If you are deciding on where to settle down, you might want to go to one of the best places to raise a family. There are some places more convenient for raising a family than others.
This can be due to many factors like a great quality of life, the quality of the education system, low crime rates, affordability, and more.
The good news is that – there are lots of family-friendly locations to select from in the U.S.
Continue reading to find out the 10 best places to raise a family in the United States and why they are so perfect for families.
The 10 Best Cities to Raise families in 2024
1. Ann Arbor, MI
- Population: 118,087
- Home Price: $250,200 average purchase price; $1,114 average monthly rent
- Average Household Income: $57,697
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of cities in the United States
Because of its comprehensive list of things to do and quality school systems, it is clear why Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the best locations to live with a family in the country. The city, according to AreaVibes, is described as extremely livable, getting high scores for its A+ amenities, excellent schools, and low crime rates. Ann Arbor is also rated by Niche.com as one of the best places to start a family in Michigan in 2017.
The nicely-sized city offers a highly safe place for families to live with a lower crime rate that is 29% below the national average. Also, the city is where the highest-rated hospital in Michigan, the University of Michigan Hospitals-Michigan Medicine is located. The hospital is ranked nationally in 14 adult specialties as well as 10 pediatric specialties.
2. Boston, MA
- Population: 658,279
- Home Price: $423,200 average purchase price; $1,369 average monthly rent
- Average Household Income: $58,516
- Unemployment Rate: 5.5%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 14% of cities in the United States
Parents relocating to Boston can be certain that their kids will enjoy the city’s numerous family-friendly activities as well as big-city amenities. Together with highly-rated Boston schools, such as Boston Latin School and Eliot K-8 Innovation School, the city has a lot of things to offer families, such as the Franklin Park Zoo, where families can learn about exotic wildlife.
Boston has been named one of the safest cities in the United States which, together with its rank for the highest starting income and its various cultural and historical attractions, makes it a highly attractive place to reside for families.
Families that have older children will so much love living in Boston too since the city has a lot of higher education opportunities and is home to schools like leading research institute Bostin University, as well as Ivy League schools, and Harvard University.
If you are moving to Boston, check our top recommended Boston movers.
3. Irvine, CA
- Population: 256,877
- Average Home Price: $864,493
- Crime rate: 65% of Irvine residents report that it is hard to feel that there is a crime in the city, and they see around 10% of the overall violent crime that the rest of the nation does. Irvine is among the safest cities in California.
This affluent city is located in California’s Orange County and is popular for its thriving job market, top-rated schools, family-friendly environment, and beautiful weather. WalletHub report Irvine as a significantly happy place for families to live.
The city was lately rated as the 34th happiest location to reside in the United States by the personal finance website. Irvine’s crime rate is 53% below the national average as noted by AreaVibes, which makes the city perfectly safe to live in. Also, UC Irvine Medical Center, a leading hospital in California is located in Irvine.
4. Colorado Springs, CO
- Population: 448,759
- Home Price: $222,100 average purchase price; $958 average monthly rent
- Average Household Income: $56,227
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of cities in the United States
Colorado Springs may not have the large size of Denver, but this attractive mountain town around one hour south of the capital city holds its unique terms of amenities as well as things to offer families. This city is 12 percent more affordable and much safer for families than Denver. But families are not only drawn to Colorado Springs because of the low cost of living alone.
Schools here, such as Discovery Canyon Middle School, Broadmoor Elementary, and The Classical Academy High School give a great and purpose-oriented education to local kids.
When you reside in Colorado Springs, it also means you will have access to parks, museums, and hiking trails, as well as other activities to do with children. Also, parents will enjoy the strong employment market of the city as well as affordable housing. Considering all these factors, together with its top quality of life and amazing neighborhoods, Colorado Springs is one of the best locations for families in 2024.
5. Indianapolis, IN
- Population: 846,674
- Home Price: $120,400 average purchase price; $811 average monthly rent
- Average Household Income: $43,101
- Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 2% of cities in the United States
Indianapolis is one other best place for families in 2024. Its capital city is the most affordable place to live in the country and also one of the best places for jobs in the country. Schools in Indianapolis are also one of its vital keys, thanks to excellently performing institutions like Speedway Junior High School, Herron High School, and Center for Inquiry School 84. Families are not only relocating to Indianapolis to find practical amenities, though.
The number of family-friendly activities available is one other reason why Indianapolis is one of the best places for families to raise kids in the country. There is a cumbersome list of things for families to do in Indianapolis, but two out, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (the world’s largest auto racetrack) and Indianapolis Zoo.
