Ranked: The 25 Best Places To Raise A Family In The U.S., According To A New Report

28.05.2024 - 14:09 / forbes.com

Choosing the best place to raise a family can be a daunting task. WalletHub has made this decision easier with a comprehensive new report on the best places to raise a family in the United States.

The annual report—now in its 10th year—evaluated 182 U.S. cities across 45 key metrics. These metrics included essential family dynamics such as education, safety, affordability and recreational opportunities.

According to Cassandra Happe, analyst and communications manager at WalletHub, the aim of the report is to assist families in making informed decisions by providing a detailed comparison of cities.

“On average, Americans move 12 times in their lifetime, and millions move annually,” Happe told me in an interview. “This report is particularly helpful as it provides a comprehensive evaluation of cities based on essential family dynamics, helping parents narrow down their choices to cities that offer the best overall conditions for raising children.”

The report is also useful for travelers. “Travelers can benefit from using the report in several ways. The rankings on health and safety metrics, such as crime rates and access to healthcare, can assist travelers in choosing safer and healthier destinations for their stay,” says Happe. “Additionally, the assessment of recreational opportunities and family-friendly attractions can help travelers find cities with plenty of entertainment options for both adults and children.”

Besides that, cities that rank highly in education and child care often have rich educational and cultural institutions, such as museums and libraries, which can be particularly appealing to families traveling with children.

“Overall, the report provides a comprehensive view of each city’s livability, making it a valuable resource for travelers seeking pleasant and comfortable destinations for their short or extended stays,” says Happe.

This year, Fremont, California— a city in the San Francisco Bay Area—was named the best place to raise a family in the United States. Fremont was built around the historic 1797 Mission San José, and it also includes Centerville, Niles, Irvington and Warm Springs, which were combined into one city in 1956. Fremont won due to its strong economic factors, high median family incomes, low poverty rates and exceptional education and health metrics. “The city’s socioeconomic landscape, marked by a high percentage of two-parent families and low separation/divorce rates, contributes to its family-friendly environment,” says Happe.

Overland Park, Kansas came in second on the list, followed by Irvine, California and Plano, Texas. Seattle, Washington rounded out the top five.

Happe says it was surprising to see some less prominent cities outperforming major metropolitan