2025 Study: These Are the Best Cities for Families

Choosing the right city to raise a family is one of the most important—and potentially difficult—decisions parents face. Families planning to relocate often use various services and strategies, including realtors and long-distance moving companies, to manage the complex process of finding and moving to cities that balance affordability, safety, and access to quality schools.

New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s historical America’s Families and Living Arrangements tables show that about 64% of households were classified as family households in 2024, down from 79% fifty years ago. As families make up a smaller share of households, finding the right environment to meet their needs has become even more crucial.

To help families make an informed decision, the research team at This Old House analyzed 149 of the most populous U.S. cities, evaluating factors such as cost of living, crime, and access to amenities. This comprehensive study highlights the cities that offer the best environments for families, making the search for the perfect home a little easier.

What Are the Best Cities for Families?

When identifying the best U.S. cities for families, our analysis focused on safety, education, and affordability, as we determined these are the most important factors for families with children. We also looked at access to childcare centers, parks, libraries, and activities for kids. 

“Emerging as an essential need to local economies is access to quality child care—including recognition of the largest provider of childcare, the educational institutions,” says Tami James Moore, Ph.D., professor of family science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. “Communities that don’t actively and continually strive to support and improve those two service providers are ignoring important obstacles to family success.”

Based on these factors, our top cities are spread across the U.S., each offering a unique mix of opportunities. Scottsdale, Arizona, is at the top of the list, excelling in all three key areas and standing out for its childcare providers and high-scoring school district. Many of the top cities are located in states that offer child tax credits, which help families keep more of their income come tax season.

5. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, known for being home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also offers a host of family-friendly activities and affordability that make it a great choice for families. With 0.87 parks per 1,000 residents—the highest among all cities analyzed—and 2.45 childcare providers per 1,000 residents, Madison provides plenty of options for outdoor activities and family-friendly services. 

The city’s walk score of 50 is the highest in the top five and second highest among the top ten cities. Madison’s relatively low rents (below $2,000) and prices 5% below the national average contribute to its affordability. Families also benefit from a solid school district, rated 6 out of 10, while the crime rate of 27.66 per 1,000 residents remains manageable for a city of its size.

4. Boise, Idaho

A big draw for families is Boise’s safety. Boise has a low crime rate of 14.66 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the national crime rate of 23.35. Other boosts to the city’s ranking are its above-average rankings for schools at 7 out of 10 and the cost of living at 95% of the national average. 

Notably, Idaho offers a child tax credit of $205 per qualifying child. The city is also known for its outdoor lifestyle, with easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains, making it an ideal place for families who enjoy nature.

3. Aurora, Illinois

Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois, after Chicago, and is known for being incredibly safe, with a crime rate of only 5.06 crimes per 1,000 residents. In comparison, Chicago’s crime rate is much higher at 37.15 per 1,000 residents. 

The city also boasts 10 out of 10 schools, offering families great educational options. However, Aurora’s cost of living is 6% higher than the national average. 

Yanmei Li, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Visual Planning Technology Lab at Florida Atlantic University, notes that balancing high-quality schools with affordable housing is often difficult due to how property values influence school quality, but that cities should work to find that balance. “Good schools tend to be in areas with higher property values,” says Li. “It’s critical to make sure various housing options are available to families based on their economic affordability. Housing affordability may seem contradictory to school quality, but a city should strive to have both.”

A silver lining is that the state of Illinois provides an additional child tax credit to low-income families, making it a more affordable option for some.

2. Overland Park, Kansas

Ranked as the second-best city for families overall, Overland Park offers an impressive blend of affordability, education, and quality of life. A suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, it is home to highly rated schools, scoring 8 out of 10 on average.

Families also have access to more than 80 parks throughout the city, equating to 0.44 parks per 1,000 residents. This commitment to preserving outdoor recreation makes Overland Park an ideal environment for raising children and fostering a sense of community.

The city also stands out for its cost of living. Overland Park’s cost of living is 92% of the national average. Its thriving health care industry provides ample job opportunities, while ongoing economic development initiatives signal a strong future.

1. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale earned the top spot for families by excelling in education and offering a well-rounded community with something for everyone. Known for its stunning desert landscape and luxurious lifestyle, the city provides high-quality amenities and services. Its school district is rated 9 out of 10, and it has 6.65 primary care providers per 1,000 residents—the highest among the top five cities analyzed. 

Scottsdale also supports families with 5.34 childcare providers per 1,000 residents below the age of 5 and a dependent child tax credit, making it easier to manage childcare and related expenses. 

