Top 10 Family-Friendly Cities

Home is truly where the heart lies, but in today’s unpredictable economy, home might also be where the opportunities are. When selecting the 10 best cities for families, we considered factors like low unemployment, low crime rates, and affordable housing. Other elements like top-notch schools, green spaces, and potential for growth were also part of the selection process.

Some cities didn’t have every feature we looked for, but their exceptional qualities in other areas still earned them a spot. You’ll see why these cities stood out. So, lace up your shoes and get ready for a tour from the mountains to the prairies—or was it the oceans? Let's rediscover the greatness of the U.S. by exploring 10 cities that any family would love to call home.

10: Huntsville, Ala.

Thanks to a solid and diverse economic foundation, Huntsville secured a spot at the top of Kiplinger's "10 Best Cities of 2009" list. With thriving aerospace, missile defense, and medical research industries, Huntsville offers numerous job opportunities, leading to plenty of resources for creating family-friendly neighborhoods. These intellectual industries also encourage a focus on school funding, which is great for raising the next tech mogul like Bill Gates.

In addition to all of this, Huntsville features a charming, historically rich downtown, excellent museums, and breathtaking mountain views, making it a safe, engaging, and desirable place to live.

9: San Jose, Calif.

Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose topped Forbes' 2009 list of most affordable major cities. While housing prices are high, salaries are equally competitive. Plus, the city's fantastic weather and abundance of outdoor activities make it perfect for year-round sports. If your children are into technology, living in the epicenter of innovation has its perks as well.

Although California's economy has faced some challenges recently, San Jose's pleasant weather and various amenities make it an attractive option for dual-income families, especially if you already have a job lined up.

8: Minneapolis, Minn.

Minneapolis excels in multiple categories, such as being one of the safest cities in the U.S. and one of the most affordable. For young families on a tight budget, it provides great value. In 2009, the city's schools spent more than the national average on each public school student, and with a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, it's a solid choice for education [source: Greenburg].

7: Olympia, Wash.

As the state capital of Washington, Olympia is home to a vibrant arts scene and offers the youthful energy typical of a college town. With stunning views, a commitment to education, and a crime rate below the national average, it's an idyllic place to set up a home and establish roots.

6: Austin, Texas

With a solid economic outlook, driven by a dynamic and diverse range of local businesses, along with a relatively low crime rate, Austin presents strong potential for families. If you're in the market for sun, mouthwatering Tex-Mex, and a town with a promising future, Austin could be the place. Add in a consistently low unemployment rate and a decent teacher-student ratio, and it becomes our top pick from the Lone Star State for relocation.

5: San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco is known for its steep living costs, but it also boasts much higher income levels. While these earnings don't completely counterbalance taxes, housing prices, and a somewhat sluggish local economy, the city by the bay remains one of the most iconic places to live and work — not just in the U.S. but worldwide. With its natural beauty, abundant entertainment for all ages, and its proximity to the ocean, towering forests, and even mountains, it's impossible to leave this classic off our list. If the costs are too high, you can always settle further down the peninsula while still enjoying the many affordable activities that make San Francisco such a special destination.

4: Albuquerque, N.M.

Albuquerque stands as a vibrant cultural hub that combines diversity, stability, and natural beauty. Situated along the Rio Grande River, this sun-soaked city offers plenty of outdoor adventures to keep families active and connected to the natural world.

With major companies like Intel Corporation and Sandia National Laboratories calling it home, Albuquerque benefits from a robust economy. The cost of living here is lower than the national average, and the city also boasts an enviable unemployment rate.

The city's excellent weather, rich cultural diversity, and solid economic foundation make Albuquerque an ideal place to put down roots.

3: South Burlington, Vt.

With affordable housing, a low student-to-teacher ratio (13:1), and family-oriented activities at every corner, this hidden gem between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains is perfect for families who love the outdoors and value eco-conscious living. If your family enjoys water and snow sports and cares about energy conservation and clean waterways, South Burlington, Vt., might be your ideal destination.

2: Charlottesville, Va.

Home to Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville is conveniently close to Washington, D.C. for a quick day trip, yet retains its own distinctive character and atmosphere. Whether you're drawn to academia, the arts, or simply the warmth of Southern hospitality, this historic town has much to offer. With a solid student-to-teacher ratio and a commitment to quality education, Charlottesville is a Southern jewel that puts family first.

1: Fishers, Ind.

Named the top affordable suburb in the U.S. by "Bloomberg BusinessWeek," Fishers, Ind., is an emerging bedroom community near Indianapolis. With excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a prime location at the heart of America's major crossroads, Fishers has a lot to offer. Though it's not a large city, Fishers has seen its population surge by over 63% in the past decade and continues to grow. Affordable housing, low unemployment, and strong job growth give this town plenty of charm [source: Wong].