When you move to a new state or a city, you do so by looking at things that it offers you differently and in a better way than your current one. And when moving with a family, most aspects that you’d look for are most likely to be related to your family and children. As parents, you would only want the best for your child. But you also need to have a stable job to provide for your family and have a roof over your head.
In order to meet all these needs, you need to raise your family in a place that provides all the opportunities you can afford, in an enriching environment suitable for families. Luckily, there are ample US cities that offer you opportunities that are hard to resist. Let’s have a look at some of these best places to raise a family in the US.
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Naperville is one of the best suburbs in Illinois, known for its food, music, and culture. Surrounded by nature, it is one of the most beautiful places in the city and is pleasing to behold. It is also amongst the safest neighborhoods in Illinois and has a crime rate lower than the national average by a large margin.
You’ll also get to enjoy all four seasons when living in Naperville as it has a continental climate. Naperville is also Illinois’s wealthiest city offering high-paying jobs to professionals. The growing tech industry has played a huge role in enabling budding professionals to seek job opportunities in the city.
Affordability – When it comes to the overall cost of living, Naverpille is not the most affordable city to reside in. According to Payscale, the cost of living in the city is 44% higher than the national average. The city has affordable utilities but the groceries and transportation rates are both higher than the national average rates.
Healthcare And Education – The healthcare and educational facilities in the city are top-rated. Naperville has some of the best schools in the state of Illinois that provide students with quality education. Some of the best educational institutions in the city are Ellsworth Elementary School, Madison Jr. High School, Naperville Central High School, and North Central College.
Family And Fun – Naperville is a diverse city that offers ample opportunities for families to enjoy a good time. Other than the restaurants, cafés, and parks that are spread across the city, it also has Centennial Beach which is an aquatic park, the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, and Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
Ann Arbor is another among the best cities for families and retired couples. It is located in Michigan and is also a college town, making it perfect for older families with kids in their teens. It is commonly known as the ‘Tree Town’ as it is home to a dense forest. Ann Arbor is a safe place to raise a family with crime rates lower than the national average.
Ann Arbor is fairly diverse, with growing science and technology, education, and healthcare industries. These have impacted the job market tremendously and enabled job opportunities for a large section of the city. Finding a high-paying job in the city will not be an issue for you.
Affordability – The cost of living in Ann Arbor is 5% higher than the national average. The housing, groceries, food, and healthcare services are more expensive compared to the national average. The median home value in the city is also slightly higher than most cities in the country, so make sure you find yourself a well-paying job.
Healthcare And Education – The city is home to one of the best hospitals in the state–The Michigan University Hospital. You will find some of the best healthcare services in the city; the services are 25% higher than the national average but provide all kinds of facilities you need.
The education in Ann Arbor is definitely one of the best in the country, and in fact, Greatschools has rated 4 of its schools among the top in the country. Some of the top-rated educational institutes in the city are Honey Creek School, Dicken Elementary School, Skyline High School, and Ann Arbor Open. It also is home to one of the world’s well-known universities–The University Of Michigan.
Family And Fun – The museums in Ann Arbor are one of its finest assets. You can visit these museums and enjoy the interactive exhibits with your family over the weekends. If you’re a brood that prefers outdoor activities, you can go to Planet Rock which is the biggest indoor climbing gym in the country. It makes for a fun day out with your family.
Bowling Green is a flourishing and thriving city in the northwest region of Ohio. It is one of the hidden gems of Ohio that celebrates its music, art, and culture by organizing festivals all year round. The Black Swamp Art Festival is one of the most well-known festivals that is celebrated here every year. The city also has a bustling nightlife perfect for a date night or an evening to admire the city lights.
Bowling Green is one of the safest cities in Ohio with a crime rate lower than the national average. It is a city safer than 34% of the other cities around the country, and the many activities make it ideal for a family.
Affordability – It is a very affordable city to live in with the cost of living being 9% lower than the national average. The housing market in the city is very affordable with a median rate of $224,200. This is lower than the national average, and the utilities, transportation as well as grocery costs in the city are much more affordable compared to the national averages.
Healthcare And Education – The healthcare in Bowling Green, Ohio is one of the best in the state. The average expenses on the healthcare facilities in Bowling Green are 16% lower than the national average according to Payscale which makes it affordable. Besides, there is a wide range of these facilities easily accessible to all.
See Also: How to Find a Doctor When You Move
The quality of education is one of the best assets of Bowling Green, with more than 20 schools both public and private. The city also has one of the best universities in Ohio–Bowling Green State University. More than 90% of the residents in Bowling Green are high school graduates and most also have diplomas or master’s degrees.
Family And Fun – The Museum of Art in Toledo along with the zoo and the Imagination Station are some of the best places you can visit for some family time. They make for a great one-day trip that you can go on as a family and enjoy yourselves.
Irvine is located in the center of Orange County in California. It is known for its long beaches, prosperous neighborhoods, job market, and family-friendly neighborhoods. This place is one of California’s most affluent business-friendly atmospheres. This has allowed more than 21,000 businesses to prosper in the city. Additionally, the growing biotechnology industry is a big contributor to the economy and job market here.
In terms of crime, Irvine is safer than 34% of the cities in the country. This makes it a safe place to raise a family as its crime rates are lower than the national average. Overall, it is very aesthetically pleasing as well as one of the most enriching environments that families can thrive in.
