Discover The Best Cities For Raising A Family

By the Pachyy Editorial Team The Pachyy Editorial Team comprises a diverse and experienced team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts whose aim is to provide you with useful insights, guidance and commentary on all matters related to your personal finances.
When it comes to making the important decision of raising a family, there are countless things to consider. It’s a responsibility that impacts every aspect of our lives and requires careful planning. One of the first steps in this journey is choosing the perfect city to call home. A city is more than just a location; it becomes part of our identity. We grow up surrounded by its unique culture, shaping our personality along the way. The geography of a place influences almost every aspect of our lives, making it crucial to find a spot that aligns with our vision for the future. That’s why approximately 11% of the U.S. population relocates each year, including families seeking an ideal place to raise their loved ones. For many families, the decision hinges on two primary factors: finances and livability. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has conducted extensive research on family expenditures since 1960. According to their latest report (from 2017), raising a child can cost parents around $12,000 to $14,000 annually. Balancing these expenses with an average annual salary of approximately $56,000 becomes a crucial aspect of finding the right place to live. However, money is not the sole consideration in determining the perfect home for a family. Safety and comfort are equally important. That’s why Pachyy has created an extensive list of cities with ideal conditions for families to flourish.

Welcome to Franklin, Massachusetts!

Discover Our Vibrant Community

Located between the bustling metro areas of Boston and Providence, Franklin offers the best of both worlds – small-town charm and big-city amenities. As one of America’s oldest cities, founded in the late 18th century, we take pride in our rich history and vibrant community. Named after the renowned statesman and inventor, Benjamin Franklin, our town showcases his legacy through the first public library in America. It all started with a generous donation of books from Franklin himself.

Population and Household Income

We are home to a close-knit community, with a population of 35,859. Our residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, with a median household income of $147,513.

Your Future Shines Bright in Franklin

Looking for a place with great job opportunities? You’re in luck! Franklin boasts one of the highest employment rates in the nation, sitting at an impressive 69%. Our city also takes pride in its very low unemployment rate of 2.6% and poverty rate of 4%. Your safety is our priority. With a crime rate at 4%, Franklin is one of the safest cities on the East Coast. Join our thriving community and experience the charm, history, and opportunities Franklin has to offer!

Population: 214,237

Median Household Income:$73,905

Des Moines, the capital and largest city of Iowa, serves as a thriving business hub in the Midwest. It is home to renowned Fortune 500 companies and some of the nation’s largest insurance companies. Des Moines is an exciting destination for people of all ages, hosting a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for unique shops or locally-owned restaurants, you’ll find something to suit your tastes. The city also offers numerous parks, trails, and gardens for exploration and relaxation. One of the advantages of living in Des Moines is its affordable cost of living, which is only 3.6% of the national average. This is mainly due to the city’s low median home value, which is the lowest on the list at $149,824. Des Moines meets many criteria on a “must-have” list for an ideal place to live, just like Franklin does.

Welcome to Zionsville, Indiana!

Population: 27,153

Median Household Income: $155,938

Zionsville, a charming suburban town located just 18 miles northwest of Indianapolis, is the perfect place for you to call home. This vibrant city is renowned for its village-style downtown area, featuring a delightful experience with brick-paved Main Street lined with unique retail stores and mouth-watering restaurants. Living in Zionsville means being part of a close-knit community with easy access to all the amenities and opportunities that a major city provides. There’s something for everyone in Zionsville. Families will find a plethora of choices, ranging from excellent educational institutions to various entertainment options. In addition to a diverse range of offerings, job seekers will discover incredible opportunities in this small city. Over 69% of Zionsville’s residents are employed, making it an ideal place to establish your career. Looking for safety and security? You’re in luck! Zionsville boasts the second-lowest crime rate (2.28%) and the third-lowest poverty rate (2.6%) on the list. Rest easy knowing that you’re in a community that prioritizes the well-being of its residents.

