Believe me, I’m getting there.
I don’t even have kids and I recently caught myself shaking my fist at a mild speeder in my quiet residential neighborhood. I may even have muttered “dag nabbit.”
And although I’m super happy with where I live right now (St. Petersburg, Florida, for the win!), I can’t help but wonder if there’s a better town out there for when my wife and I ultimately decide to start a family.
Here’s the thing: we’re both writers. That means regardless of where we would want to end up, it would have to be affordable.
Sure, Libertyville in Illinois has Blue Ribbon schools and crime is practically nonexistent, but the median cost of maintaining a mortgage or renting an apartment is more than $1,800. That goes for a lot of other family-friendly cities, towns and suburbs across the U.S.
We already brought you the best 25 cities that millennials can afford, so we dug into the data again to find the best inexpensive cities for new families. We began the study at the county level so we could include suburbs and be sure we were using the most up-to-date, comprehensive information as a baseline.
Here’s just a sample of the factors we considered:
- Median rent and mortgage costs
- Healthcare costs
- Household income
- Regional price parities
- Pollution and water violations
- Violent crime rate
- School grades
- Access to healthy food
- Civic associations per capita
- Museums and libraries per capita
To make sure the cities we examined within those counties weren’t too tiny, we excluded any counties with populations below the average of roughly 100,000.
Even though we removed less populous counties from our dataset, we kept cities and towns of all sizes. We know some readers prefer a small town where speeders aren’t terrorizing your streets.
Before we reveal the top 25 cities, here’s some of what we learned about family-friendly towns in the U.S:
- They are almost always historically significant
- There are plenty of museums
- Parkland and trails are highly valued
- Farmer’s markets are common
- The city or local groups sponsor events nearly every weekend
- Most have compact but lively downtowns
- High school football is a big deal
- If you want cheap, you might have to tolerate snow
So, without further ado, here’s the list of the best cities that new families can actually afford.
1. Franklin, Tennessee
Monica Van Landingham vividly remembers her first visit to Franklin, Tennessee.
It was during the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival in 2011, when musicians, artisans, food vendors and actors dressed as classic Dickens characters fill the quaint streets of the town of roughly 75,000.
She thought it was almost too perfect.
“I said, ‘It feels like we’re in the movie “Funny Farm,”’” she says, referencing the 1988 Chevy Chase comedy about a couple moving to an idyllic town that turns out to be full of jerks.
That wasn’t the case in Franklin, where she relocated with her family in 2012.
Now, Van Landingham’s son Jacob is the star quarterback at Page High School, and weekends revolve around the farmer’s market and walking her dog on nearby trails.
“We are full on drinking the Kool-Aid,” she says.
Downtown Franklin is the town’s centerpiece, Van Landingham says, with farm-to-table eateries like Gray’s on Main (housed in an old pharmacy). If you like wine, stop by Arrington Vineyards, founded by Kix Brooks (one-half of country duo Brooks & Dunn.)
2. Noblesville, Indiana
Elizabeth Schultz, a 13-year-old student at Noblesville Middle School in the charming small city north of Indianapolis, just scored a role in “Guys and Dolls.”
“She is so giddy,” says her mother Laura Schultz.
Have you heard of anything more idyllic?
Laura Schultz lived on Indianapolis’ south side for most of her life before moving north to Noblesville in 2009.
With her daughter along, she and her husband Darrin Hugill relocated to the town of nearly 52,000 for the schools, parks and closeness to work. She can walk to Dr. James A. Dillon Park or the nearby Kroger.
The Historic Noblesville Square is the town’s highlight, Schultz says, with events nearly every weekend.
The best part? The town is really affordable.
“If I cross the street and go into Carmel, my taxes double,” Schultz says. “I cannot tell you how happy I am to have moved up here.”
3. Rochester, Minnesota
Pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Ice cream and craft soda makers.
A cynic might scoff at how Rochester practically radiates Americana. But we’re not cynics.
“Rochester is kind of like a little-big town,” says Kristen Rogers, who moved to the city with her family in 2007. “The people here all know each other, but it’s big because there are so many job opportunities.”
The Mayo Clinic, which is consistently ranked among the nation’s top hospitals, employs more than 34,000 people in Rochester. IBM also has a notable presence.
For Rogers, who with her husband Karl has three young daughters, the appeal is the neighborly ties.
“Anyone could move here and quickly find a web of friends and kids with just a few clicks online,” she says.
Oh, and having a Hy-Vee grocery store locally is a perk.
A typical weekend for the family includes a trip to that apple orchard or a visit to the Minnesota Children’s Museum. After securing a sitter, the parents head to the Rochester Civic Theatre, where tickets are under $60.