6. Cary, NC
- Average Home Price: $365,000
- Population: 135,234.
- Average household income: $94,617.
- Crime rate: It is 59% below the national average
This is one of the best locations to start a family in the South. Cary is ranked by AreaVibes as the second most livable place in North Carolina, with outstanding public schools, sunny weather, and varieties of amenities. The suburban city draws people from all over the nation through its small-town vibe and family-friendly atmosphere.
Cary is also easily located within driving distance of Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. Families will enjoy Cary’s safety, with a total crime rate that is 59% below the national average. Considering its closeness to Duke University Hospital as well as the University of North Carolina Hospitals, Cary provides residents with easy access to many of the country’s best healthcare providers.
7. Portland, OR
- Population: 620,589
- Home Price: $319,400 average purchase price; $1,025 average monthly rent
- Average Household Income: $58,423
- Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of cities in the United States
Moving to Portland is a smart decision for any family, but even smarter for those looking for an active lifestyle. Being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, Portland has a lot of trails and parks where families can all get outdoors and enjoy the Pacific Northwest view.
Portland’s crime rate is also low, a booming job market with low unemployment and high salaries, and a significant culture that is not seen anywhere else.
Excellent schools are one other important reason why Portland is taken as one of the best locations in America to raise a family. Grant High School, Skyline School, Winterhaven School, and many other top-rated Portland schools are why this Oregon city is a wise choice for families. As regards activities to do with kids, you will find Washington Park, Oaks Amusement Park, World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, and many other attractions in Portland.
8. Seattle, WA
- Population: 668,849
- Home Price: $484,600 average purchase price; $1,266 average monthly rent
- Average Household Income: $74,4583
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of cities in the United States
The many safe and affordable neighborhoods, as well as spacious structures, are highly attractive to families relocating to the Pacific Northwest, but those are not the only reason why this beautiful treasure is coveted after families in 2024.
Seattle is also a great job market, a wealth of outdoor recreation, and some of the best schools in the state, including Garfield High School and Roosevelt High School. Between great attractions, such as The Museum of Flight and the fun, Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and the educational Pacific Science Center are in proximity, which makes it easy to do camping, hiking, and go on fishing trips.
If you are moving to Boston, check our top recommended Seattle movers.
9. San Francisco, CA
- Population: 850,282
- Home Price: $858,800 average purchase price; $1,632 average monthly rent
- Average Household Income: $87,701
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 5% of cities in the United States
Even though this city’s average real estate price is more than some of the other leading places to raise a family in the United States, San Francisco is one of the country’s best cities for employment, with employees earning a very high salary than the country’s average.
These economic perks make the city a consistent place to raise children and numerous family-friendly amenities, excellent schools, as well as great year-round weather, make San Francisco even more appealing to those looking for the best place to move with their family in 2024.
Lowell High School, Mission preparatory School, and Roosevelt Middle School are just a few of the many options for families residing in San Francisco. Being one of the largest cities in California, San Francisco has many things to do with kids, majorly the Aquarium of the Bay. The Bay Area Discovery Museum, and the great Muir Woods.
If you are moving to San Francisco, check our top recommended San Francisco movers
10. Plano, Texas
- Population: 281,566
- Average Home Price: $340,273
- Safety: Plano’s crime rate is the lowest of any Texan city.
Just a thirty-minute drive towards the north of Dallas, Plano offers the best of both worlds (suburban and metro closeness) to its residents. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area has almost 7 million residents, 2 big airports, and 6 professional sports teams.
Scores of Plano students on state-required tests always beat the national averages, and the Plano Independent School District has gotten the highest rating across the Texas Education Agency’s Schools FIRST program for sixteen (16) years consecutively.
Together with the various professional sporting events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Plano is in proximity to minor league teams like the Frisco RoughRiders. Plano has lots of public parks, and the metro area contains a lot of museums, such as the Perot Museum of Natural Sciences. If you’re planning to move to or from Plano, you can also find reliable moving companies in Fort Worth to assist you with your relocation.
Are You Moving to Any of these Cities?
If you think any of the cities on our list is worthy of being your next home, you may need the help of professionals to take care of your move. Fortunately, the extensive network of reputable cross country moving companies on Moving APT simplifies the process of hiring and booking a moving company that will do a perfect job.
All the long distance moving companies in our network are insured and licensed to deliver a sweet moving experience for you without damaging your goods. Have a safe and sweet moving experience.