Southern cities, Midwest suburbs, and charming towns are among the best places to live for families in the U.S.
As you start to have children, your priorities change. In your younger years, you may have wanted a bustling city with great brunch spots, happy hour deals, and bars that stayed open until the wee hours of the morning. But when you think about where you want to live as a family, you have to consider proximity to highly rated schools, possibly a more spacious home, and ways you can engage with your community. That said, where exactly you plant your roots becomes more important than ever.
To identify the towns, cities, and suburbs in the U.S. that are conducive to a family-first lifestyle, we polled a few real estate experts with experience spanning the country. Below, they shared their top picks—from a coastal city with excellent public transportation options to a small upstate New York community with lots of hiking trails.
Carmel, Indiana
“The cost of living in Indiana is below the national average, and the state consistently ranks as one of the most affordable in the country. Families can get spacious homes, great schools, and a simpler style of living without the price tag you'd see in larger metros,” says Jenna Stauffer, a broker and global real estate advisor for Sotheby's International Realty. “The pace of life is slower, and Carmel really caters to young families with good schools, low crime, and safe neighborhoods.” There is also a variety of things to do together when the kids aren’t in school—from biking along the Monon Trail to exploring the galleries and shops in the Carmel Arts & Design District.
Boise, Idaho
“Boise is a wonderful mix of affordability, outdoor access, and a strong sense of community. The low cost of living, the city’s greenbelt, ski resorts, and expanding tech scene make it a great place to live with ample opportunities,” says Patrick Roach, president and managing broker at Southwestern Real Estate. “This medium-sized city boasts many great colleges and universities like the University of Idaho Boise and Boise State University, which brings a lot of youth and enthusiasm to the area.” The outdoors-focused lifestyle is certainly one of the biggest draws to the area, so you can expect your kids to grow up riding bikes, hiking, skiing, and enjoying a generally active childhood.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
“I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, and I’ve seen this city grow tremendously over the past 10 years. While its cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it’s still significantly less than other major coastal cities,” says Sam DeBianchi LaViola, realtor and president of DeBianchi Real Estate. She notes that it’s ideal for those families who want to live on the water—it’s known as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” after all—but it’s also conveniently located. “When I want a change of scenery, I can hop on the Brightline high-speed train and head north to Palm Beach or south to Miami—and when I decide to finally take my kids to Disney World, the Brightline takes us to Orlando as well.” Not to mention, Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Port Everglades are also close by.
Raleigh, North Carolina
“This is one of the most family-friendly and affordable tech hubs in the country. You get the job opportunities of a growing tech scene without the sky-high prices of cities like San Francisco or Seattle,” says Stauffer. “The outdoor lifestyle is a huge draw with there being tons of parks, lakes, trails, and family-friendly amenities.” LaViola agrees, adding that the mild climate and general friendly atmosphere of the Raleigh-Durham area are also desirable factors. “All this, mixed with its ease of travel with great domestic and international routes (via RDU Airport), makes it a great place to live and raise a family,” she says.
Greenville, South Carolina
Your family might be set on Charleston, but there’s another South Carolina city to consider—and one that has a significantly lower cost of living: Greenville. (Greenville’s cost of living is 7 percent below the national average.) “It is a fast-growing city with lower-than-average housing costs and a strong job market. Families who appreciate a smaller-city vibe can enjoy all four seasons and really live an active outdoor lifestyle year-round,” says Stauffer. “The Southern charm, booming culture scene, and easy access to big cities and beautiful beaches make it an incredible place to call home.” As a Greenville resident, you’re also within driving distance of some of the South’s most dynamic destinations, including Charlotte, Athens, Atlanta, and Columbia.
Bentonville, Arkansas
“Bentonville was once a quiet town, but it has transformed into a cultural and economic hub, thanks to the presence of Walmart’s headquarters and investments in arts, trails, and family-friendly infrastructure,” says Roach. “The Crystal Bridges Museum, top-rated public schools, and affordable housing make it a hidden gem for families seeking both opportunity and charm.” Zillow estimates show that housing prices are on the rise (up over 5 percent from last year), so if you’re thinking about a move to the Ozarks, now’s the time to make it happen.
Rhinebeck, New York
According to LaViola, there are several convincing reasons to relocate your family to Rhinebeck, New York. “Rhinebeck has a small community feel, but it’s an easy train ride away to NYC along the picturesque Hudson River. Outdoor activities are plentiful and include hiking trails with idyllic backdrops, parks, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, and family-friendly farms and farmers markets. For those wanting to stay indoors, there’s a variety of museums and shopping throughout the town,” she says. This lifestyle doesn’t come cheap, though; the cost of living is 19 percent higher than the national average. “For me, it feels like a wellness retreat with all the fresh food and natural escapes. It is also very easy to get around to surrounding towns, like Woodstock and Kingston, that also offer their own unique take on Hudson Valley life,” she adds.
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
“Naperville regularly makes the short list of ideal family-friendly towns in America. But I’m here to tell you that Glen Ellyn is even better,” says Roach. “Glen Ellyn is a neighboring suburb to Naperville, but it’s one-fifth the size and population, and yet has everything a family would want. It’s a very safe community, and the downtown has become an evening-out destination due to many highly rated restaurants and bars, a well-developed park district, and youth sports leagues. The iconic Glenbard West High School, which sits right next to Lake Ellyn, will win you over in a second.” Real estate prices aren’t exactly on the lower end of the spectrum—the average home value is over $560,000—but you’ll get what you pay for. “Despite being in a higher price bracket, its quality of life and proximity to Chicago continue to attract relocating families looking for suburban stability with urban access,” Roach adds.
Austin, Texas
If you want to raise your family in one of the country’s most dynamic cities, LaViola recommends Austin. “Austin has a rich culture filled with both music and nature, and it has become a major city that continues to evolve. Real estate inventory in Austin has increased, combined with some price declines, providing some cooling in its housing market, which makes it slightly more affordable for people to make home purchases,” she explains. On the weekends, you can take advantage of all of the green spaces in the city or attend any one of its various events, from small, local affairs to larger extravaganzas like SXSW and Austin City Limits.
