The 10 Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S. for Young Families

Deciding where to raise a family is never a single-factor decision. Schools, nearby parks, safety, cost of living—the list goes on! But there's another factor that's harder to pin down. It has to do with the overall feel of living in a certain place. Some families are looking for that small-town charm, while others prefer the buzz of a bigger city.

No matter what you're looking for, you'll agree that this list of the best cities and towns for young families in the U.S. has something for everyone. In fact, these are just the kind of places where you could settle in and stay awhile.

1. Franklin, Tennessee

With regular community events, live performances, highly-rated public schools, and plenty of access to the great outdoors, Franklin is a high-quality choice for young families. The heart of Franklin is its historic downtown district, which serves as the backdrop for annual festivals, farmers' markets, and other events. With such a central gathering place, this town offers many ways to make connections and meet neighbors. Some of the town's most popular family-friendly spots include Pinkerton Park and the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. It's everything we love about small towns in Tennessee, with the added benefit of being just 30 minutes from Nashville.

2. Bend, Oregon

If the Pacific Northwest pulls at your heartstrings, you'll be endlessly charmed by Bend. It's great for young families who prioritize outdoor adventures—namely, access to the Deschutes River, the Cascades, and year-round activities. Even the schools in Bend center time in the great outdoors, with some even offering nature-based classrooms. It's one of the best places to raise a family in Oregon because of its excellent recreational opportunities, strong sense of community, tons of parks, and a safe, walkable downtown.

3. Cary, North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina might just be one of the most underrated places to raise a family. It's located in the Research Triangle, but it's decidedly less congested than Raleigh and Durham. The public schools in Cary are top-tier, thanks to the Wake County Public School System. It's also consistently ranked among the safest places to live in the Southeast. For families who need to commute, there's easy access to the Research Triangle Park and even Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Some neighborhoods to consider include Amberly, Cary Park, and Lochmere.

4. Fort Collins, Colorado

Having lived in Fort Collins for a couple of summers, I can attest that this mid-sized city has it all: access to the mountains, a central, bustling downtown (called Old Town), countless trails, and plenty of kid-friendly adventures. Even the breweries in Fort Collins have entertainment for the kiddos. Also, cycling is a way of life here; if you're interested in raising confident bikers, Fort Collins is an excellent choice. Add to that lots of parks, community events, and the stunning Horsetooth Reservoir, and you've got one of the best places to raise a family in the USA.

5. Lexington, Massachusetts

Lexington, Massachusetts, is a highly sought-after suburb of Boston, known for its excellent public schools, picturesque, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a historic downtown with that unmistakable New England charm. The cost of living is high, as is typical for the area, but with the price comes a top-tier public education system and access to all that Boston has to offer. One unexpected perk of moving here: the Minuteman Bikeway, a 10-mile route built on an old railway bed that runs from Bedford Center through Lexington Center to the Alewife MBTA station.

6. Naperville, Illinois

So much of the Midwest lends itself to a balanced, high-quality of life, and nowhere is that truer than in the Illinois town of Naperville. Less than an hour from Chicago, Naperville is a top choice for families looking for great schools, plenty of parks, and a strong sense of community. One of the most cherished features of Naperville is the downtown Riverwalk, a 1.75-mile walkway of brick paths, bridges, and gathering places along the scenic DuPage River.

7. Vienna, Virginia

Despite being a suburb of Washington, DC, Vienna, Virginia somehow retains its small-town feel. Young families appreciate the low crime rates and excellent public school system, paired with all the big-city amenities of the nation's capital. Vienna is an ideal choice for commuters; the Vienna/Fairfax–GMU station has direct access to Washington, DC. The town itself has plenty to offer, too, in the way of beautiful parks (Meadowlark Botanical Garden is a must-visit—especially during cherry blossom season), playgrounds, and the W&OD Trail. While the cost of living is higher, residents benefit from community resources and long-term home value.

8. Frisco, Texas

Over the past decade, Frisco has really evolved with young families in mind. The Frisco Independent School District is one of the best in the state, and there are many professional sports facilities where kids can access youth programs. With an ever-growing population, the city has seen its cost of living rise, but families are still drawn to its safe neighborhoods and top-tier amenities. In fact, Frisco was recently ranked the best place in Texas to raise a family (and #13 in the US overall).

9. Dublin, Ohio

Dublin is one of the best places to raise a family in the US if you prioritize a lower cost of living, excellent schools, lovely parks, and a strong local community. Of course, it is one of the more expensive places to live in Ohio outside of its major cities, but compared to other US destinations, it is relatively affordable. Dublin City Schools are praised for their college readiness, and the city offers access to more than 60 parks. An unexpectedly delightful perk of living in Dublin: the Irish Fairy Door Trail, a year-round scavenger hunt featuring tiny doors in boutiques and local shops.

10. Fremont, California

Recently named the best place to raise a family in the US by WalletHub, Fremont offers a blend of what families look for when they relocate: safety, education, child care, and, of course, family fun. Located between Silicon Valley and San Francisco, Fremont offers access to world-class amenities and career opportunities. But there's plenty for young families to enjoy, including regional parks, play centers, and even water parks. The community here values diversity, education, and lots of fun youth-centered community events.

So, there you have it: the best towns in the U.S. to raise a family. Looking for more places catered to young families? Take a look at some of our favorite small-town getaways.