed, plus plenty of parks for walks and picnics.
3. Lincoln, Nebraska
The capital city of Nebraska experienced rapid growth over the past few years, attracting young families due to a combination of still affordable housing options and attractive income. Home prices in Lincoln stand at around $266K, well under the national benchmark, while the average household income reaches $83K per year, meaning that many families can actually afford to purchase a home. Grocery costs are slightly below the national average, which is definitely an important aspect for families. Education is another strong point for Lincoln, with the city ranking 11th for public schools among the country’s biggest 100 cities. Also, Lincoln fares well for playgrounds and parks, while the average commute time is a reasonable 18 minutes.
4. Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho, gained popularity, and new residents, over the past few years, which in return, tempered its affordability – home prices here stand at around $515K, and the average household income is close to $84K per year. Groceries and childcare, on the other hand, are less expensive than in many other cities, and Boise also scores well for public education. Moreover, you can count on good education from first grade through university, as many consider Boise State University one of the most innovative schools in the country. The city is one of the safest places to live in the country, plus it excels in terms of outdoor activities, with numerous parks available to residents.
5. Raleigh, North Carolina
The average income for a household in Raleigh reaches almost $100K per year, helping residents manage the local housing costs. More than half of the city’s residents hold a bachelor’s degree, while the public school system ranks 12th among the cities analyzed. Raleigh also provides a short commute time, and about a quarter of the households have children. Other perks for families include access to outdoor recreation spaces and a good healthcare system.
6. Arlington, Virginia
Arlington has many aces up its sleeve: it’s a highly educated city, with almost 80% of the population having a bachelor’s degree, and it offers well-performing public schools. Although the housing and living costs are generally above the national benchmarks, the average household income in the area stands at an impressive $190K. Arlington is a walkable city, very safe, and families can benefit from its many playgrounds and parks.
7. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, is an affordable city, with home prices around $285K and grocery costs a little under the national benchmark. Childcare costs, at around $1,400 per month, are also lower compared to many of the other big cities around the country. Considering the average household income is about $82K per year, Lexington shapes up to be a very advantageous city from an economic point of view.
8. Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake scores well across the board for families with children: housing costs and grocery costs are much in line with the national benchmarks, while the average household income stands at almost $98K per year. The city also offers perks such as a short commute time, access to beautiful natural surroundings, good air quality, parks and various sports facilities.
9. Austin, Texas
Austin excels when it comes to access to education, ranking second nationally for the quality of public schools among the country’s biggest cities. About two-thirds of the residents hold a bachelor’s degree as well. Although home prices are relatively high, at around $642K, the average household income is well above the national average, coming in at $121K. Your dollar also stretches when it comes to other expenses, such as groceries and childcare.
10. Lubbock, Texas
The third Texan city in the top 10 best cities for families with children, Lubbock is definitely an affordable one – home prices hover around $208K, childcare costs per month are just under $1,000 and groceries are among the cheapest of the cities analyzed. The commute time averages a very convenient 16 minutes, and on top of that, families get to enjoy various outdoor recreation facilities, such as parks or tennis courts.
Hopefully, this ranking will help you find the right place to raise your family. If you plan a relocation in the near future, take your time and analyze the pros and cons of the cities you consider.