And for the whole family, there’s LTS Brewing Company, where the adults can grab a brew and the kids can try honey lemonade or cherry cream soda.
“I think Rochester is the best of both worlds,” Kristen Rogers says. “It has quiet, safe neighborhoods and a lively downtown vibe where you can actually go out for a night on the town.”
4. Iowa City, Iowa
Sometimes an interest in politics can lead you to a fantastic — and affordable — place to raise a family.
That’s true for many of Laci Lower’s friends and acquaintances, who were drawn to the state during the dramatic Iowa caucuses, only to discover the charm of cities in the Hawkeye State. They were especially attracted to Iowa City.
There are also “boomerang residents,” like Lower.
“A lot of people move away, but when it’s time, they return and raise a family because they find it’s a place where their kids can prosper,” she says.
However you end up in Iowa City, Lower points to Wingman as a great resource to immediately plug you into the community. You’ll find an Iowa City expert to walk you through venues and events — on a budget.
“Most things are very accessible without spending a fortune,” she says. “There’s more to do than you can possibly get to — and a lot of it is free.”
Lower also mentioned apple orchards as a staple family outing (sensing a pattern?) And in summer there are festivals downtown nearly every other weekend.
As in any historic town, be sure to take the kids to museums. And who would want to raise children without a top-notch farmer’s market?
5. Delaware, Ohio
Alan Brown, a 42-year-old adhesive engineer (hey, glue’s got to get sticky somehow), has lived in Delaware, Ohio, for roughly half his life — about 19 years.
The low tax burden is what pulled him to the area, since it was more affordable than nearby Columbus. But with its revitalized downtown and growing population, locals now call it a mini-Columbus.
“It’s just such a vibrant town,” Brown says.
He noticed how teachers always asked after his now-grown sons Tyler and Jacob, giving the expanding city a small-town vibe.
“My kids always got the support they needed within the school district,” Brown says.
As for extracurriculars, his 8-year-old daughter Abigail takes dance classes at the Arts Castle (formally the Delaware County Cultural Arts Center). The fortress-like building offers dozens of classes and exhibits.
First Fridays on Main Street are among Brown’s favorite free activities in Delaware, as is the weekly farmers market.
“It’s definitely a growing city with a small-town feel,” Brown says.
6. Madison, Wisconsin
Olbrich Botanical Gardens will keep the kids engaged — and teach them about plants in a year-round tropical conservatory. Yes, even when the thermometer dives below freezing in January. And it’s only two bucks!
The Madison Children’s Museum runs lots of programs and events for rainy days. And when the weather cooperates, the Cave of the Mounds will amaze the family with geological wonders. It rocks. (Couldn’t resist.)
7. Overland Park, Kansas
If you’ve got little thrill-seekers, Overland Park offers indoor skydiving for kids as young as 3. iFLY delivers the rush of skydiving without the whole, you know, jumping-from-a-plane aspect.
For more cultured toddlers, there’s the Museum at Prairiefire, which partners with the American Museum of Natural History to present exhibits from the famed NYC institution.
8. Burlington, Vermont
Downtown Burlington centers on an open-air marketplace with more than 100 shops and eateries. And what’s an idyllic downtown without a farmer’s market — especially one that moves indoors during winter’s worst?
Keep the family active on the Burlington Greenway (it’s no wonder this town scored high on health metrics) or let the kids burn off energy at A_Dog Skatepark. There are plenty of parks and beaches to explore.
Yes. Burlington has beaches.
9. Leesburg, Virginia
It’s unsurprising many family-friendly cities on the list are near Washington, D.C., since that metro area has been on a significant growth trajectory since the Great Recession. Lots of people want to live around D.C.
But with its historic downtown and quaint art and antique shops, Leesburg feels worlds away from a bustling metropolis. The 1,000-acre Morven Park offers weekend entertainment for the family, with three museums, athletic fields and an equestrian center. (Be warned: your child may want a horse after watching a show.)
10. Bentonville, Arkansas
It turns out the city that hosts Walmart’s headquarters is actually a fantastic — and especially affordable — place to raise kids.
There’s the excellent Amazeum, with hands-on exhibits and events for children. Downtown Bentonville hosts a farmers market ideal for picking up weekend meal ingredients. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art adds cultural polish to a Saturday afternoon, or hit the trails on the Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail.
And, well, you kind of have to visit the Walmart Museum (and maybe ease up on Amazon purchases — you’re in Walmart country now, partner.)
11. Arlington, Virginia
Though not the cheapest place on this list, Arlington draws many young families thanks to its outstanding schools. It’s another close-in suburb of Washington, D.C., so weekend trips to the capital are easy.
