Are you moving for a new job or looking to relocate your family?
The average American relocates about 11.7 times in his or her lifetime, according a 2016 study by the United States Census Bureau.
WalletHub compared 182 U.S. cities, including 150 of the nation’s most populated cities to determine the best places to raise a family. Key metrics evaluated included cost of housing, the quality of local schools and health-care options, plus access to entertainment and recreational activities.
Data was provided for housing, education and safety from sources including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, GreatSchools.org and the Environmental Protection Agency. TripAdvisor, Walk Score and WalletHub research also provided data for the ranking.
These are WalletHub’s top 10 best cities, in ascending order, to raise a family:
10. Gilbert, Ariz.
Located in Maricopa County, this Phoenix suburb scored a 65.32 out of 100 overall. Affordability was the highest metric rank for Gilbert. Livability.com lists a median home price in Gilbert at $243,500, and the median property rent is $1,275.
9. Huntington Beach, Calif.
Surf City U.S.A is known for its beaches, surfing museum and piers. Health and safety; education and childcare; and socio economics all gave the city its top 10 ranking. The city’s overall score was 65.76.
8. Sioux Falls, S.D.
With an overall score of 65.92, this South Dakota city did well in affordability. Bestplaces.net estimated the median price of a home in the city was around $180,00. Sioux Falls is home to Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls.
7. Fargo, N.D.
Despite the cold weather, the North Dakota city scored a 66.73 in the ranking. The city’s highest-ranking category was education and child care, which measures day-care quality, school systems and graduation rates.
6. Plano, Tex.
Plano was noted for having one of the lowest divorce rates and the highest median family salary on WalletHub’s list. The city’s official website listed the town as one of the “safest cities in America,” which is desirable for raising a family.
5. Bismarck, N.D.
Affordability ranked the highest for the capital city. Bismarck’s overall score was 68.73. The median home price was $183,100, and the median rent was listed as $752 by Livability.com.
4. South Burlington, Vt.
With a 70.41 score overall, South Burlington ranked first in education and child care. The city had of the lowest violent-crime rates per capita in the ranking. Its socio-economic rank was ranked at No. 7 for that category.
3. Fremont, Calif.
Freemont dominated the health and safety, and socio-economic categories, and was runner up in the education and child-care category. Freemont was also noted for having both the lowest percentage of families living in poverty and the lowest divorce rate in the ranking.
2. Irvine, Calif.
Irivine’s overall score was 70.74. Located in Orange County, this town had the lowest violent crime rate per capita and ranked third in the health and safety category. The University of California-Irvine offers job opportunities, education and cultural events for the community.
1. Overland Park, Kans.
Affordability is what put this city in the top spot for best place to raise a family. The city was noted for its highest median family salary. Affordable housing and the lowest percentage of families living in poverty make Overland Park a good place to consider raising a family.
The full report can be viewed here.
