Best Cities in Us to Raise a Family
We all have fond memories of our childhood hometown — summer nights playing exterior with the neighbor kids until dusk, pancakes at the local diner with mom and dad, and the special teachers who stayed belatedly to go over a tricky consignment.
Cities are and so much more than a drove of houses, schools and businesses; they help shape our personality and are often a large part of our identity. Knowing the of import role that identify plays in growing upwardly, Livability's information scientists and editors once more searched the country looking for the absolute best places to raise a family.
At that place are so many factors that contribute to having a happy family life and childhood, which is why we used a various prepare of kid-friendly measures to come up up with our 2018 list, such equally the availability (and affordability) of day care, the number of other kids to play with, the quality of local schools, transportation options, cost of living, and number of parks and libraries.
And to actually get at the center of what makes these communities and so exceptional, we chatted with true local "experts" — kids from each urban center — about why they love growing up there. We even factored in the number of nearby candy stores. In fact, this is Livability's about kid-centric list ever.
Curious to learn which cities rose to the top? Read on to discover the 10 All-time Places to Raise a Family in 2018…
Ranking Criteria:
- Number of potential playmates (percentage of the population that is under age 6)
- Quality of public schools
- Measures of children's wellness
- Affordability of housing and transportation options
- Cost of child care
- Number of mean solar day care options, parks and libraries
- And, because we know what really matters to kids: the number of candy stores
ten. Bozeman, Mont.
Population: 40,319
Bozeman is more than like a giant outdoor playground than a metropolis. This southern Montana community has an average commute time of less than xv minutes, which means there'south more fourth dimension to spend together as a family skiing, fishing, rafting, golfing and hiking (plus, it's non far from Yellowstone National Park). A tightknit city with endless opportunities for outdoor fun, Bozeman makes frequent appearances on Livability'south Top 100 Best Places to Live list.
Bozeman is habitation to Montana State University, which is the city's largest employer, likewise as a burgeoning tech scene. On top of that, the population is still under 50,000 people, so you tin hands go to know your neighbors and feel a genuine sense of customs in Bozeman.
Best Style to Keep Anybody Entertained on a Sat Afternoon: If your kids are obsessed with dinosaurs (equally many are), you lot'll want to visit the Museum of the Rockies, an award-winning Smithsonian chapter with a massive collection of fossils and a giant T. rex skeleton.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant: The Nova Cafe, an all-24-hour interval breakfast joint popular among kids for its Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes.
Best Date Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Grab a cocktail at Bozeman Spirits Distillery in the urban center'southward historic downtown, then peruse the shops and art galleries earlier dinner at Plonk.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: You'll exist the coolest parent ever if you make a trip to The Candy Jar, where kids can pattern (so consume) their own custom processed bar.
Coolest Indoor Playground: Spire Climbing and Fitness, an indoor rock climbing gym with routes for every fellow member of the family — from beginner to advanced.
Domestic dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (considering they're part of the family too!): The aptly named White Domestic dog Brewing Company has a dog-friendly Bozeman taproom. But that'due south non all: each label on their cans was inspired by a real-life domestic dog.
nine. Morgantown, W.Va.
Population: thirty,164
It's almost impossible for kids to get bored while living in Morgantown, a small-scale city in northern West Virginia on the Monongahela River near the Pennsylvania border, and ane of Livability's Top 100 All-time Places to Alive in 2018.
There's always something for families to do here, whether it'south attending cultural and sporting events at West Virginia Academy, fishing at Cheat Lake or experimenting at the Spark! Imagination and Science Middle. Beyond that, parents can rest easy knowing that Morgantown High School came in at No. ane among all West Virginia high schools in U.S. News & World Report's most recent rankings and boasts an above-average 89% graduation rate.
Best Way to Keep Everyone Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Head over to White Park, where the family unit can cross-country ski on more five miles of trails or skate at the indoor ice arena. During the warmer months, White Park's 170 acres are fun to explore by hiking or biking.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Mount State Brewing Company, which has tons of board games for kids to play while Mom and Dad sample a flying of arts and crafts beer and munch on an artisan flatbread.
Best Date Dark Spot (for frazzled parents): Take in the sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains at Forks of Cheat Winery, then head to Sargasso for an amazing dinner.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Pay a visit to Tailpipes for a milkshake made with your selection of Fruity Pebbles, Crunch Berries, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Nutella and other goodies.
Coolest Indoor Playground: With trampolines, a foam pit, an arcade and a rock wall, Launch Pad Trampoline Park is perfect for burning off some actress energy on a rainy day.
Domestic dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they're part of the family too!): Hike around Dorsey's Knob Park, a hilly, 70-acre park that offers humans (and fur babies) an unobstructed view of Morgantown and the surrounding valleys.
