Planning to move with your family in 2026? These family-friendly cities are worth consideration for factors like schools, affordability, safety, and things to do. Check out these 13 best cities for families in 2026!
Arlington, VA
- Population: 236,434
- Home Price: $731,700 median purchase price; $2,005 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $122,604
- Unemployment Rate: 2.2%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of U.S. cities
Whether you’re simply relocating or looking for a place to start raising kids, you’ll have your pick of family-friendly neighborhoods in Arlington. One of the best cities to raise a family, Arlington boasts one of the top public school districts in Virginia, Arlington Public Schools. And as a Walk Friendly Platinum Community, fittest city in America Arlington offers safe, walkable neighborhoods like Clarendon-Courthouse and Ballston-Virginia Square, as well as ample green space, parks, playgrounds, and bike paths! These areas offer a blend of residential charm and urban convenience, making daily errands, dining, and shopping easy to accomplish on foot. Kids will love playing on the colorful climbing wall and running around the Spraygrounds, the interactive water feature at Mosaic Park. Practice your swing at the batting cages, cool off at the Ocean Dunes Water Park, or try to get a hole-in-one at the mini golf course at Upton Hill Regional Park—a hub of kid-friendly activities in Arlington. And with the nation’s capital just across the Potomac River, parents can take advantage of family-friendly activities in Washington, DC, as well, like catching a Washington Nationals (MLB) game at Nationals Park, or visiting exhibits like Weather Worlds or Dream Machine at the nearby National Children’s Museum.
Boise, ID
- Population: 228,057
- Home Price: $282,900 median purchase price; $1,009 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $63,778
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of U.S. cities
Looking for a new place to raise your children? Boise delivers a dynamic lifestyle perfectly suited for families. Education is a priority, anchored by the highly-regarded Boise School District, which offers diverse academic paths, including specialized magnet programs like the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center. Some of the most desirable Boise neighborhoods for families are near top-rated schools like Boise High, Collister Elementary, and Sage International School. Find safe and affordable neighborhoods that offer classic residential appeal and easy walkability to local amenities like the Boise River Greenbelt, a 29-mile tree-lined pathway perfect for family recreation, and iconic spaces like Julia Davis Park. Create lasting memories by engaging with cultural exhibits like Spectrum: Color in Pigment and Light and Four Masterworks at Boise Art Museum. Wander through wildlife habitats or enroll kids in various camps at Zoo Boise. With the Boise Foothills and Bogus Basin close by, families in Boise have world-class hiking, biking, and winter sports right at their fingertips, making it a premier setting for active family adventures.
Carmel, IN
- Population: 99,130
- Home Price: $352,400 median purchase price; $1,247 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $115,109
- Unemployment Rate: 1.9%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of U.S. cities
Ranked among the best cities in the Midwest, Carmel offers a highly-rated suburban lifestyle that’s perfectly suited for families in Indiana. Education is anchored by the Carmel Clay Schools District, which consistently ranks among the top in the state and offers numerous resources for student enrichment. Family-friendly Carmel neighborhoods, like the Village of West Clay and Bridgewater Club, boast easy walkability to local amenities like parks, pools, and shopping. Popular spaces like Central Park offer cultural and fitness engagement with its massive playground, splash pad, and the Monon Community Center. Walk through over 125 acres of whimsical flora, including a dedicated, interactive Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens. Find plenty of family activities and events like Movies at Midtown and Carmel Christkindlmarkt—a renowned traditional German Christmas market offering unique holiday shopping and seasonal treats—in the Arts & Design District of Carmel’s city center.
Cary, NC
- Population: 169,177
- Home Price: $376,600
- Median Household Income: $107,463 median purchase price; $1,312 median monthly rent
- Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of U.S. cities
Cary offers an unmatched quality of life for families in the Triangle. The area is underpinned by the acclaimed Wake County Public School System, offering both traditional education opportunities as well as specialized tracks like Early College High Schools and Magnet Schools in Cary. Established Cary neighborhoods like Lochmere and Amberly provide walkability to attractive, resort-style amenities. These communities also offer direct connection to the town’s greenway system, a defining feature of the city for active residents. Families can enjoy world-class recreation at the new Downtown Cary Park, featuring the Nest (voted America’s best playground), a skywalk, botanical garden, and more! Explore 310 acres of trails and the boathouse at Fred G. Bond Metro Park. Catch a show or attend a family workshop like Doodle Jam or D&D Character Design Workshops at the historic Cary Arts Center. Or take part in signature cultural events like the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival and the NC Chinese Lantern Festival that are sure to make for family traditions and great memories.