Population: 36,500

Median Household Income: $151,098

If you’re looking for a friendly and cozy town near Boston, then Andover in Massachusetts is the perfect place for you. Located just 20 miles north of Boston, it offers a small-town New England vibe that will make you feel right at home. Andover is also renowned for its prestigious Phillips Academy, one of the oldest and most reputable independent secondary schools in the United States. In Andover, you’ll find a thriving job market with an impressively low unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is almost half of the national average. It also boasts a remarkably high employment rate of 63%, ensuring plenty of job opportunities for its residents. Additionally, you’ll feel safe and secure in Andover, with crime and poverty rates comfortably low at 5% and 4% respectively.

Population: 259,680

Median Household Income: $102,417

Welcome to Madison, the capital of Wisconsin and one of the state’s largest and fastest-growing cities. Madison has a rich history rooted in progressive politics and vibrant cultural activity. It has been at the forefront of various political movements advocating for the civil rights of women and the LGBTQ community. Moreover, Madison has established itself as an economic powerhouse, with a remarkable 69% employment rate and an impressively low unemployment rate of just 2.6%. The city presents a wide range of opportunities in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Living in Madison comes with the added benefit of cost of living expenses being on par with national averages. This, together with its family-friendly environment and amenities, makes it no surprise that Madison is consistently listed among the most livable cities for families.

Population: 24,959

Median Household Income: $189,304

Welcome to Ridgefield, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains in Connecticut. With a rich history spanning over 300 years, this city consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the state. Ridgefield truly boasts ideal conditions for raising a family. It has an impressively low poverty rate of just 1.9%, the lowest among all cities on this list. Additionally, the median household income is the second-highest, with an average of $188,304 reported for a family of four. Moreover, this New England town enjoys a commendably low crime rate, ranking third with a rate of just 2.6%.

Population: 96,460

Median Household Income: $92,438

Did you know that Albany, not the Big Apple, is actually the capital of New York? It’s also one of the oldest cities in the United States. With its rich history and diverse population, Albany is a great place for new families to settle down. One of the best things about Albany is its affordable housing. The median monthly rent is only $952, and home prices are just above $200,000. This means that finding an affordable place to call home is very achievable. Additionally, Albany’s poverty rate is just 4.6%, which is lower than the national average.

Welcome to Brunswick, Ohio!

Here are some facts about our wonderful town:

Population: 34,880

Median Household Income: $86,772

Population: 159,428

Median Household Income: $156,545

This is the friendly and helpful version:

Population: 159,428

Median Household Income: $156,545

Population: 42,844

Median Household Income: $164,685

Population: 25,132

Median Household Income: $146,250

Population: 876,384

Median Household Income:$73,440

Population: 876,384

Median Household Income:$73,440

Population: 876,384

Median Household Income:$73,440

Population: 876,384

Median Household Income:$73,440

Population: 876,384

Median Household Income:$73,440

At Pachyy, we’ve carefully evaluated 58 metropolitan areas across the United States to determine the best places to raise families. Our research aims to provide couples or individuals with the information they need when deciding where to live and work while caring for children through high school. In order to achieve this, we ranked cities on this list based on their overall living standards, providing valuable insights into categories that generally influence business opportunities and aspects of the local lifestyle. Each city/metro area was thoroughly reviewed by comparing the cost of living expenses against the median income. Additionally, we considered environmental factors that could significantly impact potential parents and students, further enriching each city’s ranking. In our evaluation process, we took the following data points into account:
  • Median household income
  • Average (mean) annual salary
  • Median monthly rent
  • Median home value
  • Crime rates (based on reported crimes per 1,000 people in every city)
  • Cost of living expenses
  • Percentage of people living at or below the poverty line (annual income of $26,500 for a family of 4)
  • Employment rate
These factors were then grouped into weighted categories:
  • Employment (30%)
  • Income (25%)
  • Housing (20%)
  • Expenses (20%)
  • Crime (2.5%)
  • Poverty (2.5%)
The data was plotted on a 20-point scale. Factors related to income and financial security were added to a city’s score, while expenses and risks such as cost of living expenses and crime rates were deducted from its score. Our top-rated city, Franklin, MA, scored an impressive 18.85. In comparison, Santa Cruz, CA, our 58th ranked city, scored a -1.99.