Outdoor recreation is accessible with 0.37 parks per 1,000 residents, while activities for kids abound, with the city ranking second in the number of kids’ activities (2.81 per 1,000 residents) and fourth in libraries (0.14 per 1,000 residents) among the cities studied.

Full Ranking of the Best Cities for Families

Tips for Relocating as a Family

“There is no normal or predominant family form anymore—family diversity has become the new normal in the 21st century. What makes a city great depends on what kind of family you live in and what kind of family you hope to create,” says Kathleen Gerson, Ph.D., Collegiate Professor of Arts & Science and professor of sociology at New York University.

When planning a move, families should consider their unique needs and priorities before taking the leap. If you’re relocating to a new city with your family, consider the following tips:

• Research schools and amenities: Look into local schools, daycare options, and family-friendly resources. Make sure the area offers the services and activities that will support your family’s needs. Cindy Smith, Ph.D., professor and associate department head of Human Development and Family Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, suggests that parents also dig into the curriculum of childcare institutions in their area. “Parents should look for places that focus on meeting the needs of the children in developmentally appropriate ways, such as play-based education where the children’s interests lead the curriculum.”
• Create a realistic moving budget: Factor in all moving expenses, including movers, packing supplies, and room for unexpected costs. Having a clear budget will help you avoid surprises along the way.
• Visit your new city beforehand: If possible, visit the city before moving to get familiar with the area. This gives you the chance to explore potential homes and local amenities and learn the new city’s quirks.
• Hire a top-rated moving company: Consider hiring a well-reviewed moving company to help make the process easier. A reliable, affordable mover can handle most of the logistics and take added stress off your plate.
• Stay organized and communicate: Use a to-do list with deadlines to stay on track. Keep your family involved by discussing the move and addressing any concerns they may have beforehand and along the way.

Expert Tips and Insights

Cindy Smith, Ph.D.

Professor and Associate Department Head of Human Development and Family Science

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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What makes a city truly great for families?

Parents should look for cities that offer places with activities for families, such as well-maintained parks and recreation centers that offer programs for children, teens, and families. Parents should also look for cities with high-quality school systems for their children.

What are the most critical factors that contribute to a family’s quality of life in a city?

High-quality early childhood education opportunities are vital for all families. Families need to be able to trust that these programs are first providing for the health and safety of their children. Not being able to find high-quality childcare is very stressful for families and impacts many areas of their lives. When looking for early childhood opportunities, parents should look for places that focus on meeting the needs of the children in developmentally appropriate ways, such as play-based education where the children’s interests lead the curriculum. Centers that also focus on children’s social and emotional learning are important. For children under the age of five, developing self-regulation skills that allow them to control their behaviors and emotions is one of the most important skills that children should be learning. Learning these self-regulation skills will make it easier for children to learn other academic skills and form friendships with other children.

Issues with high-quality education opportunities can spill over into other areas of the family, such as stress with partners and other relationships and missed days at work. Another potential stressor is when communities do not have enough available childcare centers. Families who need options for younger children should look for places that have a lot of centers that are licensed. Families can assess one aspect of quality by checking licensing violations for centers. Another stressor for families with young children is the cost of high-quality early childhood programs. Families can look for centers that provide subsidies to help with the high cost of early childhood education.

Cindy Smith is the associate department head of the Department of Human Development and Family Science, where she is also a professor. She runs the Children’s Emotions Lab as well.

Tami James Moore, Ph.D.

Professor

University of Nebraska at Kearney

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What are the most critical factors that contribute to a family’s quality of life in a city?

As a social-scientist, I start with the basic needs of human existence. Safety is one of the most fundamental needs of individuals and families. Safety in terms of violence, crime, excellent water and air quality, and adequate housing to protect from the elements are key. Communities providing and ensuring these quality of life factors allow families to focus on relationships and growth. Adequate support for law enforcement, emergency services, and utilities are not always as visible to those outside of a community but are critical to the long-term prosperity of the city and its families.

How do cities create environments that support family growth and development?

Once the basic quality of life factors are addressed, family success benefits from a strong economic community base. While city governments walk a fine line in open market economies like the U.S., they can be very important in recruitment and retaining an economic base of industry, health care, hospitality, agriculture, and services by supporting local economic councils, providing tax incentives, and active outreach to potential employers. Of course, addressing issues that current employers have is a continual process. Emerging as an essential need to local economies is access to quality childcare—including recognition of the largest provider of childcare, the educational institutions. Communities that don’t actively and continually strive to support and improve those two service providers are ignoring important obstacles to family success.