Columbia, MD
- Population: 105,412
- Home Price: $385,900 median purchase price; $1,733 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $111,278
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 37% of U.S. cities
Consistently ranked among the top places to live in the U.S., Columbia is an exceptionally family-friendly city anchored by its educational excellence and carefully designed village structure. The area is served by the acclaimed Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)—which is frequently recognized as the top-performing public school district in Maryland—featuring schools like River Hill High School, Marriotts Ridge High School, and Clarksville Middle School. Family-centric Columbia neighborhoods like River Hill, Harper’s Choice, and Kings Contrivance, offer residents easy access to abundant amenities like community pools, parks, tot lots, and over 100 miles of interconnected pathways and green spaces. To top it off, Columbia offers year-round family fun, whether you want to stay active or express your creativity. Explore the stars at the Robinson Nature Center’s planetarium. Enjoy kayaking, skating, and running or hiking trails at Centennial Park. Catch an outdoor show at Merriweather Post Pavilion, hosting musicians like Train, Jack Johnson, Alex Warren, and more. Engage in hands-on fun at Play Street Museum Columbia. Hit the batting cages, partake in Midnight mini golf, or head to the skatepark at Columbia SportsPark. Or cool off on the free splash pads and enjoy events like the concert series at Color Burst Park.
Grand Rapids, MI
- Population: 199,417
- Home Price: $156,500 median purchase price; $947 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $51,333
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 4% of U.S. cities
If you’re looking to relocate somewhere safe and affordable with tons of local flair, Grand Rapids is often recognized as one of the best places to live in the country for families in terms of affordability and quality of life. High-ranking schools, over 2,000 acres of parks, and a close-knit community make this a fantastic city to raise kids. The public art exhibits scattered throughout the city showcase Grand Rapids’ creative spirit—plus, they’re great spots for walks and sightseeing excursions. Families can find plenty of other fun activities in Grand Rapids as well! Catch a concert, performance, or Griffins (AHL) hockey match at the Van Andel Arena. Take the kids out to meet colorful birds in the Budgie Aviary, fly through the Forest Realm Trail on the Zip Line, and see more than 230 species of animals at the John Ball Zoo. Spark their curiosity about science, history, art, and more at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Or spend your summer days at expansive Millennium Park playing on the beach, hiking, or playing on the splash pad!
Huntsville, AL
- Population: 199,845
- Home Price: $184,500 median purchase price; $868 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $56,758
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of U.S. cities
Known as one of the best places to live in the Southeast, Huntsville—Alabama’s Rocket City—also doubles as one of the best places to live for families. Huntsville City Schools gives parents a range of high-ranking educational options to choose from, many of which are among the best schools in Alabama. Parents looking for employment in Huntsville can find great opportunities in major industries like technology, space, defense, and manufacturing. And with tons of things to do in Huntsville, you’ll always have family-friendly activities to keep your kids busy! Pay a visit to rotating art exhibits or walk through gardens like the Damson Aquatic Garden or Holmes Trillium Garden at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Learn about the planets and stars in the INTUITIVE Planetarium or sign up for Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Or go out with the kids to discover folk tales from the Magical Talking Tree, play with building blocks on glow tables in the Light Lab, or participate in daily STEM activities in The Tinker Lab at the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum.
Madison, WI
- Population: 258,366
- Home Price: $262,400 median purchase price; $1,147 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $67,565
- Unemployment Rate: 2%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of U.S. cities
One of America’s best mid-sized cities, Madison has a variety of safe, affordable neighborhoods for families to plant roots. Access to quality schools—like Shorewood Hills Elementary School, Velma Hamilton Middle School, and West High School—help make Madison a fantastic place to start a family. With lakeside recreation, parks, and shopping districts, families of all sizes can find plenty of things to stay busy. Immerse yourself in art and culture by browsing the collections at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Explore the Possible-opolis and Wildernest exhibits at the Madison Children’s Museum. Check out exhibits like the North American Prairie or the Tropical Rainforest Aviary at Henry Vilas Zoo. The city is also America’s top college football town, so if your family loves sports and the energy of a crowd, join thousands of fans to cheer on the Badgers (FBS) at Camp Randall Stadium, or head over to watch the Madison Radicals (UFA) play an exciting ultimate disc game at Breese Stevens Field.
Omaha, NE
- Population: 479,529
- Home Price: $167,800 median purchase price; $948 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,213
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of U.S. cities
When looking for a family-friendly city to relocate to, put Omaha on your list! This Midwestern city is one of the most affordable U.S. cities, a great place for remote work, and the ideal area for veterans and retired military to settle down. Potential homeowners or renters can find homes that won’t break their budget with affordable neighborhoods in the Omaha Metro. The Big O offers an excellent education at top-ranked schools like Loveland Elementary School, Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School, and Millard North High School. For older kids or parents returning to school, there are also higher education opportunities at the University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton University, Metropolitan Community College, and more. Plus, Omaha has a variety of family-oriented activities to explore. Make your way through the Suzanne & Walter Scott Aquarium, the world’s largest indoor desert at the Desert Dome, the Lied Jungle rainforest, and more at Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium—one of the best zoos in the U.S.! Visit Susie’s Station, Tinker Factory, and other exhibits at the Omaha Children’s Museum. Learn about science and art as you explore interactive exhibits like Geometry Playground, The Grid, and more at the Kiewit Luminarium. Or explore the outdoors at Gene Leahy Mall while the kids play on the Arches Playground, race down the iconic metal slides, and more at Omaha’s The RiverFront.
