Searching for the perfect place to settle down and raise a family? Whether you’re looking to make a local move somewhere in Minnesota or a long-distance move to a new state, you have many options. Dozens of cities all over the U.S. are known for their welcoming communities, great school systems, low crime rates, affordability, and plethora of fun, family-friendly activities.

But when you have dozens of cities to choose from, narrowing down your options can be pretty tough.

To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the six most family-friendly places in the U.S. where you may want to settle into a new home.

1. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Home of the University of Michigan and over 50,000 trees (which have earned it the nickname “Tree Town”), Ann Arbor consistently ranks among the top U.S. cities for raising a family. The city has a population of just over 119,000 residents, many of whom are employed by local healthcare facilities and the university.

Ann Arbor has 21 elementary schools, four types of high schools (magnet, international baccalaureate, traditional, and independent), and one of the lowest crime rates among U.S. college towns. Housing here is also quite affordable, and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities available that the whole family can enjoy.

2. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina

If you’re considering relocating to a family-friendly area in the sunny south, there are many reasons to move to North Carolina. And the Raleigh-Durham area of the state might just be the perfect place to settle down and build a life.

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill form the “Triangle” area of North Carolina, which is known for its many highly ranked colleges and universities and research and technology corporations. Whether you’re looking for a new career, want to transfer your current job, or want your kids to grow up with easy access to some of the nation’s most well-recognized schools, this area is a great place to live.

Raleigh-Durham offers many job opportunities, a strong economy, excellent elementary and high schools, and a plethora of recreation and entertainment opportunities. The weather here is fairly mild year-round, but icy roads are common in winter. The cost of living in the area is generally on par with the national average, but home prices have risen significantly in recent years.

3. The Woodlands, Texas

Located about 30 miles north of Houston, this mid-size suburb consists of several planned neighborhoods, many of which have their own grocery stores, golf courses, schools, and office parks. The city has 18 elementary schools, several of which rank in the top 10% in Texas, as well as Lone Star College, a two-year school.

As for safety, The Woodlands has a much lower crime rate than the nearby Houston area and experiences about 50% fewer crimes than the national average. Homes here are generally more expensive than the average home price in Texas, and the overall cost of living is a little higher, too. But that’s almost an expected tradeoff for the area’s desirability, safety, strong sense of community, and overall quality of life.

Whether you’re thinking of moving to Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, or another state, relocating can be more challenging than you expect, especially if you’ll have kids in tow. That’s where hiring an interstate moving company can be hugely helpful.

But not all residential movers are trustworthy, so you’ll want to take measures to protect yourself from getting scammed. Check out 9 Things to Look for in a Long-Distance Moving Company for tips on how to do that. 

4. Minnetonka, Minnesota

If you already reside in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area but feel like you want to move to a more family-friendly locale, this city is right in your backyard! Crime rates in Minnetonka are about 36% lower than the national average, and the city is home to excellent schools where students test an average of 26% higher than the national average. 

The cost of living here is a bit higher than Minnesota’s average, which isn’t surprising given the high cost of buying a home in the city. However, well-paying jobs abound in the area, and the median household income hovers around $83,500.

Minnetonka’s proximity to Minneapolis means there’s quick access to top-notch healthcare and an extensive variety of entertainment opportunities, eateries, museums, and cultural events. Local parks, biking trails, nature preserves, and numerous lakes also provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation that the whole family can enjoy.

Think you might want to move to Minnetonka? Then check out our top tips for packing for a local move and our suggestions on how to find the best local moving company (hint: It’s Ace Moving & Warehousing!)

5. Arlington, Virginia

Arlington doesn’t just rank as one of the best cities in the U.S. for raising a family. The city also ranks as one of the best places in the country for government workers, millennials, recent college grads, and, believe it or not, dogs. So if you’re a history lover, enjoy being in an urban and culturally diverse locale, and want plenty of opportunities for learning and entertainment, Arlington might be right up your alley.

The city sits just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., where you’ll find plenty of free (and remarkably interesting) museums that can make for many an excellent afternoon family outing. You’ll also find plenty of green spaces, waterways, and biking trails if you like getting outdoors, whether for a family outing or some solo reflection time. And if you need a quiet escape, the city is a quick drive from several day hikes in more secluded, natural areas.

Schools in Arlington consistently rank an average of 25% higher than schools elsewhere in the U.S., and the city is near several highly rated universities, including Cornell, Georgetown, and Virginia Tech. The D.C. metro area also has an excellent public transportation system that may be particularly attractive if you and yours are taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint.

Think Arlington might be right for you and your family? If you’re considering relocating, check out what you should know about long-distance moving to familiarize yourself with what you can from an interstate relocation.  

6. Overland Park, Kansas

Kansas might not seem like it has much in the way of things to do, but you might be surprised just how fulfilling raising a family in the Sunflower State can be! Overland Park sits just outside of Kansas City, so it offers easy access to all the amenities and experiences of the big city while offering a slower, more suburban, family-friendly feel.

The city has a weekly, year-round farmers market, tons of local businesses, friendly and welcoming residents, and lower-than-average crime rates. It also boasts affordable housing (compared to many places in the U.S.), many public parks, and a decent live music and eatery scene for parents who need some kid-free, nighttime entertainment.

Plus, public schools in Overland Park consistently rank in the top 5% of all schools in Kansas. Check out our tips on finding a new school for your kids when you move, so you can start your search before you go.

Simplify Your Relocation With Professional Moving Services

Whether you’re making a local or long-distance move, let our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing in Minneapolis make your relocation as simple and stress free as possible!

Whether you’re looking for transport services, full packing and moving service, storage solutions, or a custom move plan, we do it all and then some. Since 1970, we’ve proudly provided a wide variety of professional moving services for Twin Cities residents and have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews over the years.

To learn more about what we offer or get a preliminary moving estimate, call our office at 763-755-2045 or request a quote online, and we’ll be in touch.