8. Fayetteville, Ark.
Population: 79,037
This charming city in northwest Arkansas is home to the University of Arkansas and approximately 86,000 residents. Families who alive in Fayetteville tin take reward of 37 city parks, 84 miles of trails, 15 natural areas and tons of other places to play exterior (plus, it'due south a quick forty-minute bulldoze to Ozark National Forest).
The city likewise has a thriving arts scene, plus lots of fun traditions that all generations can appreciate at University of Arkansas sporting events (like the "Woo Pig Sooie" hog phone call). On summit of that, the Fayetteville metropolitan area has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at two.v%.
Best Way to Proceed Everyone Entertained on a Sat Afternoon: Sign up for a class or an consequence as a family unit at Terra Studios, a combination art gallery, buffet and studio where anyone tin learn a new skill, such as how to make a fairy house or dye silk scarfs.
Kid-Friendly Eating place: Catfish Hole, where kids under the age of four swallow gratuitous and everyone can chow down on catfish, shrimp and hush puppies.
All-time Date Night Spot (for frazzled parents): In the summer, catch a movie in the auto at 112 Drive-In, where you can snack on popcorn and other concession stand-style foods. The audio for the movies plays through your motorcar radio.
Where to Score the Sugariness Stuff: Rick's Bakery, which has been around since 1980 and has colorful display cases full of decadent pastries, doughnuts, cakes, cookies and more goodies than you lot or your piffling ones could ever dream of.
Dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they're part of the family likewise!): Take a leisurely, leashed stroll together through Fayetteville'due south Downtown Square and Gardens (which lots of people phone call a hidden gem), where you'll likewise detect the long-running farmers market 3 days a week during the warmer months.
vii. Oak Park, Ill.
Population: 52,080
Though it'due south less than five foursquare miles in size, Oak Park offers its fifty,000 residents access to peak-notch public transportation, slap-up schools and beautiful tree-lined streets. In that location is a seemingly endless supply of family-friendly events happening in this Chicago suburb, such equally an old-fashioned carnival, summer movies in the park and a long-running ice show. Oak Park parents have even turned the kickoff twenty-four hours of school into an annual celebration, going so far as to hire a marching ring to accompany local kids to class.
Adults here will appreciate the various and historically significant architecture throughout Oak Park (in that location are a number of houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including his own domicile and studio). Plus, the school district in Oak Park prioritizes diversity, social and emotional learning and the arts, in addition to providing a quality education to students.
Best Style to Keep Everyone Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Visit the Oak Park Conservatory, a relaxing (and free!) indoor escape with lush green plants everywhere.
Child-Friendly Restaurant: George's Eating place, a family-owned and family-friendly articulation where yous tin can get a hearty repast that tastes like it was cooked at domicile.
Best Appointment Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Catch a bite at The Little Gem Cafe, a cozy and romantic hangout with great cocktails.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Hole in the Wall Custard Shoppe, an Oak Park establishment and the perfect place to cool off on summer evenings.
Coolest Indoor Playground: Wonder Works Children's Museum is more like a playground than your average museum — it's a shoe-complimentary zone where kids can play in a treehouse, pretend to piece of work in a land market or put on a theater show.
Dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (considering they're part of the family too!): BeerShop, which is like a combination tap room and liquor store (that simply sells beer). They have 16 beers on tap, plus more than 250 cans or bottles yous can drink there or have home. Dogs are a large function of BeerShop's atmosphere (just have a quick peek at their Instagram), then be sure to bring your 4-legged family members when yous visit.
6. State Higher, Pa.
Population: 42,129
With just over 41,000 residents, State College is a small central Pennsylvania town that's often referred to as the Happy Valley. Information technology's home to Penn Land Academy, which plays a huge part in making Country College a family-friendly borough.
Aside from Big X football games in the fall, the university is home to a beautiful 395-acre arboretum, which features the unique Childhood'southward Gate Children'south Garden with fun, easily-on activities and elements designed specifically for kids. Beyond that, the schoolhouse district in State College maintains a beneath-boilerplate student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1, which means children go more than personalized attention in small classes.
All-time Manner to Go on Everyone Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Snag tickets to sentinel the State Higher Spikes, a small league team affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Child-Friendly Restaurant: Baby's Burgers and Shakes, a 1950s-inspired diner with vintage décor, thick milkshakes, burgers, hot dogs and more.
Best Appointment Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Get a sitter and book the 3-hour tasting experience at the chef'south table at The Carnegie Inn and Spa Eatery for an elegant dinner date.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Berkey Creamery, which has been going strong since 1865 on the Penn State campus. The creamery, which is where the founders of Ben and Jerry's learned to brand ice foam, serves upward more than than twenty flavors made from the academy's herd of 200 cows. Grab a few scoops and sit on the expansive patio!