Overland Park, KS
- Population: 193,412
- Home Price: $295,800 median purchase price; $1,200 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $87,629
- Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of U.S. cities
As one of the best places to live in the Midwest, Overland Park is a fantastic home for families moving to the Sunflower State! Not only is the area among the safest cities to live in, but many of the high schools in the Blue Valley Unified School District rank among Kansas’ top ten best high schools! There are also high-quality options for younger children, like Timber Creek Elementary School and Lakewood Middle School. Curious about what family-friendly activities Overland Park has to offer? The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Strang Park, and Thompson Park give plenty of options for outdoor recreation. Get hands-on with fossils and live bugs at the kid-oriented Museum at Prairiefire. Plan a trip to the Overland Park Farmers Market, which has been providing farm-fresh produce and goods to families for over 40 years. Host a birthday party or learn to roller skate at Skate City. Or make a short drive to nearby Kansas City to watch professional sports teams like the Kansas City Royals (MLB) play at Kauffman Stadium or the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) at Arrowhead Stadium.
Plano, TX
- Population: 288,870
- Home Price: $341,800 median purchase price; $1,447 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $96,348
- Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of U.S. cities
Plano is a great option for families relocating to Texas for a number of reasons. Parents will find quality schools in Plano, like Wyatt Elementary School, Renner Middle School, and Jasper High School, which have made the city recognizable for having one of the best school districts in Texas. The City of Excellence also excels at promoting health, and between its many outdoor amenities and the Connect4Health initiative, Plano has earned a spot among the healthiest U.S. cities. And for kid-friendly things to do in the area, Plano certainly delivers. Families living in Plano can find activities like aquatics, gymnastics, youth and adult sports, summer camps, and more through Plano Parks & Recreation. Learn about the impact of railways on Plano’s history at the Interurban Railway Museum. Marvel at nature’s beauty while hiking or cycling at the 200-acre Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Or enjoy live music, fireworks, and the iconic show at the beloved Plano Balloon Festival!
Round Rock, TX
- Population: 128,812
- Home Price: $259,400 median purchase price; $1,345 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $86,121
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 46% of U.S. cities
Round Rock has earned its spot as one of the best towns to raise a family in the U.S. This central Texas city boasts an affordable cost of living that’s 10% lower than nearby Austin—but Austin’s big-city amenities and attractions are just a short 30-minute drive away! Plus, Round Rock itself has plenty to offer families. Rest easy when you enroll your children in the Round Rock Independent School District, which is known for its low student-teacher ratio. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Round Rock with the family, there’s no shortage of options! Grab a bite to eat and shop at major chains like Target, Michaels, and Best Buy at the Round Rock Crossing shopping plaza. Sign up for a library card to check out books and attend weekly events like Family Storytime at the Round Rock Public Library. Swing across the zip line, climb Adventure Hill, or push each other in the Swing Pod at Play for All Abilities Park—a 140,000-square-foot outdoor park. Or attend local, regional, and national sports tournaments, sign the kids up for Sports Camps during the summer, and more at the Round Rock Sports Center.
Virginia Beach, VA
- Population: 450,882
- Home Price: $287,400 median purchase price; $1,380 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $78,136
- Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
- Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of U.S. cities
Considered one of the best places to live on the East Coast, it’s no surprise that VA Beach is also one of the best places to raise a family. With plenty of options for safe and affordable housing in Virginia Beach, this city is great for growing families. Find top-quality education for your kiddos at highly-rated Virginia Beach Public Schools like Kingston Elementary School, Old Donation School, and Princess Anne High School. You’ll be no stranger to family beach days, as locals also have access to amazing beaches spanning the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. But the family fun doesn’t stop there! Come face-to-face with sea animals like turtles, stingrays, and more at exhibits like the Light Tower Aquarium, Ray Touch Pool, and Norfolk Canyon Aquarium at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Buy season tickets to access thrilling water activities like the Tropi-Cool Activity Pool, Operation Splashdown, Runaway Bay, and more all summer long at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Or ride ponies, feed farm animals, and make your way through the TreeWalk Adventure obstacle course at Hunt Club Farm.
***
Considering moving to one of these family-friendly U.S. cities? Extra Space Storage has facilities conveniently located across the country to help ease your family’s transition. Find cheap storage units near you!
City statistics from AreaVibes
The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