Within Arlington, city officials promote “urban villages,” neighborhoods that blend a small-downtown feel with urban energy. The Arlington Arts Center can spark kids’ creativity, or head outdoors on the Mount Vernon Trail for a run, ride or walk.
12. Stillwater, Minnesota
When I was younger, I sometimes resented the influx of families at my local brewery. Now that I’m older, I totally understand the attraction.
Stillwater offers several family-friendly breweries. There’s Maple Island Brewing and St. Croix Brewing Company in the historic downtown and Lift Bridge Brewing Company a bit farther out.
Your kids will adore Teddy Bear Park. So cute.
13. Raleigh, North Carolina
Spend a day at the 66-acre Pullen Park and you might be tempted to pack up and move to Raleigh. The carousel, boathouse and miniature train can easily occupy an entire Saturday.
The North Carolina Museum of Art features engaging exhibits and an outdoor amphitheatre with frequent events. Or visit North Carolina State University to see the JC Raulston Arboretum, a 10-acre garden and events space. And you can always count on Marbles Kids Museum to tire out the little ones.
14. Papillion, Nebraska
The great outdoors are a major draw for Papillion. The Prairie Queen Recreation Area offers family activities from boating and fishing to hiking or biking along a four-mile paved trail.
If the wilderness isn’t your jam, you can catch a ballgame at Werner Park or enjoy a free movie or concert at Sumtur Amphitheater. If all else fails, take the family to Papio Fun Park for go-karts, mini golf or laser tag using coupons or deals like Groupon.
15. Fairfax, Virginia
If you love history, Fairfax has plenty of sites to explore. George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum feature interactive displays that appeal to both kids and adults.
If you’re not in the mood for a history lesson, visit Frying Pan Farm Park. While you won’t find frying pans sprouting from the ground, you will encounter rural community life and Belgian draft horses.
16. Boulder, Colorado
Though Boulder is famed for its access to the Rocky Mountains, hiking isn’t every family’s perfect fit.
Downtown you’ll find Pearl Street Mall, with play areas and street performers, or pop into Into the Wind for kites and unique toys.
17. Hastings, Minnesota
Hastings is surrounded by natural parks including Afton State Park, Vermillion Falls and the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center.
Other family activities include apple picking at the Afton Apple Orchard, skiing at Afton Alps or wandering through Hastings Co-op Creamery.
18. Carrboro, North Carolina
Situated in central North Carolina, Carrboro is surrounded by small mill towns. If you love strolling and sampling food, the Farmer’s Market is a must-visit. It offers fresh, locally produced goods year-round.
The Weaver Street Market is also worth a stop. It features produce, children’s programming and live music several days of the week.
19. Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven is a fantastic place for kids. With varied terrain, boredom is unlikely. Ski at Mulligan’s Hollow in winter or visit the beach and the Grand Haven Lighthouse in warmer months.
If you want competition, check out Chinook Pier Mini Golf. It’s inexpensive and can occupy an entire day of play.
20. Castle Rock, Colorado
Castle Rock takes its name from the castle tower-shaped butte near town center. While your kids may crack lots of “butt” jokes about the name, there are plenty of family activities.
One favorite is Matney Park, where kids can run on playgrounds, play basketball, horseshoes and even disc golf on synthetic turf.
21. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor hosts several museums and science attractions. If your kids love to touch everything, visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, where children can interact directly with exhibits.
If science isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other museums such as the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments. You may not be able to touch everything there, but it’s a treat for the whole family.
22. Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville offers attractions for both adults and kids. For a relaxed day downtown, visit the Downtown Walking Mall.
If you want something more adventurous, Carter Mountain Orchard provides pumpkin patches, hayrides and apple picking in the fall.
23. Portland, Maine
Portland is famed for its coastal scenery, so tour the area’s lighthouses and parks. For a quirky family outing, try the Umbrella Cover Museum or Treehouse Toys.
24. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis boasts many museums and galleries like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Walker Art Center. If your family’s feeling active, options include the Depot indoor skating rink and Minnehaha Regional Park, home to Minnesota’s oldest preserved park.
Worst case, you can drive 20 minutes to the Mall of America.
25. West Bend, Wisconsin
Like several other cities on this list, West Bend features the excellent Shalom Wildlife zoo and trails for family hikes (trek far enough and it’ll be easy to get the kids to sleep).
The West Bend Labyrinth Garden inside Regner Park is perfect for a relaxed Sunday stroll.
Alex Mahadevan is a data journalist at Savinly. When he’s not shaking his fist at speeding scofflaws, he enjoys bike rides with his wife, with whom he is looking forward to starting a family someday.
Icon graphics created by Kristy Gaunt, Illustrative Designer at Savinly.
