Priorities change when you have children. When you were younger, perhaps you wanted a busy city with great brunches, happy hour offers, and bars open until early morning. If you’re thinking of where you would like to raise your family, it is important to think about the schools in your area, whether you need a bigger home or not, and how you will engage with local communities. This means that where you choose to set down roots is more important than ever.
In order to determine the best towns, cities, or suburbs for a family lifestyle in the U.S., we surveyed a few real-estate experts who have experience all over 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)
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The cost of living in Indiana ranges from $ below the national averageThe state is consistently ranked as one of the least expensive in the nation. “Families can enjoy spacious homes, excellent schools, and a more simple lifestyle without paying the high prices of larger metropolises,” says Jenna Stauffer, a broker for Sotheby’s International Realty and a global real estate adviser. Carmel is a great place for young families, with its low crime rate, good schools 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)
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“Boise It is a perfect combination of affordability, outdoor accessibility, and community. The city’s low cost of life, its greenbelt and ski resorts make it a great location with plenty of opportunities,” says Patrick RoachSouthwestern Real Estate, President and Managing Broker. This medium-sized city is home to many colleges and universities, including the University of Idaho Boise (UIB) and Boise State University. These institutions bring a lot of energy and youth to the region. This area is known for its outdoor-oriented lifestyle, which means that your children will grow up enjoying activities like biking, hiking, skiing and other sports.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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“I was raised in a rural area” Fort LauderdaleIt’s been a pleasure to watch this city grow over the past decade. Although its cost of life is slightly above the national average, this city’s costs are still lower than those of other coastal cities,” said Sam DeBianchi LaViola. 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 need a change of scene, I can jump 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.” Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Port Everglades and other nearby airports are all worth mentioning.
Raleigh, North Carolina
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This is one of America’s most affordable and family-friendly tech hubs. Stauffer says you get all the job opportunities that come with a growing tech industry without paying as much in expensive cities like San Francisco and Seattle. The outdoor lifestyle, with its parks, lakes and trails, is an attractive feature. LaViola concurs, stating that the Raleigh-Durham region’s mild climate and friendly atmosphere is also a desirable factor. She says that the combination of all this and its easy access to domestic and international travel (via RDU Airport) makes Raleigh-Durham a wonderful place to raise a family and live.
Greenville, South Carolina
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You and your family may 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 has a cost of living that is 7 percent below The national average. “It’s a rapidly-growing city, with housing costs lower than the national average and a solid job market. Stauffer says families who love a smaller city can really enjoy an active outdoor life year-round. The Southern charm, the thriving culture scene, as well as easy access to large cities and beautiful beaches, make this an amazing place to call “home.” Greenville is also within easy driving distance of many of the South’s dynamic destinations. CharlotteAthens Atlanta Columbia
Bentonville, Arkansas
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Roach says that “Bentonville, once a quiet community, has become a cultural hub and economic center thanks to Walmart’s presence and the investments made in trails, arts and infrastructure for families.” “The Crystal Bridges MuseumTop-rated public schools and affordable housing make it an ideal destination for families looking for both charm and opportunity.” Zillow’s estimates show that house prices are rising (up over 5 percent from last yearIf you’ve been thinking of moving to the Ozarks in the future, it’s time to do so.
Rhinebeck, New York
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LaViola explains that there are many reasons for moving your family to Rhinebeck, New York. “Rhinebeck is a small town with a community-like feel. It’s merely a train ride to NYC, along the Hudson River. The outdoors is abounding with hiking trails and parks set against idyllic backgrounds, as well as family-friendly farms, farmers markets, and the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. There are many museums and shops in the town for those who want to stay inside,” says Ms. Sherry. Cost of living is expensive, but this lifestyle is worth it. 19 percent higher Compared to the national average. It feels like a retreat to me with the abundance of fresh food and nature. She adds that it is easy to visit nearby towns such as Woodstock or Kingston which also have their own unique Hudson Valley experience.
Glen Ellyn (Illinois)
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“Naperville Regularly makes the shortlist of ideal family-friendly cities in America. “But I’m here today to tell you Glen Ellyn, Illinois is even better,” Roach says. “Glen Ellyn has all the amenities a family needs, yet it is only one-fifth of Naperville’s size. The downtown area has been transformed into a popular destination for evenings out, thanks to the many restaurants and bars that are highly rated, as well as the youth sports leagues and a well-developed district. Glenbard West High School will be your favorite in a flash. It’s located next to Lake Ellyn. 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. Roach says that despite being in the higher price range, the quality of life there and its proximity to Chicago continues to attract families who are looking for suburban stability while still having access to urban areas.
Austin, Texas
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LaViola suggests that you raise your family in the dynamic city of Toronto. Austin. Austin has a rich music and nature culture, and is a city that continues evolving. Austin’s real estate inventory has increased along with some price decreases. cooling in its housing market“This makes home ownership a little more affordable,” she says. You can enjoy the many green spaces of the city on the weekends or attend one of the various events that are held in the area, from local gatherings to large extravaganzas such as SXSW and Austin City Limits.