Another important contribution city government can provide to families is strong support for existing nonprofits and formation of additional entities to support families facing crises—domestic abuse, poverty, physical obstacles, food insecurity, etc. This does not always require infusion of money. Sometimes it is just recognizing and removing obstacles local government and regulations impose on these entities. Building a strong philanthropic attitude across the community benefits public, private, and non-profit services.

Tami James Moore is a professor of family science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She teaches several courses across family science, including family resource management and family life education.

Kathleen Gerson, Ph.D.

Collegiate Professor of Arts & Science and Professor of Sociology

New York University

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What makes a city truly great for families?

There is no normal or predominant family form anymore—family diversity has become the new normal in the 21st century. What makes a city great depends on what kind of family you live in and what kind of family you hope to create. Families aren’t snapshots—they’re films, constantly developing and changing. Cities have become much more diverse and friendly places for all kinds of families. With the rise of remote work, which the pandemic accelerated, many jobs are moving toward a hybrid model. Some jobs will require full-time on-site work, some can be completely remote, and many will land somewhere in the middle, requiring in-person collaboration at least some of the time.

What are the most critical factors that contribute to a family’s quality of life in a city?

It helps to think about the tradeoffs rather than trying to find the “best” place to live. In dense cities, you’re trading private space for access to services and strong social networks. These environments offer a critical mass of people who share certain lifestyles or identities. While you sacrifice private space, you gain vibrant public areas where people congregate. Less dense cities and suburbs offer more space for less money, but you sacrifice the ability to walk out your door and have everything at your fingertips. The “15-minute neighborhood” concept has become important—having services and other families nearby while limiting the need to travel long distances.

Do certain cities or regions have policies/perks that benefit families?

The U.S. generally lags behind Northern European countries in family support policies, but at the local level, there have been enormous strides. Cities are typically where you’ll find the most comprehensive family support policies and equal opportunity workplace measures. However, it varies significantly by region and state politics, as state policies can either limit or enable local initiatives. Cities on the coasts, particularly in California and New York, tend to be leaders in implementing family-friendly policies. I predict we’ll see significant movement over the next decade as people sort themselves based on the legal and institutional policies toward families and workers in different regions.

Why might it be important to live in an area that has early childhood education opportunities?

Quality early childhood education has become one of the highest priorities for parents. It’s very expensive to have a child, and most parents want both good, solid public education and early childhood care so they don’t have to add enormous costs on top of what they’re already paying for housing. Education has moved downward—we’re not just talking about good elementary, middle, and high schools anymore, but also about preschool availability and quality. Cities like New York and California are leaders in this area, with programs like universal pre-K. The availability of these services tells us that families want to stay in cities during their child-rearing years, and cities are responding to keep them there.

Kathleen Gerson is Collegiate Professor of Arts & Science and professor of sociology at New York University. Her work focuses on the intertwined revolutions in gender, work, and family life in the United States and across the globalizing world.

Rona Novick, Ph.D.

Dean of Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration

Yeshiva University

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Why might it be important to live in an area that has early childhood education opportunities?

As for early childhood education, it is so critical to give all children rich educational opportunities but early childhood is especially pivotal. Not only are there critical periods for language and social development, but many families meet their adult “friends” and build social connections through children’s schools.

What are the most critical factors that contribute to a family’s quality of life in a city?

I think what contributes most to a family’s quality of life anywhere are their connectedness and sense of belonging. Families should consider how close/far they want or need to be from extended family. How friendly are neighbors? Are there community groups and are they welcoming? These may be interest-based groups such as sports clubs or faith-based groups or civic engagement and volunteering groups. Another thing to consider are the array of services available for your children now and in the future. A city may have great playgroups and toddler parks but no fields for teen sports.

Rona Novick, Ph.D., is the Dean of Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at Yeshiva University and holds the Raine and Stanley Silverstein Chair in Professional Ethics and Values. A recognized expert in child behavior therapy, trauma, and bullying prevention, she has authored scholarly works, including the BRAVE bully prevention program and the parenting guide “Helping Your Child Make Friends.” Novick is also the co-educational director of the Hidden Sparks program and has delivered numerous presentations at international conferences on social-emotional learning, parenting, and child development.

Yanmei Li, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of the Visual Planning Technology Lab

Florida Atlantic University

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What are the most critical factors contributing to a family’s quality of life in a city?