Coolest Indoor Playground: Though it's non technically an indoor playground, the unabridged family can let loose at Penn Skates, an indoor roller rink and family fun middle. They offer skate rentals up to size 15 and so parents can make it on the fun, or only watch, free of charge.
Domestic dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they're function of the family unit likewise!): Tom Tudek Memorial Park, where your pooch will get to stretch his legs at the dog park. The rest of the family will enjoy the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden, the customs garden plots and the 87 acres of open infinite and amenities.
5. Bloomington, Ind.
Population: 82,813
Bloomington got its start in the early on 1800s when President James Madison selected the area to be the home of Indiana Seminary, officially condign a urban center in 1818 (Monroe County, where Bloomington is located, got its proper name from the president, too). The seminary later became Indiana University, which is what Bloomington is best known for today. Like many college towns, Bloomington is a slap-up place to raise a family unit — it'southward full of cultural activities, sporting events and trendy restaurants. It's no surprise that Bloomington also made Livability's listing of the Tiptop 100 All-time Places to Live this year.
Kirkwood Avenue virtually Indiana Academy in Bloomington.
iStockphotoFor families that like to get outside, there are aplenty outdoor recreation opportunities in Bloomington, from the B-Line Trail that runs right through boondocks to the 13,000-acre Charles C. Deam wilderness area. And with a median home price of roughly $245,000, Bloomington is nevertheless a relatively affordable place for families to live.
Best Way to Proceed Anybody Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Go hiking, have a picnic lunch or just enjoy the view at Monroe Lake, a big reservoir southeast of the city'southward center.
Kid-Friendly Eating house: Bloomington kids are big fans of the pizza at Mother Bear'south Pizza. (And it doesn't hurt that they can draw all over the walls and the article of furniture, either.)
Best Date Night Spot (for frazzled parents): A romantic evening of stargazing at Kirkwood Observatory at Indiana University.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: The Chocolate Moose, a archetype ice cream shop with roots dating dorsum to 1933. Yous can order sundaes, soft serve, milkshakes, ice cream floats, banana splits and tons of other treats here.
Coolest Indoor Playground: For little ones, the Kids Play Gym is the place to be in Bloomington. It offers iv,500-foursquare-anxiety of interactive play, including a climbing wall, ball pit, zip line, trampoline, jungle gym, sensory rooms and more than.
Dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they're part of the family too!): While you sample a flight of six wines for just $3(!), your furry friends can also relax and take in the scenery at Butler Winery.
iv. Fort Collins, Colo.
Population: 153,292
Nestled confronting the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is dwelling house to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities, Colorado Country University, and a great quality of life for families. It'due south no surprise this gorgeous metropolis makes frequent appearances on our Summit 100 Best Places to Live list. Fort Collins gets an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, so parents, kids and pets have plenty of chances to explore the city'due south 600 acres of parks, twenty miles of hiking and biking trails and 40,000 acres(!) of nature areas.
During the summer months, kids can as well take advantage of weekly one-act, music and cultural activities at The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins' chief performing arts venue. Plus, there are always fascinating science and history exhibits and programs at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. The urban center is also super cycle-friendly and has a robust public transportation arrangement.
Best Way to Keep Everyone Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Visit Fossil Creek Park, a 100-acre park where kids can romp around the hilly terrain, watch ducks in the ponds, play on the playground and climb a 6-foot woolly mammoth.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant: The Argent Grill Cafe, a downtown Fort Collins classic that serves amazingly huge cinnamon rolls your kids will beloved. And for parents, in that location's complimentary coffee while you lot look for your table.
Best Date Dark Spot (for frazzled parents): The Cache at Ginger and Baker, a top-notch restaurant in a renovated 1905 grain mill on the National Register of Historic Places. After dinner, exist sure to take hold of a slice of pie (or several — their impressively long list of flavors changes daily).
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Fort Collins Processed Store Emporium, where you'll meet owner Tony Vallejos (known equally "the Processed Man") and find lots of throwback sugariness treats like Necco wafers and pop rocks.
Coolest Indoor Playground: Fort Fun, where kids can play laser tag, bulldoze bumper cars and check out the arcade. Plus, if the weather condition is nice, there'due south also outdoor mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats and more.
Canis familiaris-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they're part of the family too!): Odell Brewing Co., where your pup tin can arctic on the huge patio while you sip craft beer and eat from the rotating nutrient truck offerings.
3. Beaverton, Ore.
Population: 93,919
Though it may exist a suburb of Portland, Beaverton, Oregon, definitely stands on its own — from great schools to fresh air, families can actually thrive here. When mom and dad aren't working at pinnacle companies like IBM IBM,
Beaverton also has great public transportation and makes it easy to commute by bicycle or on foot (the city's average commute fourth dimension is only 20 minutes, so parents tin make information technology home quickly for dinner).
