Top 7 Best places to raise a family in the US with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Total number of offenses:10,692
• Population: 289,547
• Crimes: 37 crimes per 1000 people
• Median property buying cost: $516,958
• Median cost of rent: $2,543

Plano’s strategic location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex ensures convenient access to jobs and various services, making it an ideal home for someone who is starting to raise their family. Family bonding in Plano is effortless with family-friendly amenities like The Crayola Experience in Texas, which provides 60,000 square feet of creative and interactive play. Families typically spend three to four hours exploring the 22 interactive attractions. Outdoor activities are easily accessible for locals because Plano has 142 parks. Remarkably, 80% of residents can reach a park within a 10-minute walk.

As of December 2023, the median property buying cost is $516,958, and the median cost of rent is $2,543 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 37 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & Texas FBI (2019)

• Total number of offenses:5,985
• Population: 149,936
• Crimes: 40 crimes per 1000 people
• Median property buying cost: $536,059
• Median cost of rent: $2,400

Naperville is internationally recognized as a top community for raising a family. Its proximity to Chicago allows locals to access the amenities and opportunities of a major city, which helps those who are just starting to raise a family. Naperville promotes healthy interaction within the community with the help of various city events, which are posted online.

In Naperville, locals and families have diverse outdoor options to enjoy. They have Knoch Knolls Park, which offers scenic trails and recreational activities. The Naperville Riverwalk, along the DuPage River, features gardens and walking paths. During summer, families love to go to Centennial Beach to freshen-up.

As of December 2023, the median property buying cost is $536,059, and the median cost of rent is $2,400 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 40 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & Naperville Crime Data (2022)

• Total number of offenses: 4,874
• Population: 119,875
• Crimes: 41 crimes per 1000 people
• Median property buying cost: $479,675
• Median cost of rent: $1,990

This city is known as one of the ideal places to raise a family due to the top-ranked education provided by the University of Michigan, known for its research program.

Ann Arbor, renowned for its education, offers family-friendly amenities fostering bonding, including the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and the Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms. The city also promotes a strong sense of community through various events, initiatives, and a welcoming environment that promotes inclusivity. In 2024, Ann Arbor commemorates its 200th anniversary. 

As of December 2023, the median property buying cost is $479,675, and the median cost of rent is $1,990 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 41 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & Michigan FBI (2019)

• Total number of offenses: 4,859
• Population: 104,043
• Crimes: 47 crimes per 1000 people
• Median property buying cost: $454,512
• Median cost of rent: $2,264

Columbia, a planned community in Howard County, Maryland, promotes community engagement as it hosts numerous events, festivals, and programs to unite residents, making it an ideal place to raise a family seeking an active neighborhood.

Situated near Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Columbia provides a serene escape from city life. Families can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities, including Larriland Farm for fruit picking and the Columbia Association’s outdoor pools with state-of-the-art features. Whether it’s outdoor adventures or indoor attractions, Howard County offers a family-friendly environment, perfect for a quiet getaway with the kids.

As of December 2023, the median property buying cost is $454,512, and the median cost of rent is $2,264 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 47 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & Howard County Crime (2023)

• Total number of offenses:9,513
• Population: 197,726
• Crimes: 48 crimes per 1000 people
• Median property buying cost: $485,375
• Median cost of rent: $1,750

Overland Park, Kansas, in Johnson County, is among the best cities in the USA to raise a family. As the second-most populous city in Kansas, it stands out for its top-rated youth sports venues. 

The city offers family-friendly amenities, including parks and recreational facilities, creating an ideal environment for residents of all ages. Notably, Overland Park features restaurants with the best heated patios and fire pits, providing enjoyable outdoor experiences for families. In its diverse offerings and family-centric atmosphere, Overland Park is a great place to call home.

As of December 2023, the median property buying cost is $485,375, and the median cost of rent is $1,750 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 32 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & Kansas Crime Index (2022)

• Total number of offenses:8,022
• Population: 313,685
• Crimes: 36 crimes per 1000 people
• Median property buying cost: $1,360,263
• Median cost of rent: $2,615

Irvine boasts a vibrant residential side with family-oriented neighborhoods and abundant kid-friendly attractions like the Visitor’s Center, Great Park Balloon sponsored by FivePoint, Great Park Carousel, Farm + Food Lab, and a Certified Farmers Market. These diverse offerings provide residents and visitors with opportunities for exploration, family-friendly activities, and access to fresh local produce. The city focused on child-centric entertainment options, and outdoor recreational facilities, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.

As of December 2023, the median property buying cost is $1,360,263, and the median cost of rent is $2,615 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 36 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CA FBI (2019)

• Total number of offenses:9,863
• Population: 223,871
• Crimes: 44 crimes per 1000 people
• Median property buying cost: $1,360,685
• Median cost of rent: $3,175

According to KTVU, Fremont is known for its top-ranking education, childcare, and socioeconomics, making it one of the best places to raise a family in the US. Its strategic location near San Francisco and Silicon Valley makes it ideal for families starting to raise a family and building their financial future.

Fremont features Coyote Hills Regional Park and Central Park, providing a family-friendly environment for nature exploration and recreation. While Fremont is an ideal place to raise a family, challenges include a high cost of housing, despite relatively lower rents, and occasional traffic issues affecting daily commutes due to its proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

As of December 2023, the median property buying cost is $1,360,685, and the median cost of rent is $3,175 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 44 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CA FBI (2019)