Selecting a city to call home is an important undertaking, even more so when that choice involves children. Besides having employment opportunities and safe, affordable housing available, a city has to satisfy many requirements that are unique to families with children, including high-quality educational options; activities and opportunities for the entire family and public spaces and parks for outdoor exercise and fun.
Top family-friendly cities in the US
Located on Florida’s Gold Coast, Tampa is one of the most family-friendly cities in the country, with a highly-regarded school system. Parents have diverse range of schools to choose from and the low ratio of students to teachers, about 13:1, which is better than the national average. Tampa also offers a diverse culture, with the Cuban immigrant influence being particularly strong in districts such as Ybor City. The city has a great a zoo, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the annual pirate-themed extravaganza, known as Gasparilla, complete with pirate ships and pirate crews. With warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches just a short drive away and a variety of homes and land auctions available at all times, Tampa is a popular choice with families looking to relocate.
Big city meets small town in “the City of Oaks”, Raleigh. The North Carolina capital offers families much in the way of affordable housing and an above-average income level. Crime rates are low and the schools are some of the best in the state.
Living in the Midwest is an aspiration for many a family. Full of ideal cities and towns, all with a characteristic small-town feel, some of them offer great options for families setting up homes.
Home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, has an extensive park system and numerous historic buildings and attractions. The city also has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, with less than 200 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, on average.
The capital of Wisconsin, Madison is noted for its high-quality schools, particularly in the suburbs. Situated in a lakeside location, Madison offers a dizzying array of sports and activities to be enjoyed in any of its acres of natural park settings. Housing costs are reasonable and the unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the entire country, with biotechnology and research positions being some of the most in-demand and highest paying. The climate is typical of the northern Midwest, with bitterly cold winters and temperate, even hot, summers.
The state of Idaho is synonymous with the potato, but it has much more to offer families than simply a nutritious vegetable. Here, cities are smaller and have more of a small-town feel; noteworthy among them is the city of Pocatello. With a low cost of living and some of the safest neighborhoods in the country, Pocatello is very family-centered, with numerous activities in and around the city, including a zoo, the Natural History Museum and the Ross Park Aquatic Complex. The city is well within reach of Salt Lake City, Utah, while Yellowstone National Park and the spectacular Rocky Mountains are within easy driving distance, offering plenty of fun for families who enjoy the great outdoors.
I wish I lived in a more family friendly city! 🙂
I live in WInston Salem NC that was voted no 7 best place to retire. I know Raleigh as I went to college there and it is a very nice place and I understand why it is a family friendly place