For many families, the quality and accessibility of preschool and K–12 schools are the number one factors that contribute to the quality of life. However, good schools tend to be in areas with higher property values. It’s critical to make sure various housing options are available to families based on their economic affordability. Housing affordability may seem contradictory to school quality, but a city should strive to have both. A city’s economic performance, often measured with job availability, is also critical to families. Additionally, the availability and accessibility of parks and free or affordable recreational and enrichment activities for children are crucial factors. Lastly, safety and low crime also make a city attractive to families.

How do cities create environments that support family growth and development?

Cities can do a few things to create an environment that supports family growth and development. However, some may not be possible due to limited financial resources. Therefore, cities should prioritize efforts and initiatives. I think that creating high-quality public infrastructure is essential, notably public libraries, high-quality parks with exercise equipment, playgrounds, and/or dog parks, and high-quality, low-cost recreational activities, such as outdoor activities in parks, swimming pools, fitness classes, art classes, music lessons, tennis courts, free enrichment activities in local libraries, etc. If revenues are an issue, the city can form partnerships with private entities or find grants (e.g., Community Development Block Grants) and donations to fund these activities. To improve school quality, cities with lower property values may work with the school districts to explore alternative financial models such as revenue sharing, grants, and donations. Setting up special assessment districts to revitalize parts of the city may be another option to obtain more tax revenues. This relates to branding and promoting the city to attract businesses and families. Cities can also provide downpayment assistance, childcare assistance, housing and weatherization assistance, etc., to make housing and childcare more affordable to lower-income families. Furthermore, cities can use zoning and land use regulations and incentives to help create more affordable housing and different housing options. Density bonuses have been successfully used in many cities, while inclusionary zoning and accessory dwelling units have mixed results. Tax abatement, deferred taxes, scholarships, and tax credits have been used by cities to promote economic development, affordable housing and childcare, and quality schools. Lastly, working with other municipalities or jurisdictions to create a better transportation infrastructure for shorter commutes is important to attract businesses and families.

Why might it be essential to live in an area that has early childhood education opportunities?

For families with young children, the availability and accessibility of high-quality childcare facilities and early childhood education opportunities are critical for the development and growth of the family. Children younger than six go through essential stages of development in language, numerical reasoning, and cognitive development. Children who are exposed to high-quality early education tend to be more successful in life when growing up. These educational opportunities may also help parents focus more on work and personal development without worrying about their children’s development. This can help promote the community’s overall economic, human, and social capital. Areas with better early childhood opportunities also tend to have more vibrant housing markets, promoting the fiscal well-being of local communities.

Yanmei Li, Ph.D., AICP, is an associate professor and Director of the Visual Planning Technology (VPT) Lab in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She also serves as the Director of Assessment & Administrative Fellow for Excellence in Teaching for the College of Science at FAU. Her teaching and research interests focus on affordable housing, climate resiliency, residential mobility, planning methods, urban economics, community development, and real estate economics and finance. She has more than 25 years of teaching experience in K–12 and higher education settings. In addition to teaching and research, she actively participates in the plan-making process of local communities, serves on various committees, and takes on different leadership roles in multiple academic and professional organizations.

Methodology

We ranked 150 of the largest cities in the U.S. on factors that are important to families. We ranked across 13 metrics to determine the best cities for families. Here are the metrics included: 

• Crime rates per 1,000 residents from NeighborhoodScout.
• School district ratings from NeighborhoodScout, which uses data from various state and federal sources to determine school district scores.
• Regional price parity from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional price parities indicate how high or low the cost of living in a given geographic area is compared to the United States average, represented by 100. If a city’s regional price parity falls above 100, it is considered more expensive than the national average. If it falls below, it is considered less expensive.
• Primary care providers per 1,000 residents from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Primary care providers include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, family practice, internal medicine, general practitioners, obstetrician/gynecologists, pediatricians, and certified clinical nurse specialists. 
• The percentage of rent-burdened residents, or those paying 30% or more to rent, from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.
• Typical home values from Zillow compared to family incomes from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.
• Typical rent from Zillow.
• Child Tax Credit Programs from the National Conference of State Legislators.
• Walkability Scores from WalkScore.
• The number of parks and libraries per 1,000 residents from Yelp.
• The number of childcare options per 1,000 residents under the age of 14 from Yelp. 
• The number of kids activities per 1,000 residents under the age of 14 from Yelp.

Questions about our study? Please contact the author here.

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