Luckily, we\u2019ve done the in-depth research on each of these components and compiled the data to make it easier for you. In order for a city to make this list, it had to have:<\/p>\n
- \n
- At least 5 above-average public elementary school districts (with a GreatSchools rating between 7-10)<\/li>\n
- An AreaVibes Livability Score (which factors in amenities, crime rates, education, employment, housing, and weather) higher than 65<\/li>\n
- A median cost of living no greater than 220 where the U.S. average is 100<\/li>\n
- Opportunity to find a home priced between $100,000 and $550,000<\/li>\n
- Plus, we took into consideration factors like free activities for families and parks in the area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So, now all you need to do is browse this list of the top 10 best cities to move to when you have kids in tow. Select the one that resonates the most with your family\u2019s needs, and put your house on the market.<\/a><\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the top 10 best cities to consider moving to with kids:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- Plano, Texas<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ann Arbor, Michigan<\/a><\/li>\n
- Arlington, Virginia<\/a><\/li>\n
- Overland Park, Kansas<\/a><\/li>\n
- Naperville, Illinois<\/a><\/li>\n
- Irvine, California<\/a><\/li>\n
- Burlington, Vermont<\/a><\/li>\n
- Raleigh, North Carolina<\/a><\/li>\n
- Boise, Idaho<\/a><\/li>\n
- Colorado Springs, Colorado<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-plano.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: (Nicholas Geraldine Photos\/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 1. Plano, Texas<\/h2>\n
Located just 30 minutes outside of Dallas, Plano is a mecca for families with kids. Not only are many of the public school districts ranked above average<\/a>, but the suburb packs a lot of opportunity for having an only slightly above average cost of living.<\/p>\n
That means you\u2019ll have more money in your pocketbook for excursions to places like the Dallas Zoo, not to mention all the free family-friendly activities right in Plano.<\/p>\n
The cost of housing ranges widely from $117,500 and $894,900<\/a> but as of 2019, the average home sale price was just $332,000, according to HomeLight transaction data. With the money used to sell your current home, you can budget accordingly to find a reasonably-priced residence in Plano to raise your family.<\/p>\n
Looking for more temperate weather and plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run and play?<\/p>\n
Plano offers all that and more with its 84 parks<\/a>. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve<\/a> is highly rated for its trails. For family nights out, you can visit Historic Downtown Plano<\/a>. There\u2019s plenty of locally-owned shops and restaurants, Movies in the Park, Family Days, and more.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Plano:
\n<\/span>Population: <\/b>281,566<\/a>
\nAverage home sale price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$332,000
\nGreatSchools ratings: <\/b>23 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nLivability: <\/b>91<\/a>
\nCost of living: <\/b>119.8 <\/a>(based on a U.S. average of 100)
\nPark score: <\/b>66<\/a><\/p>\nFind a <\/i>top agent in Plano, TX<\/i><\/a> to get more local insights. <\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Ann](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-ann-arbor.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: ( Traveler100\/ Wikimedia Commons via Creative Commons Legal Code<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 2. Ann Arbor, Michigan<\/h2>\n
Ann Arbor, Michigan, provides families with a mix of that small-town feel and city living, making it an ideal place to raise a growing family. And if you\u2019re looking for a new sporting allegiance, the University of Michigan is right in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re not introducing your kids to Michigan football and basketball games<\/a>, there\u2019s plenty of activities to do as a family. Visit the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum<\/a> for a day of exploration and discovery. The Creature Conservancy<\/a> is another must-visit destination to learn all about new and interesting animals.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Ann Arbor<\/span>:
\nPopulation: <\/b>119,303<\/a>
\nAverage home price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$375,000
\nGreatSchools ratings:<\/b> 15 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nLivability: <\/b>79<\/a>
\nCost of living: <\/b>127.1<\/a>
\nMedian home price: <\/b>$355,900<\/a>
\nPark score: <\/b>Not available<\/p>\nFind a <\/i>top agent in Ann Arbor, MI<\/i><\/a> to get more local insights.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Arlington](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-arlington.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: (Natalia Bratslavsky\/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 3. Arlington, Virginia<\/h2>\n
Seeking a kid-friendly place to raise your family but still want to be close to a bigger city? Arlington, Virginia may be the ideal location.<\/p>\n