Best Way to Keep Everyone Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Paint ceramics or create a mosaic masterpiece at CeramiCafe Art Lounge — no fine art experience is necessary and information technology's fun for both kids and adults.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Tom's Pancake House, which has been a Beaverton favorite since 1966. Kids love the chocolate fleck pancakes and the fresh cinnamon rolls (did somebody say sugar rush?).
All-time Date Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Spend an afternoon at Ponzi Vineyards tasting vino, playing bocce ball and strolling around the nearly l-year-quondam estate. They also offer tours and vino-pairing lunches.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Ome Calli Frozen Treats, which specializes in a type of Mexican shaved ice called chamoyada. They also serve up some quirky ice cream flavors and fresh Popsicles.
Coolest Indoor Playground: Pump It Up, which has huge inflatable playgrounds perfect for blowing off some steam or celebrating a school milestone.
Canis familiaris-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they're part of the family also!): The thirty-acre Hyland Woods Natural Area has lots of trails through the trees — and plenty of smells for curious noses!
ii. Ann Arbor, Mich.
Population: 116,194
Head westward from Detroit most twoscore miles and you'll find yourself in Ann Arbor, the No. ane city on Livability's listing of the Acme 100 Best Places to Live this yr and habitation of the meridian-ranked University of Michigan. This tightknit college town offers tons of family-friendly amenities.
There are a whopping 159 parks in Ann Arbor, plus other absurd outdoor places to explore, like the Dexter-Huron Metropark, a 120-acre wooded area with trails, canoeing, disc golf game, swings, slides and picnic areas. The school commune serves more than than 17,000 students and maintains an impressive 17:i educatee-to-teacher ratio. Plus, Ann Arbor's 120,000 residents are highly educated, with virtually 73% of adults over the historic period of 25 earning a bachelor'southward degree or higher.
Best Way to Continue Anybody Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Easily down, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (pun intended). Kids and parents rave virtually this place, which has interactive science and technology exhibits galore.
Child-Friendly Restaurant: Locals rave about the kids' bill of fare at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company.
Best Engagement Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Not just does the Gandy Dancer serve up succulent steaks and seafood, but it's likewise located in a charming restored railroad train depot from 1886.
Where to Score the Sugariness Stuff: Zingerman's Processed Manufactory, where you tin watch the confectioners brand Zingerman's unique candy confined and then taste their handiwork.
Dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they're part of the family too!): Leash upwardly and caput to Nichols Arboretum, aka "The Arb," at the University of Michigan, where fur-children and humans alike will enjoy the 3.5 miles of trails through bloom gardens, fields of prairie grasses and wooded nature areas.
1. Moscow, Idaho
Population: 24,688
Located along Idaho's western border with Washington, Moscow, ID, is home to approximately 25,000 residents and tops this yr'due south list of the Best Places to Raise a Family — in addition to racking upward impressive rankings on the Top 100 All-time Places to Live and the 10 Best Affordable Places to Live this year.
It's also domicile to the University of Idaho, which ways at that place are tons of fun sporting events and activities for families to take advantage of all twelvemonth round. The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden, for example, is the perfect identify to let kids run around and fire off some energy. If that'due south not enough, there's also the Latah Trail Cycle Path and 17 city parks to cull from. The school district in Moscow is small, serving only 2,400 total students, and then you lot're sure to establish shut relationships with your child's teachers and other parents.
The University of Idaho campus in Moscow, Idaho.
iStockphotoAll-time Way to Keep Anybody Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: During the summertime months, hitting upward the Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center, which features a lazy river, a giant pond puddle, tall waterslides and areas for immature children and toddlers to play.
Child-Friendly Restaurant: La Casa Lopez, which is right on Primary Street and offers a family unit-friendly atmosphere and tasty Mexican food.
All-time Date Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Sangria Grille, which works with equally many local farmers as possible to serve up fresh dishes similar Peruvian pan-roasted chicken and serrano Caesar salad.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Buy the Dozen, a cleverly named doughnut stand up at the Moscow Farmer'southward Market. They make adorable mini doughnuts with tons of toppings to choose from, such as crushed Oreos or lemon coat.
Coolest Indoor Playground: Bonkerz Indoor Playcenter, where kids of all ages can romp effectually a giant play structure, pretend they're in a befouled, at the market or at domicile, or play at various stations featuring dinosaurs, dolls and trains. Bonus: there's even Wi-Fi and comfy seating for parents.
Dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (considering they're part of the family too!): Everyone is invited to the patio at Moscow Alehouse, a laid-dorsum restaurant that serves upwardly classic bar food and a rotating selection of 24 beers.
Source: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-best-us-cities-to-raise-a-family-2019-04-01
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