Choosing where to raise their families is an important issue for millions of Americans, and some cities are better choices than others.
A recent study from WalletHub reveals which U.S. cities will be the most family-friendly in 2024.
The company compared more than 180 U.S. cities, including the 150 most populous, to find the best cities to live in based on several criteria.
SINGLE MOTHER TRAVELS WITH BABY TO 17 COUNTRIES ON 3 YEARS OF PAID MATERNITY LEAVE
The five key dimensions are: family fun, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability and socio-economic aspects.
Within each of these categories, other statistics were also evaluated, such as the number of playgrounds, skate parks and mini-golf courses per capita.
Where are the best cities to raise a family in America? WalletHub looked at several 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 school opportunities, cost of living and more.
In the socioeconomic category, WalletHub analyzed the divorce and separation rate in cities, the unemployment rate, the wealth gap, and other statistics.
According to this report, these are the five best US cities to raise a family in 2024.
Top 5 US Cities for Family Living
This is the countdown…
Seattle, Washington, is ranked the 5th 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 WalletHub's new list. (iStock)
1. Fremont, California
WalletHub has named the city of Fremont, California, the most family-friendly city in the United States.
That's partly because the median household income, after adjusting for the cost of living, is the highest: nearly $122,000.
THIS PICTURESQUE SOUTH CITY IS THE MOST POPULAR PLACE TO MOVE TO IN 2024
The region also scored high because 50.5% of families in this region have children under the age of 18, which is among the highest percentages in the country.
The city of Fremont also has a high percentage of public schools and summer camps.
THESE ARE THE 10 HAPPIEST CITIES IN AMERICA
Wallet Hub also said of Fremont that “residents are able to stay healthy. Only 1.4% of children do not have health insurance, the second lowest rate in the country, and only 1.1% of the population does not have access to healthy food. The city also has the fifth most parkland per capita, which provides great opportunities for outdoor activities.”
Fremont, California, topped Wallet Hub's list of the best places in the U.S. to raise a family in 2024. (iStock)
In second place is Overland Park, Kansas, a place known for its low unemployment rate and high median family income.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
According to WalletHub, the Kansas City suburb also has a low divorce and separation rate and is safe for children, with a low traffic fatality rate.
Irvine (California) ranked third for its highly regarded schools and lowest per capita violent crime rate.
The five key dimensions compared in the new study were: family enjoyment, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability, and socio-economics. (iStock)
Cities at the bottom of the list were Gulfport, Mississippi; Newark, New Jersey; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and Memphis, Tennessee – which came in last.
Other notable findings from the WalletHub study: New York City shares with Chicago and Charlotte the highest number of playgrounds per capita.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The most attractions were generally a tie: five each for New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
WalletHub published a study on the best and worst cities to live in for families in 2024. (iStock)
Cassandra Happe, an analyst at WalletHub, said in a press release: “Finding the best place to raise a family is tricky. You have to balance an affordable cost of living, good educational opportunities, safety, and enough recreational opportunities to keep kids busy.”
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews/lifestyle
She added: “On top of all these factors, people often also want to raise their children close to their extended family.”
She also said, “Current or future parents may benefit from narrowing their choices to a few of the best cities that are within a reasonable driving distance of their family.”
