There are many things to consider when thinking about where to raise your family. The quality of public schools in the area, crime and safety levels, real estate prices, and employment availability are just some of the factors that can influence your decision. Even if one aspect is more important to you than another, there are certain cities that rank higher in most categories, and those locations may be better suited to your family’s needs.
With that in mind, consider the following list of the best cities for families in 2024, based on rankings from Niche, a platform that analyzes data on schools and neighborhoods in the United States.
1. Naperville, Illinois
With Niche’s A+ rating for public schools and health and fitness, and A- rating for jobs and housing, Naperville is a great option for families looking for a diverse neighborhood with an underserved environment. Good choice. Far away from big cities, in this case as far as Chicago. Additionally, Naperville has one of the best public libraries in terms of spending, according to Library Journal.
2. The Woodlands, Texas
Second on this list is The Woodlands, located in the greater Houston area. The Woodlands has an A+ rating in the Public Schools and Niche Careers categories. This climate gives the city a grade of B+, according to the Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, and residents have the opportunity to enjoy the city’s more than 350 miles of trails and its 150 parks. There are plenty of them.
3. Arlington, VA
Washington, D.C. Suburban Arlington School receives high marks from Niche in many categories, including an A+ rating for Public Schools and an A rating for Diversity and Commuting. Additionally, we received an “A+” rating for health and fitness and an “A” rating for outdoor activities. This is no surprise since the American College of Sports Medicine named Arlington the best city in America in 2023.
4. Columbia, Maryland
Another ideal place to raise a family close to the state capital is Columbia. The city has an A rating of “Niche” for public schools, diversity, health and fitness, and outdoor activities. Columbia was one of the first planned communities in the United States, founded in 1967, and remains a great place to raise a family.
5. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Home to top universities such as Harvard University, Cambridge is a great city for families. It has A+ ratings in many niche categories, including outdoor activities, health and fitness, and commuting. However, it received a C+ rating for livability and a C- rating for cost of living. Home ownership in Cambridge is expensive, with the average sales price here exceeding $1 million, according to Redfin. Therefore, these costs must be weighed against factors such as the surrounding area with cultural facilities and public transport.