Affordability – Irvine, Orange County has a higher cost of living compared to the national average by 54%. From housing and utilities to transportation and food, Irvine is more expensive than most cities in the country. The bright side is that the job opportunities and quality education in the city compensate for its high cost of living, so make sure you secure a well-paying job to fully enjoy the city’s benefits.
Healthcare And Education – Irvine has easy access to high-quality healthcare facilities. The healthcare institutions in the city are well known in the state and many people fly here to avail themselves of these services. It is also home to UC Irvine Medical Center, a renowned healthcare institute in the county.
The education in the county is just as reputed and acknowledged as its healthcare system. It is home to over 137 schools out of which most are the top-rated schools in the state. The Irvine Unified Public School District was also labeled as the best school district in Orange County by Iusd.org.
Family And Fun – The Pretend City Children’s Museum is a famous attraction among younger children and families in Irvine. You can also enjoy a fun picnic at Tanaka Farms plucking fresh fruits and enjoying the beauty of your surroundings!
Newton is an old and popular city in Massachusetts among people who want to live near Boston but want a more slow-paced and small-town vibe. Newton is a city that has a great combination of traditions, New England charm, modern living, and high quality of life. It has 13 officially recognized villages that have their own unique feel along with family-friendly amenities.
Newton is one of the safest cities in Massachusetts. According to Neighborhoodscout.com, the crime rate of Newton is lower than the national average for both violent and property crimes. In the heart of Newton City, you will come across diverse dining options. The city overall is a very wholesome city for families, considering it has a variety of outdoor activities and entertainment options for all.
Affordability – Newton is far from being an affordable city to live in in the US and in fact is one of the most expensive cities in Massachusetts. The overall cost of living in the city is 54% higher than the national average. The real estate market in the city is the most expensive out of all the other expenses that you have to pay. the median home value being $1,308,292.
Healthcare And Education – Looking for a good public school for your child in Newton will not be a difficult decision as it is home to some of the top-rated schools. It also has one of the best public school systems and has a graduation rate of 97%. Plus, Newton hosts Boston College, one of the most prestigious colleges in the country.
Just like its education system, Newton is also known for its medical facilities in Massachusetts. It is a city with accessible healthcare facilities and is home to some of the most renowned healthcare institutions in the state. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center, and Massachusetts General Hospital are some of the healthcare institutions in the city to name a few.
Family And Fun – From canoeing in the Charles River to swimming in Crystal Lake, you have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy as a family. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir Park is also a great place to have a family day out for a picnic. There are also some museums and libraries in the city that you can visit.
Scottsdale calls itself the “West’s Most Western Town”, but without the ‘wild’ and with much nicer and warm houses! Known for its outdoors, attractions, quality of life, and fun-filled atmosphere, it is a very prosperous city. It celebrates plenty of festivals all year long and there is always something to look forward to when living in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale has a flourishing economy, several job opportunities, low crime rates, and a diverse community. The sunny and pleasant weather makes it a very favorable city to live and raise a family in.
Affordability – The good quality of life that Scottsdale offers comes with a heavy price tag. The cost of living in the city is nowhere near being affordable. Transportation, groceries, and the housing market in the city are higher than the national average. On the brighter side, the utilities in Scottsdale are 8% lower than the national average.
Healthcare And Education- Many families move to Scottsdale for the quality education it provides students of all ages. The education system in Scottsdale is excellent with a good list of top-rated schools in the city. It is home to over 170 schools, including both public and private schools.
The healthcare system in the city is also top-notch. Mayo Clinic Hospital, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, and OASIS Hospital are some of the highly lauded hospitals with great healthcare facilities in Scottsdale. Most of these organizations are open 24/7 and cater to people’s medical requirements with some of the best facilities.
Family And Fun – You won’t fall short of entertainment and outdoor activities to engage in when living in Scottsdale. You can enjoy a good hike or some horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert. All of the food, culture, art, music and film festivals that go around all year long give you plenty to look forward to with your family.
Also Read: Moving to Arizona
Summing Up
When you’re moving with your family, there are a lot of things that you need to consider. It’s a lot to digest and figure out, which naturally takes time, effort, and a ton of researching! All of the cities mentioned above at large are safe and affluent, with warm and accommodating communities. With good quality of life, they offer great education, job opportunities, and outdoor entertainment activities. All of these factors contribute to making all these cities healthy and family-friendly environments.
See Also: The Most Livable Cities In The US
The US has ample states that provide good quality of life for families. Some of the states that rank on the top of the list are Massachusetts, Michigan, and Illinois. These states have some of the best neighborhoods and cities that provide excellent prospects for families.
When raising a family, it is important to consider the crime rates in the locality since you naturally want your children to grow up in a space that is safe. Naperville, Ann Arbor, Newton, and Orville are some of the cities in the US with crime rates lower than the national average. These cities are some of the safest in the US and are also some of the best to raise a family.
Most places that offer good quality of life and family-friendly amenities come with a price tag in the form of a high cost of living. However, Bowling Green is a city in Ohio that is family-friendly and has a cost of living rates lower than the national average by 9%. It is one of the few cities in the US that offers you high-quality life at an affordable cost of living index.
When looking for a place to live with your family, there are a lot of factors that you may want to dive deeper into. The cost of living, education system, healthcare facilities, and crime rates are just some of the many things that you need to delve into. Looking into these parameters will help you find places ideal to raise a family in.
Also Read: 10 Best States to Live in the USA
Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
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