Are you looking to move to a city that’s more family-friendly, but aren’t sure which one to choose?
Finding the perfect city for you and your family can be a daunting task as there are a lot of factors that you need to consider. Not only do you need to consider crime rates but you also need to consider the quality of local schools, the cost of living, the local family-friendly attractions available, and more.
Luckily, there are already some cities out there that have built the reputation of being family-friendly.
Check out this guide to learn about the best cities for families.
- Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho is hands down one of the best cities to raise a family in.
Boise is the third-largest city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle and Portland. However, it doesn’t come with the high crime rates and high costs of living that Seattle and Portland have.
Boise is known as the “Treasure City”, and once you move here, you’ll understand why. One of the best things about Boise is the endless options when it comes to outdoor adventure.
Boise is home to many lakes, trails, and rivers, and let’s not forget the Rocky Mountains. If you have a family of snow bunnies, Boise is also a great place to settle, thanks to the ski slopes and ski resorts.
Boise also offers short commute times, friendly citizens, and rich culture. Additionally, you get to enjoy all four seasons in Boise, with each season bringing moderate temperatures. In the summer, temperatures hover around 72 degrees, and in the winter, they hover around 32 degrees.
You can check out this website to learn how to buy a house in Boise.
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Another great place to raise a family is in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The city is known for its excellent school systems, low crime rates, and a plethora of family-friendly activities. The city also prides itself as being home to the number one hospital in the state of Michigan, the University of Michigan Hospitals-Michigan Medicine.
The hospital ranks nationally in 10 pediatric specialties as well as 14 adult specialties.
The crime rate in Ann Arbor is 29 percent lower than the national average, while the average test scores are 20 percent higher than the national average.
Some of the best family-friendly activities include Planet Rock, Domino’s Petting Farm, and the Hands-On Museum. While the city is family-friendly, it also is home to a vibrant nightlife scene.
Ann Arbor is known for its inspiring cocktail bars, breweries, and restaurants.
- Minnetonka, Minnesota
If the Midwestern winters don’t scare you off, then Minnetonka, Minnesota is another great location to consider for your family.
Minnetonka boasts a high income per capita, high graduation rates, and low crime rates. Crime rates in Minnetonka are 36 percent lower than the national average.
The city is also in very close proximity to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, which means your family will also have access to high-quality healthcare and vibrant culture. Cultural attractions that you can enjoy in the nearby Minneapolis-Saint Paul area include the Minnesota Children’s Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Mill City Museum.
Also, we can’t forget to mention the numerous lakes in the area as well as the over 90 miles of bike trails. The largest lake in the area is Lake Minnetonka, which enjoys a vibrant boating and fishing scene.
While they come at a steeper price, there are many lakefront properties in the area that are suitable for families.
- Bowling Green, Ohio
Another great place to raise your family is in Bowling Green, Ohio. While Bowling Green is a small town with a population of just over 32,000, it’s home to some big-city attractions.
The town is home to a variety of events, outdoor parks, and camps. It’s also a very safe place to live, boasting a crime rate that’s 28 percent lower than the national average.
Families also flock to Bowling Green because of its top-notch education system. Test scores in the area are 61 percent higher than the national average.
For outdoor-loving families, there’s plenty of hiking, biking, cycling, fishing, and yoga to enjoy at nearby parks. This small town also offers a surprisingly lively nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from.
- Highland Park, Texas
When most people think of Texas, their minds are automatically drawn to large cities like Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin.
However, there”s a small city just north of Dallas called Highland Park that’s worth checking out. The great thing about Highland Park is that it offers a tight-knit community while also just being a stone’s throw away from the cosmopolitan Dallas.
Here, your family can enjoy a safe city with crime rates that are 21 percent below the national average. The public schools are also some of the best in the state, with average test scores being a whopping 98 percent higher than the national average.
There’s also no shortage of activities for your family to enjoy around town. Some of the main attractions include the Heard National Museum, the Dallas Library, and Highland Park. There are also many biking and walking trails in the area for those who like to get outdoors.
- Irvine, California
Last but not least we have Irvine, California.
Located in Orange County, California, Irvine is an affluent city that is home to a booming job market, beautiful weather, and top-notch schools.
It’s also consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, and it has a crime rate that’s 53 percent lower than the national average. The city’s test scores are 52 percent higher than the national average and 96 percent of Irvine’s residents have completed high school.
There”s also plenty to enjoy in terms of outdoor activities. Your family can enjoy strawberry picking at Tanaka Farms, animal gazing at the Orange County Zoo, and bike riding at Irvine Regional Park, just to name a few.
Best Cities for Families: Where Will You Go?
Now that you know about the best cities for families, it’s time to choose which one is right for you. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a better standard of living in one of these beautiful cities.
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