Your children can live in a city that earned an A+ ranking for its safety<\/a>, attend above average schools, and be a stone\u2019s throw away from one of the most historical destinations in the country: Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n
The cost of living is above average<\/a> due to housing and transportation costs, so keep that in mind. But with the right real estate agent<\/a>, you may be able to score an affordable home that meets your needs.<\/p>\n
Lesniak adds that \u201chome prices are expensive in Arlington but proximity to the government and the tech industries make the job environment good<\/a> and keep unemployment low.\u201d<\/p>\n
Encourage your kids to explore the nation\u2019s history by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery<\/a> and the National 9\/11 Pentagon Memorial<\/a>.<\/p>\n
When your kids are old enough, plan family day trips to Washington, D.C., to visit all the museums and monuments. For all those hot, summer stretches, Upton Hill Regional Park<\/a> should be at the top of your list. Play mini golf, ride the slides at the Ocean Dunes Waterpark<\/a>, and hit the batting cages.<\/p>\n
Need a free activity to do as a family? Dan suggests hitting one of the numerous hike and bike trails in Arlington such as Rocky Run Park, Custis Trail, WOD Trail, and Mt. Vernon Trail which runs along the river across from D.C.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Arlington<\/span>:
\nPopulation: <\/b>229,534
\n<\/a>GreatSchools ratings:<\/b> 10 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nAverage home price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$704,000
\nLivability: <\/b>81<\/a>
\nCost of living: <\/b>192.3<\/a>
\nMedian home price: <\/b>$684,400<\/a>
\nPark score: <\/b>81.6<\/a><\/p>\nFind a <\/i>top agent in Arlington, VA<\/i><\/a> for more local insights.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Overland](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-overland-park.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: (Anne Preble\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 4. Overland Park, Kansas<\/h2>\n
Overland Park, Kansas, is just 20 minutes outside of Kansas City, making it a great location to settle with your young family. You\u2019re still close to city life for work and entertainment. At the same time you can offer your kids a suburban upbringing in a city that earned an A- rating for overall crime.<\/a><\/p>\n
Your kids will also get the best education possible at any of the schools in the city since they are all ranked above the state average<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Luckily, the cost of living in Overland Park is only slightly above average<\/a> in comparison to the rest of the country. So, you should be able to find an affordable home that your family loves.<\/p>\n
During the warmer months, your family can spend Saturday mornings browsing the Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a> to buy fresh produce and to get to know the community. Another must-visit destination is Deanna Rose Children\u2019s Farmstead<\/a> where your kids can feed goats, ride in a carriage, and more. Colder days can be spent in the Museum at Prairiefire<\/a> doing hands-on science activities.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Overland Park<\/span>:
\nPopulation: <\/b>186,147
\n<\/a>Average home price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$323,000
\nGreatSchools ratings:<\/b> 12 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nLivability: <\/b>83<\/a>
\nCost of living: <\/b>119.6<\/a>
\nMedian home price: <\/b>$296,400<\/a>
\nPark score: <\/b>N\/A<\/p>\nFind a <\/i>top agent in Overland Park, KS<\/i><\/a> to get more local insights.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Naperville](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-naperville.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: (Jeremiah Higgins\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 5. Naperville, Illinois<\/h2>\n
While the cost of living is a bit high<\/a> in Naperville, the city makes up for it in all it offers young families. Your children will experience growing up in a suburb well-known for its low crime<\/a> and for its above average schools<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Its proximity to Chicago makes it ideal for parents who want to commute to work in a larger city. Plus, your children will look forward to day trips exploring the Windy City.<\/p>\n
Homes are a bit pricier in Naperville with average sale prices clocking in at $395,000 in 2019. However, with the right real estate agent<\/a> who knows all the inventory, you\u2019re better positioned secure a house within your budget to raise your family in.<\/p>\n
The Naperville Riverwalk<\/a> will be your family\u2019s hang out spot in town (and the city even offers free parking<\/a>). The riverwalk includes covered bridges, fountains like the Dandelion Fountain, walking paths, and the Centennial Beach. What about when the weather isn\u2019t ideal? Your family can become a frequent visitor to the Dupage Children\u2019s Museum<\/a> where you can spend time playing, learning, and discovering together.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Naperville<\/span>:
