The choice of where to raise a family is a big one for millions of Americans – and some cities are better than others.
A new study by WalletHub reveals which cities will be the most family-friendly in 2024.
The company compared more than 180 US cities, including the 150 most populous, to find the best cities to live in based on a variety of criteria.
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The five main dimensions include family happiness, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability and socio-economics.
In each of these, other metrics evaluated include the number of playgrounds, skate parks and mini-golf locations per capita.
Which is the best city to raise a family in America? WalletHub looked at a variety of factors to find out. (iStock)
The study also looked at ideal weather, water quality, access to pediatricians, violent crime rates, high school graduation rates, summer learning opportunities, cost of living and more.
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In socioeconomic categories, WalletHub analyzes separation and divorce rates in cities, unemployment rates, wealth gaps and other metrics.
Here are the top five cities in the US to raise a family in 2024 according to this report.
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Count down here…
Seattle, Washington, ranked number 5 for the best city to raise a family in 2024. (iStock)
5. Seattle, Washington
4. Plano, Texas
3. Irvine, California
2. Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park, Kansas, ranks high on a new list from WalletHub. (iStock)
1. Fremont, California
WalletHub named the city of Fremont, California, the most family-friendly city in the United States.
This is due in part to the highest median family income after adjusting for the cost of living, at nearly $122,000.
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It also ranks high because 50.5% of families have children under the age of 18, making it one of the highest rates in the country.
The city of Fremont also has a high percentage of public schools and summer camp opportunities.
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Wallet Hub also said Fremont that “residents can stay healthy. Only 1.4% of children do not have health insurance, the second lowest percentage in the country, and only 1.1% of residents do not have access to healthy food. The city also has the fifth largest park hectare per capita, allowing for great outdoor sports opportunities.”
Fremont, California, topped Wallet Hub’s list of the best places to raise a family in the US in 2024. (iStock)
Ranking second on the list is Overland Park, Kansas, recognized for its low unemployment rate and high median family income.
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Kansas suburbs also have low separation and divorce rates and are safe for children with low traffic fatality rates, according to WalletHub.
Irvine, California, ranks third for the highest schools and the lowest per capita crime rate.
The five main dimensions compared in the new study are family happiness, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability and socio-economics. (iStock)
Cities at the bottom of the list include Gulfport, Mississippi; Newark, New Jersey; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and Memphis, Tennessee – which came in last place.
Another notable find in the WalletHub study: New York City is tied with Chicago and Charlotte for the most playgrounds per capita.
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The number of attractions, in general, is a five-way tie between New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
WalletHub published a study of the best and worst cities for families in 2024. (iStock)
WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said in a media statement, “Finding the best place to raise a family is difficult between balancing the affordable cost of living with good educational opportunities, safety and enough recreation to keep children entertained.”
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He added, “On top of all these factors, people also often want to raise their children close to their families.”
He also said, “Current or future parents can benefit from narrowing down their options to some of the best cities within a reasonable drive for their families.”
