Nearly 26 million Americans, or 7.8% of the population, moved in 2024. Many were looking for better or more affordable housing, and a significant portion wanted to be closer to family. For those with young children, finding the best place to live in America for family was the main priority.
Some cities just have more to offer for families, including better school systems, lower-cost child care and more family-friendly amenities. Read on to discover the 10 best places to raise a family in America and why each one is a great place to call home.
What Makes These Cities Some Of The Best Places To Live With Kids?
Looking for the best place to live in America for family? If so, you may be unsure where to start your search. In compiling our list of the top 10 cities, we paid special attention to the following key factors:
Safety
If you’re like many people looking for a family home, you’re probably hoping to find a neighborhood where you can let your kids play outside without worry. The best places to raise a family generally have lower crime rates than average.
Affordability
For many families getting ready to move, the affordability of a particular destination is one of the most important factors to consider. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy a home, access to affordable housing is almost always a top priority.
Schools
If you intend to send your children to public school, it’s important to choose a school district with quality schools. The best cities for families typically have well-respected schools with solid ratings.
General Community
Many young families want to find new homes close to other young families. When children can quickly make new friends, they’ll have an easier time settling in. Similarly, the best places for families to live typically offer warm, welcoming communities.
Number Of Public Parks And Other Amenities
When your kids have fun, safe things to do close to home, their quality of life will improve. Cities and towns with public parks, libraries, recreation centers and other family-friendly amenities are more likely to stand out to families looking to move.
Weather And Climate
While not the case for everyone, a significant portion of Americans are moving at least in part because they’re concerned about climate change. We prioritized cities that aren’t as vulnerable to wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
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Our Methodology
You might wonder how we determined the 10 best places to live with kids. America has no shortage of great places to raise a family, so the cities on our list are far from the only areas to consider.
To narrow down the list to our final 10, we holistically evaluated cities based on the aforementioned criteria. Because safety is so important to families and finding affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult, we placed a special emphasis on these factors.
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Our Rankings For The Best U.S. Cities To Raise A Family
So, where are the best places to buy a house (or rent one) while raising a family? Here are our top 10 picks:
1. Overland Park, KS
Overland Park is a fast-growing city with great schools and a thriving cultural scene. However, it’s also one of the most affordable cities for a family that’s just starting out. There’s plenty of scenic green space to enjoy as you stroll through each quiet neighborhood.
If your family loves being outside, Overland Park is definitely worth considering. Between the arboretum, botanical gardens and more than 80 area parks and trails, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore.
The city’s median home value is $384,400, and the median rent is $1,455. While this is slightly higher than the national medians of $303,400 and $1,348, respectively, Overland Park’s amenities and cultural scene rival those of many more expensive areas.
2. Columbia, MD
Have you ever wanted to live in a quaint village but still be close to all that the city has to offer? If so, Columbia is worth a look. As a planned community, Columbia was built specifically to foster a sense of closeness and belonging.
The city is divided into self-contained “villages,” each with its own community center. These community centers organize programs and events for each village, so residents have plenty of opportunities to get to know one another.
Like Overland Park, Columbia is a bit over the national median home price and rent. The median home price for buyers is $480,300, while the median rent is $1,998.
3. Minneapolis, MN
This larger metropolis is surprisingly well suited to younger families. Raising young children can be expensive, but Minneapolis is full of free things to do. You can visit museums and art galleries, enjoy local parks or watch a parade.
Although real estate is often expensive in major metropolitan areas, homes in Minneapolis are fairly close to the national median. The median home price is $345,600, and the median rent is $1,329.
4. Bismarck, ND
Bismarck is a great choice for parents who prefer the feel of a smaller city with a strong sense of community. It has a fairly low cost of living and a low crime rate. Although it’s relatively small in terms of population, Bismarck is full of kid-friendly activities. It has its own zoo and waterpark, and there’s lots of room for outdoor recreation.
Bismarck is one of the less expensive cities on our list. Home prices and rent are both below the national median: The median home price is $291,400, while the median rent is $992.
5. Madison, WI
Although Madison is a growing city, it still has a relatively low cost of living. Its public schools have a strong reputation, and many citywide events were designed with families in mind. It’s also fairly easy to get around on foot or by bicycle.
Moreover, Madison may be a good choice for parents looking to build their careers. It boasts a thriving job market, so it may be appealing to younger professionals hoping to strike a healthy work-life balance.
Whether you’re planning to buy or rent, Madison is fairly affordable. The median home price is $346,900, and the median rent is $1,364.
6. Cedar Rapids, IA
There’s a lot to love about Cedar Rapids. Its public schools are well respected, and it’s home to multiple colleges and universities. This city has a reputation for offering many kid-friendly activities, as well as library programs, parks, art exhibits and an exciting food scene.
If affordable housing is one of your main priorities, Cedar Rapids fits the bill. The median home price is $177,100, and the median rent is $925. That’s not the only way this city can save you money on housing; its property taxes are also lower than those of most other states.
7. Plano, TX
It’s easy to see why Plano is one of the best places to live with kids. The city is home to highly rated hospitals and excellent public and private schools. It’s also the corporate headquarters of many major companies, making it a sensible choice for career-minded parents.
Plano has a vibrant cultural scene, which holds much appeal for younger families. Additionally, it’s consistently ranked as one of the country’s most affordable cities. The median home value in Plano is $440,600, and the median rent is $1,792.
8. Seattle, WA
Many of the cities on our list are midsize or smaller. Seattle may be an exception, but it has several distinct advantages for those looking to raise a family. Among other things, it has a dense concentration of family-friendly destinations like ice-skating rinks, mini-golf courses and playgrounds.
Seattle is known for its high quality of life, though it’s not as affordable as most cities on our list. The median home price is $912,100, and the median rent is $1,998.
9. Austin, TX
Austin appears frequently on lists of cities beloved by young professionals, but it’s also a wonderful option for younger families. Many restaurants and coffee shops have their own playgrounds, and Austin’s public schools are some of the best in Texas. The weather is beautiful, and there are countless trails, lakes and swimming holes to explore.
Austin is also more affordable than you might think, with a median home price of $512,700 and a median rent of $1,655.
10. Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is growing in popularity among families and young professionals. It’s in the well-regarded Research Triangle area, so it’s close to many high-paying jobs. It also has a slew of outstanding public schools.
Raleigh presents more opportunities for indoor and outdoor play than many similarly sized cities. Whether you want to go for a hike or check out a trampoline park, there’s always something to do. The median home value in Raleigh is $377,800, and the median rent is $1,468.
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The Bottom Line
What’s the best place to live in America for family? It depends on your specific needs, but the cities highlighted here are a great place to start. Make sure to take your time, visit each city you’re considering moving to and weigh each family member’s short- and long-term interests.
Ready to start house shopping? It’s a good idea to get your mortgage preapproval first. Quicken Loans can match you with lenders so you can compare interest rates and choose the mortgage that best suits your needs. Contact us today to get started.
Ben Shapiro
Ben Shapiro is an award-winning financial analyst with nearly a decade of experience working in corporate finance in big banks, small-to-medium-size businesses, and mortgage finance. His expertise includes strategic application of macroeconomic analysis, financial data analysis, financial forecasting and strategic scenario planning. For the past four years, he has focused on the mortgage industry, applying economics to forecasting and strategic decision-making at Quicken Loans. Ben earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in economics from California State University, Northridge, graduating cum laude and with honors. He also served as an officer in an allied military for five years, responsible for the welfare of 300 soldiers and eight direct reports before age 25.