\nPopulation: <\/b>146,431
\n<\/a>Average home price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$395,000
\nGreatSchools ratings:<\/b> 26 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nLivability: <\/b>75<\/a>
\nCost of living: <\/b>143<\/a>
\nMedian home price: <\/b>$387,000<\/a>
\nPark score: <\/b>N\/A<\/p>\nFind a <\/i>top agent in Naperville, IL<\/i><\/a> to get more local insights.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-burlington.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: (Rob Rudeski\/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 6. Burlington, Vermont<\/h2>\n
When you think of the East Coast, you picture bustling cities or charming, idyllic towns. If you\u2019re in search of the latter, Burlington, Vermont is right up your alley. Forbes <\/i>even named it one of the prettiest towns in America<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Although it\u2019s a small town, you\u2019re only 45 minutes from the Canadian border. There\u2019s also a large airport nearby, and the University of Vermont is in town. For your kids, the schools are ranked among some of the best<\/a> receiving average to above average rankings. Safety is not an issue as the city earns an A-<\/a> in terms of crime.<\/p>\n
Church Street Marketplace<\/a> is located in the heart of downtown Burlington. Head to the outdoor mall to shop, eat, attend festivals, and more as a family. The ECHO Leahy Center<\/a> is an interactive museum focused on Lake Champlain and marine life. On that note, your kids will grow up enjoying time spent near Lake Champlain wandering the waterfront and sailing.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Burlington<\/span>:
\nPopulation: <\/b>42,453
\n<\/a>Average home price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$335,000
\nGreatSchools ratings:<\/b> 5 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nLivability: <\/b>66<\/a>
\nCost of living: <\/b>118.5<\/a>
\nMedian home price: <\/b>$296,800<\/a>
\nPark score: <\/b>N\/A<\/p>\nFind a <\/i>top agent in Burlington, VT<\/i><\/a> for more local insights.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Irvine](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-irvine.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: (Cameron Stow\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 7. Irvine, California<\/h2>\n
Always dreamed of living in the Golden State? Noted as one of the wealthiest and safest cities<\/a> in the country, Irvine, California, may be the right place to grow your family. It earned an A+ rating<\/a> in regards to crime rates, and you won\u2019t struggle to find a good school to enroll your kids in.<\/a> They all earn high marks.<\/p>\n
You need to be prepared for a higher cost of living<\/a>, though. Housing and transportation make this city one of the more expensive.<\/p>\n
Your kids will appreciate that Disneyland<\/a> is right around the corner. On special occasions like birthdays and holidays, you family can make a tradition out of day trips to the most magical place on Earth. A more affordable pastime is the Adventure Playground<\/a> where your kids can play in a tree house, draw on an outdoor art wall, and enjoy a sensory garden.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Irvine<\/span>:
\nPopulation: <\/b>256,870
\n<\/a>Average home price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$961,000
\nGreatSchools ratings:<\/b> 27 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nLivability: <\/b>82<\/a>
\nCost of living: <\/b>211.5<\/a>
\nMedian home price: <\/b>$853,200<\/a>
\nPark score: <\/b>73.4<\/a><\/p>\nFind a <\/i>top agent in Irvine, CA<\/i><\/a> for more local insights.<\/a> <\/i><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/best-cities-kids-raleigh.jpg\")
<\/a>Source: (Cameron Stow\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 8. Raleigh, North Carolina<\/h2>\n
Big cities may not be your thing. Even so, you may you want your family to grow up in a bustling, growing metropolis. If so, Raleigh, North Carolina, is an option to add to your list of best cities to move to with kids. USA Today<\/i><\/a> voted it one of the top most livable cities<\/a> in the United States, noting that it has grown by nearly 30% in population in the last decade.<\/p>\n
Raleigh is known for small-town Southern charm blended with a growing metropolis area. When your kids aren\u2019t attending above average schools<\/a>, they\u2019ll enjoy the temperate climate and activities Raleigh has to offer.<\/p>\n
They will love the Marbles Museum<\/a> located in downtown where they can play hands-on while learning. Pullen Park<\/a> is also a must-see with its carousel, miniature train, paddle boats, playgrounds, and recreational areas, and theatre.<\/p>\n
Fast stats about Raleigh<\/span>:
\nPopulation: <\/b>449,477
\n<\/a>Average home sale price (based on 2019 transaction data from HomeLight): <\/b>$332,000
\nGreatSchools ratings: <\/b>5 public district elementary schools<\/a> rated as \u201cabove average\u201d (earning at least a 7 out of 10)
\nLivability: <\/b> - Ann Arbor, Michigan<\/a><\/li>\n
- Plano, Texas<\/a><\/li>\n
- \n