These 10 U.S. towns are the best places to raise a family in 2025

America’s heart for family life isn’t in the biggest cities. With this research I want to show you another part of America where families are thriving. I scoured the data on safety, schools, housing, and demographics to find ten standout communities (each under 500,000 people to keep it local) where family life is ideal. The results span the nation, from high-tech suburbs to historic heartland towns, each blending low crime, great schools, affordable living, high homeownership, and kid-friendly communities. 

Here are 2025’s top 10 towns to raise a family, and the stories behind what makes them special.

Methodology and sources are explained below the list.

1. Frisco, Texas

Coming in hot first place is Frisco. Frisco has evolved from a small Dallas suburb into a national model for family living. It boasts one of America’s lowest violent crime rates – in fact, a recent analysis found Frisco had the 4th-lowest violent crime rate in the nation. The city’s award-winning Frisco Independent School District earns an A+ grade for academics, attracting a lot of families. Nearly two-thirds of households here own their homes, and local incomes are high enough that housing costs take up a modest share of the family budget (Frisco is one of the rare cities ranked top-five for both safety and affordability). From its proud high school football culture to kid-friendly attractions (like the National Videogame Museum and minor-league ballpark), Frisco exudes community pride – a place where neighbors feel safe, schools excel, and “Texas-sized” dreams of homeownership and family life come true. It’s the perfect combination.

2. Cary, North Carolina

Located in the Research Triangle area, Cary offers a blend of Southern charm and cutting-edge amenities that’s ideal for families. Crime is exceedingly low – only about 80 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 78% below the U.S. average. Top-ranked schools are a cornerstone of Cary’s appeal; the public schools here are consistently rated among North Carolina’s best, and over 41% of households include children – a testament to its family focus. Cary’s homeownership rate (around 66%) and strong local incomes mean most families can comfortably afford to live here. A median home with a mortgage in Cary runs about $2,333 per month versus a hefty $129K median household income, keeping the housing cost burden around a manageable 22%. Tree-lined subdivisions, abundant parks and greenways, and a famed community feel (Cary is often dubbed the “Containment Area for Relocated Yankees” for its many transplants) make this town a welcoming haven where families put down deep roots.

3. Naperville, Illinois

A long-time fixture on “best places to live” lists, Naperville stands out as an affluent yet family-oriented city west of Chicago. Safety is a huge bragging point – Naperville is one of the safest large communities in America, with a mere 0.52 violent crimes per 1,000 residents in 2022. Education is top-tier: Naperville’s two public school districts both rank in the top 40 nationwide according to Niche, so kids here get a superb start. Families thrive in Naperville’s charming neighborhoods where over 74% of homes are owner-occupied, and a typical homeowner’s mortgage takes up only ~24% of the median income (about $3,062 on a $151K income), a comfortable ratio. Weekends find families strolling the picturesque Riverwalk or cheering on soccer games in the city’s many parks. With low crime, stellar schools, and an engaged community, Naperville exemplifies balanced suburban living – it’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other and local pride runs deep.

4. Johns Creek, Georgia

Tucked in Atlanta’s northern suburbs, Johns Creek has quickly become one of Georgia’s premier family hubs since its incorporation in 2006. The town is exceptionally safe – it logged a violent crime rate of just 0.41 per 1,000 residents (34 incidents in all of 2022), the lowest in the state. Excellent schools seal the deal for parents: Fulton County schools serving Johns Creek are highly regarded, with the local high school earning an A+ and ranking in the top 15 in Georgia . Family stability is evident everywhere – nearly 80% of homes are owner-occupied and about 42% of households have children under 18, far above national norms. Yet despite the upscale demographics, Johns Creek remains warm and community-driven. Families bond at events like the annual Fall Family Festival and summer concerts by the Chattahoochee River. With its mix of safety, strong schools, spacious homes, and civic spirit, Johns Creek has earned a reputation as a suburban haven where family life truly flourishes.

5. Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park combines Midwestern friendliness with big-city amenities, making it a magnet for families in the Kansas City metro. Crime rates here are low and stable, helping OP consistently rank among America’s safer cities. But it’s the education scene that really shines: the city’s Blue Valley School District is rated #1 in Kansas and in the top 1% of U.S. school districts – all five public high schools are among the state’s top 10. This education excellence, plus reasonable housing costs, draws many young families. Roughly 30% of Overland Park households have kids, and plenty of parents are homeowners – about 61.5% of homes are owner-occupied. The housing cost burden is very manageable here: the median mortgage is around $2,255 while median household income tops $103K (roughly 26% of income on housing). Weekends in Overland Park might mean family trips to the Arboretum or the famous Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Safe, affordable, and brimming with top-notch schools and parks, Overland Park offers a wholesome environment that residents proudly call ideal for “raising the kiddos.”

6. Irvine, California

Sunny Irvine has earned an almost legendary status as America’s safest mid-sized city – for 18 years running, it has had the nation’s lowest per-capita violent crime among cities of 250,000+. That peace of mind, combined with highly rated schools (Irvine Unified School District holds an A+ rating), makes this Orange County city a West Coast family favorite. Irvine’s master-planned communities are full of parks, bike trails, and playgrounds, and families are plentiful (though the city also hosts students and young professionals, about one-quarter of households have children). Homeownership is a bit lower here (~44% ) due to a large number of apartments, but those who settle in Irvine tend to stay – drawn by amenities and excellent jobs in tech and education. Local incomes are high enough that despite costly California real estate, many families can manage; Irvine’s median household income is around $120K+, helping offset housing expenses. With its near-zero violent crime, top schools, open spaces, and diverse community vibe, Irvine proves you can have it all: a dynamic city that’s also one of the safest, most family-friendly places in the U.S.

