BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

These Are 2023’s Best Cities to Raise a Family, Report Says

The best place to raise a family? Fremont, California.
save article
profile picture of Wyndi Kappes
By Wyndi Kappes, Assistant Editor
Updated June 1, 2023
mother holding baby outside in park
Image: Mosuno/Stocksy

Raising a family can be challenging on its own, but your surroundings also play a role—including what city and state you choose to raise your family in. In the past year, as inflation has ballooned, essentials from childcare to groceries and rent have become more expensive, leading families to think twice about where they put their roots down and what might be most affordable. Now, a report from WalletHub, a personal finance website, is evaluating the best states to raise a family.

The annual report determined which states were best for families by comparing 180 cities across 46 key indicators of family-friendliness, including school system quality, housing affordability, healthcare availability and more. The indicators were housed under five key dimensions: family fun, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability and socioeconomics. It then ranked the cities based on their overall score.

According to the report, the best city to raise a family in is Fremont, California, rated number one for the second year in a row for its top socioeconomics, education and child care scores. In second, Overland Park, Kansas, got top marks for affordability.

The top 10 overall remains largely unchanged from 2022, with only Columbia, Maryland and Seattle, Washington dropping down to 13 and 11, respectively. In the meantime, South Burlington, Vermont, moved up to fifth place, along with Gilbert, Arizona, to ninth.

In other interesting news, this year, the report found that New York City, Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina, are tied for having the most playgrounds. Irvine, California, has the fewest violent crimes (per 1,000 residents), 0.51, while Laredo, Texas, is where you’re most likely to find a playdate for your little one, with the highest percentage of families with young kids.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 best cities to raise a family, based on their overall scores.

Top 10 Best Cities to Raise a Family

  1. Fremont, California
  2. Overland Park, Kansas
  3. Irvine, California
  4. Plano, Texas
  5. South Burlington, Vermont
  6. San Diego, California
  7. San Jose, California
  8. Scottsdale, Arizona
  9. Gilbert, Arizona
  10. San Francisco, California

For a detailed breakdown of how the cities were scored and to see all 180 cities and their rank, check out the full online report.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

child smiling at thanksgiving dinner
Activities to Help Teach Your Kids to Be Thankful
By Christin Perry
mother kissing her toddler son at home
Coping in Crisis: How to Be a Present Parent During Difficult Times
By The Bump Editors
tb-cool-gifts-for-mom-HERO
Cool Gifts for Moms That Deserve a Treat
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
Khloé Kardashian, Penelope Disick, Kim Kardashian, North West and Kris Jenner attend the "RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR" at SoFi Stadium on September 04, 2023 in Inglewood, California.
These Are 2023’s Most Influential Celebrity Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
Twin Halloween Costumes-hero
Twinning for the Win: 28 Best Twin Costumes for Halloween
By Korin Miller
Amazon Prime Benefits Hero
Awesome Amazon Prime Benefits Parents Didn't Even Know Existed
By Martina Garvey
mom congress in front of capitol building
The 2023 Mom's Agenda: a Path to More Parent-Friendly Legislation
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Kristin and Deena from big little feelings
Behind-the-Scenes Parenting With the Pros Behind Big Little Feelings
By Lauren Barth
black family holding hands while walking on sidewalk outside
How Generational Trauma Affects Black Families—and Ways to Work Toward Healing
By A. Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez
mother and toddler son smiling
What Raising a Child Without Family Has Taught Me About Parenthood
By Hannah Silverman
ADVERTISEMENT
jesse tyler ferguson and family
Jesse Tyler Ferguson on Parenting, Potty Training and Pride
By Natalie Gontcharova
toddler tugging on pregnant mom while she's talking on the phone and holding baby; overstimulated mom
The Reasons Parents Feel Overstimulated—and Tips to Help You Cope
By Lauren Barth
anxious mother sitting with sleeping daughter
8 Habits That Are Exacerbating Your Anxiety as a Parent
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
Parents Share the Advice They Wish Someone Had Told Them Before Baby
Parents Share the Advice They Wish Someone Had Told Them Before Baby
By Anna Davies
chrissy teigen real talk on parenting
Chrissy Teigen on Parenting, Fast Food and the Fourth Trimester
By Lauren Barth
best meal kit delivery services for families and kids 2023
9 Best Meal Delivery Service Options for Hungry, Busy Families
By Christin Perry
baby playing with mom and dad in nursery room
What to Do if Your Child Has a Preferred Parent
By Blair Sharp
ADVERTISEMENT
ashley graham and babies
Ashley Graham on Diapers, Date Nights and the Fourth Trimester
By Lauren Barth
pregnant mother sitting with toddler on couch at home
The Myth of Second-Time Parent Preparedness
By Elizabeth Narins
black and white image of mother disciplining toddler
Why Gentle Parenting Just Doesn’t Work for Me
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.