If you're looking to relocate in the U.S., because of a new job or some other reason, it would be wise to consider whether your new destination is suitable for your family, a new ranking suggests.
WalletHub looked at 182 cities to rank them based on their suitability as a place to raise a family. Inevitably, some of those cities ended up at the bottom of the list, based on metrics that 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.
“Families should consider the top five indicators to evaluate a city: community safety; access to quality parks and recreation; good paying jobs; environment concerns; and cultural opportunities,” Michelle Bemiller, a professor of sociology at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, told WalletHub.
These are WalletHub’s 10 worst cities, in descending order, for raising a family:
10. Wilmington, Del.
Wilmington had an overall score of 41.70 out of 100. The city was reported as having one of the highest violent crime rates per capita. The research also indicated that the city had one of the highest divorce rates.
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9. Birmingham, Ala.
The Southern city did poorly in every category, for an overall score of 41.54. Research for the ranking indicated that the city had one of the highest divorce rates in the country.
8. Memphis, Tenn.
While the city is known for its musical history, the city was listed as having one of the highest violent crime rates per capita.
7. San Bernardino, Calif.
San Bernardino did well in the category of family and fun, due to the San Bernardino National Forest. However, the city ranked poorly in all other categories. The city scored a 40.71 overall.
6. Baltimore
The Maryland seaport city was listed as having one of the highest violent crime rates per capita in the country, which is heavily weighted in the health and safety category. Baltimore scored a 40.55 in the ranking overall.
5. Hialeah, Fla.
Located in Miami-Dade County, the city had the lowest median family salary reported. The city also had the fewest playgrounds per capita.
4. Cleveland
Cleveland did poorly in most categories. The city was listed as having one of the lowest median family salaries and one of the highest divorce rates.
3. Miami
While Miami is a major tourist attraction, the residents of the city had a low median family salary. Miami’s highest-ranking category was for education and child care, including high school graduation rates, child-care costs and school system quality.
2. Detroit
Overall, The Motor City scored a 37.48. Detroit was listed as having one of he highest violent crime rates per capita and one of the highest divorce rates.
1. Newark, N.J.
Newark is not the best place to raise a family, with a low overall score of 37.17. Research indicated that the city had one of the lowest median family salaries. If the kids want to go out and play, Newark may not fit the bill, as it was listed as one of the cities having the fewest playgrounds per capita.
The full report can be viewed here.