7. Gilbert, Arizona

Once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” Gilbert has transformed into a booming family suburb of Phoenix  –  without losing its community charm. This fast-growing town of 270,000+ remains remarkably safe, with a violent crime rate of only 116 per 100,000 residents in 2022 (far below national levels). Gilbert also boasts one of the highest concentrations of family households in Arizona – big families are common, and the median age is just 33. Dual-income parents appreciate that Gilbert’s schools are well-regarded (the district regularly earns “A” ratings), and that they can actually afford a house here. The homeownership rate stands around 74% , and median family incomes (~$115K) are high relative to home prices, keeping the typical housing burden reasonable. On weekends, you’ll find Gilbert families enjoying downtown’s farmer’s market or biking along the canal trails that wind through town. With its low crime, strong schools, and nearly half of households raising kids, Gilbert exemplifies the modern suburban ideal in the Southwest – a place where community spirit and family life run strong amid the desert sunshine.

8. Franklin, Tennessee

Just south of Nashville, Franklin blends rich history with upscale family living. The city’s picturesque Main Street and Victorian homes make it feel like a small town, yet Franklin is one of Tennessee’s most dynamic communities. Families here enjoy exceptional safety – Franklin’s crime rate is 51% lower than the national average, a rarity for a growing city. Williamson County (where Franklin is located) is famed for its top-tier public schools, and indeed Franklin’s schools are highly rated, drawing many new residents. The demographics underscore its family appeal: many households are young families (the city’s population has a median age in the mid-30s), and about two-thirds of residents own their homes despite median house prices around $600K+. Franklin’s prosperity (median income ~$100K) helps offset the higher housing costs, and importantly there’s no state income tax, freeing up family budgets. Community involvement is a way of life – from family-oriented festivals in the charming downtown to volunteerism and church activities. With low crime, strong schools, and a warm community vibe, Franklin offers an enviable quality of life that has people across the South saying it’s the place to raise a family in Tennessee.

9. Sammamish, Washington

Perched on a plateau east of Seattle, Sammamish is a serene, family-centric city that consistently tops safety and income rankings. In 2022 it was named the safest city in Washington – violent crime here is virtually nonexistent (0.3 incidents per 1,000 people). This affluence and safety go hand-in-hand: Sammamish’s median household income is an astounding $195,000+, and the community is largely made up of families in single-family homes. Over half of local households have children – a proportion more than double the county average – and the city’s excellent Lake Washington and Issaquah schools benefit from engaged, well-resourced parents. An incredible 86% of Sammamish homes are owner-occupied, as families invest to stay long-term. Despite rapid growth, the city has kept its woodsy character and prioritizes parks, sports leagues, and safe streets (neighbors jokingly call it “the land of minivans and SUVs”). From summer nights at community concerts to weekends boating on Lake Sammamish, this town offers an idyllic Pacific Northwest lifestyle. It’s hard to beat Sammamish’s combination of ultra-low crime, top schools, and family wealth – a true “sweet spot” for raising kids near a major tech hub.

10. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Rounding out our list is Virginia Beach – the largest city here by far (pop. 450,000) and proof that even a sizable city can be a fantastic place for families. Virginia Beach delivers a rare mix: crime rates that are low for a city its size, solid public schools, and relatively affordable living by East Coast standards. The city’s violent crime rate is roughly half that of other big Atlantic seaboard cities (VB frequently ranks as one of America’s safest large cities), giving families peace of mind. Education is a point of pride: Virginia Beach City Public Schools earn strong marks and a high graduation rate, and the presence of several military bases means local schools are well-versed in serving military families. About 65% of Virginia Beach homes are owner-occupied (many by military and veteran families), and housing cost burdens are moderate – median household income ($80K) keeps pace with home prices in this market. Of course, lifestyle is a big draw too: kids here grow up with the oceanfront as their playground, from summer beach days and the famous boardwalk to the aquarium and state parks. The city hosts countless family-friendly events (like sandcastle contests and Neptune Festival) that foster community spirit. For a large city, Virginia Beach manages to feel close-knit when it comes to family life – a sunny, patriotic community where crime stays low, kids do well in school, and family fun is always just a short walk or drive away.

Methodology

To determine 2025’s best towns for families, I compared U.S. towns and cities (population under 500,000) across five equally weighted criteria: violent crime rate, school quality, homeownership rate, housing cost burden, and households with children. Data was drawn from authoritative sources – primarily the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting statistics for city-level violent crime, school ratings from Niche.com (2025 rankings) and state education data, and U.S. Census Bureau data (2018 – 2022 American Community Survey 5-year estimates) for housing and demographic metrics. I defined “housing cost burden” as the share of income spent on housing, using median household income vs. median housing costs to gauge affordability. Only incorporated cities/towns were considered (census-designated places were excluded). Each city’s performance on the five metrics was standardized and combined into a composite score with equal weighting. Finally, I reviewed the top scorers for a qualitative check – ensuring they offer not just good numbers, but real-life family friendliness (parks, community events, etc.) that could spark local pride. All data are the most current available as of 2025, and sources are cited for verification. By balancing safety, education, economic, and community factors, this methodology highlights well-rounded family havens that are factually among the best places in America to raise a family.

Sources

• FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program – violent crime rates
• Niche.com (2025 rankings) – school quality and district ratings
• U.S. Census Bureau – American Community Survey (2018–2022 5-Year Estimates):
  • Homeownership rate (Table DP04)
  • Housing cost burden (Table B25070)
  • Households with children under 18 (Table B11005)