June 23, 2026
Moving to Minneapolis: Cost of Living, Neighborhoods, and Lifestyle
Minneapolis boasts a strong job market, an extensive park system, a thriving arts scene, and a surprisingly balanced lifestyle. It’s one o...
Deciding where to live is a major decision, and it becomes even more significant when you bring children into the mix. Factors like education, safety, affordability, and recreational opportunities all play a part when weighing your options, and different families have different priorities.
Here are some of the very best American cities to raise a family, and some of the top reasons why they deserve a look.
Before launching into each city and town that made the list (and why), consider the various factors that go into making a place truly “family friendly.”
Whether you’re planning for your kids to attend public, private, or charter school, it’s important to live in a community with highly rated schools and reputable daycare centers. Along with good schools, these cities should offer plenty of enriching extracurricular activities, libraries, and educational opportunities, such as museums.
Obviously, it’s important to raise a family in a place where you feel safe both out and about and at home. These cities boast low crime rates and citizens who feel comfortable in their community—and who feel comfortable sending their kids out there, too.
While you may not be able to completely avoid the adolescent rite of passage in which they’re constantly soooo bored, you can try your best by choosing a city (and a neighborhood) that offers plenty of family fun. Think parks, sports leagues, outdoor recreational opportunities, movie theaters, playgrounds, and more.
A healthy family is a happy family. From pediatricians to dentists and specialists, the availability of healthcare services is something to consider before a major family move.
Consider your budget and lifestyle priorities, as well as factors like housing costs and median household income, when comparing potential places to live. Some families are more than happy to pay more for the big city life, where endless amenities and opportunities warrant the high cost of living. For other families, the dream is a quieter life with more affordable housing, where every dollar stretches farther.
This can be hard to gauge short of spending prolonged time living somewhere, but consider how engaged or tight-knit the community seems as an outsider looking in. Are there a lot of family-friendly festivals, markets, and community events? How do residents talk about their town or city? Are there lots of other families living there? Moving with kids can be tough, and it will help knowing there is a welcoming community on the other side of this move.
While there are undoubtedly many great places to raise a family across the country, let’s cut to the chase and explore the best of the best. These cities were named among the top cities to raise a family in the US, based on Niche data on public schools, crime and safety, housing, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities.
Naperville consistently ranks among the best cities in the US to raise a family because it simply works well for family life. Kids grow up in a community where parks, sports leagues, and local events are part of the routine, while parents benefit from access to Chicago’s job market without living in the middle of the city. It’s the kind of place where families tend to put down roots and stay.
While living in Irvine is relatively expensive, you get what you pay for in the form of “master-planned” neighborhoods and world-class educational opportunities. The city is frequently recognized for its safety and extensive park system. The city also benefits from proximity to major employers throughout Orange County’s technology, healthcare, and business sectors.
In Columbia, your kiddos will have access to the Howard County Public School System, which is consistently ranked one of the best in the country. One of the coolest parts: the community was designed as a cluster of self-contained “villages” that offer everything you need nearby!
Overland Park offers a very affordable quality of life, with rigorous, reputable public schools and a thriving economy, and is consistently considered one of the best towns to raise a family. Plus, you won’t be far from all the fun of Kansas City.
Located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Plano combines low crime rates, a strong local economy, great schools, and plenty of opportunities for family fun – what else could you need?
Nicknamed the “City in the Park”, Bellevue boasts an incredible 100 parks and lush, green neighborhoods. It has a thriving economy, and families flock here for exceptional schools and safety.
With tons of seasonal events, great restaurants, healthcare resources through the University of Michigan, award-winning schools, and an incredibly welcoming and inclusive community, Ann Arbor offers the benefits of a major university environment. This makes it a fixture on these types of lists.
Located along the gorgeous Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and just north of Atlanta, Sandy Springs combines tree-lined neighborhoods, extensive park systems, and family-friendly communities with access to one of the Southeast’s largest employment markets. You’ll also enjoy all the amenities and conveniences of a big city.
Berkeley’s biggest draw is probably its world-class educational opportunities, with its walkability, greenery, and rich, diverse culture rounding out the list. While housing costs are among the highest on this list, many residents are drawn to the city’s academic atmosphere and access to the broader Bay Area.
If you dream about coastal living for your family, Virginia Beach not only supports an outdoor lifestyle but is also affordable compared to similar coastal cities. And perhaps, most importantly, it also offers highly rated public schools. The area’s military presence also contributes to a strong community network and family-oriented atmosphere.
Moving with a family often means balancing many moving pieces at once. CORT Furniture Rental helps make that transition easier by delivering move-in-ready furniture and professionally setting it up before you arrive. With flexible lease terms that adapt to your timeline, you can create a comfortable home for your family right away, without the pressure of furnishing everything at once.
