Nadia Yong // Shutterstock

Best places to raise a family unit in the West

The West is full of enticing natural beauty and ample professional opportunities, making it an attractive option for raising a family unit. With an abundance of jobs across entertainment, tech, and scientific discipline, there are besides many practical reasons to relocate here. The almost-always fantastic conditions, entrepreneurial opportunities, focus on wellness, and peaceful lifestyle are just the start of why raising a family in the West tin be beneficial.

But where in the West suits your family best? Choosing a place to heighten a family comes with a number of considerations including the nuts: cost of living, incomes in the surface area, quality of the public school system. And and then there are the lifestyle considerations: the feel of the area, population density, safety, family activities, walkability of the town. It can exist difficult—and to be honest, quite daunting—to find a identify that checks off all the boxes, simply there are neighborhoods, towns, and cities that fit everyone's lifestyle and needs.

To help families of all stages take a data-driven approach to finding the all-time communities within the American West, Stacker looked to Niche's 2019 All-time Places to Enhance a Family unit, which evaluates dozens of of import components to raising a family. Public schools have the heaviest weight among the considerations included, while offense and safety, cost of living, demographics, and customs resources all factor strongly (total methodology hither).

The post-obit states were considered for this piece: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Only places with populations of over 10,000 were considered, with at least two places from every country included to offer representation for all states. Click ahead to run across the best places in the West that volition let your family to thrive.

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#50. Helena, MT

- Population: xxx,345
- Median abode value: $220,100 (54% of residents own)
- Median rent: $797 (46% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $53,892
- Educational attainment: 17% masters or higher, 27% bachelors, 30% some college, 26% high school or less

Rife with history, Helena is a wonderful identify to alive, especially for families who like to exist active outdoors. With opportunities for families to savour fishing, hiking, boating, camping, kayaking, and skiing nearby, families can make the nearly of their time together. The many outdoor activities are just a bonus to the affordable housing market.

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#49. Spanish Springs, NV

- Population: 16,458
- Median home value: $301,300 (86% of residents own)
- Median hire: $1,510 (14% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $85,050
- Educational attainment: eight% masters or higher, 14% bachelors, 44% some college, 34% high schoolhouse or less

With a modest population and affordable housing options, this city has a modest-town experience with the classic draws of a suburban neighborhood (information technology's due north of Reno). The Lazy 5 Regional Park offers summertime concerts, water activities, able-bodied fields, a skate park, and picnic areas.

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Patrick Nouhailler // Wikimedia Eatables

#48. Carson City, NV

- Population: 54,219
- Median home value: $217,400 (55% of residents own)
- Median rent: $868 (45% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $49,341
- Educational attainment: ix% masters or higher, xiii% bachelors, 37% some higher, 42% loftier schoolhouse or less

Admission to cultural activities and proximity to Lake Tahoe are the chief draws of Carson Urban center. With the Children'due south Museum of Northern Nevada and the Nevada Country Railroad Museum, at that place are several means to enjoy the local culture with your family. The Carson Metropolis Schoolhouse District is also an above-average public school district, with a student-teacher ratio of 19-to-1.

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SvetlanaSF // Shutterstock

#47. Honolulu, HI

- Population: 402,452
- Median habitation value: $688,200 (48% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,441 (52% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $lxx,527
- Educational attainment: 14% masters or higher, 24% bachelors, 28% some college, 33% loftier school or less

Honolulu is Oahu's biggest city, and raising a family in that location comes with all the conveniences of urban life: restaurants, access to shops, activities (including incredible beaches), and schools. Honolulu also has above-average public schools.

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1st Lt. John Howard // U.S. Army

#46. Mililani Mauka, HI

- Population: xx,393
- Median home value: $641,900 (77% of residents own)
- Median hire: $two,215 (23% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $112,726
- Educational attainment: xvi% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 31% some college, 18% high school or less

Named the #1 identify to raise a family in Hawaii, Mililani Mauka is in Honolulu County and offers a densely populated suburban feel. There are several well-kept community parks to bask outdoor activities, and the public schools are highly rated. The population comprises many working professionals and young families.

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#45. Anchorage, AK

- Population: 298,225
- Median home value: $304,500 (60% of residents own)
- Median rent: $one,261 (40% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $82,271
- Educational attainment: 13% masters or higher, 22% bachelors, 35% some college, 31% loftier school or less

The largest metropolis in Alaska with a population of 300,000, Anchorage nevertheless maintains a small-boondocks atmosphere. The cold winters are eased past a welcoming community with many exciting outdoor activities, like skiing, hunting, hiking, fishing, and dog mushing.

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Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#44. Laramie, WY

- Population: 32,104
- Median home value: $210,600 (44% of residents own)
- Median rent: $750 (56% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $43,191
- Educational attainment: 22% masters or higher, 29% bachelors, xxx% some college, xix% high schoolhouse or less

The #ane best metropolis to raise a family in the country of Wyoming, Laramie offers residents a dense suburban temper with a large rental market. The city has many conveniences of suburban life including easy access to shops, schools, and parks, and the University of Wyoming gives the community youthful vigor as well as cultural cache.

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Ems Images // Shutterstock

#43. Sheridan, WY

- Population: 17,816
- Median home value: $211,500 (61% of residents own)
- Median rent: $795 (39% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $52,666
- Educational attainment: 12% masters or college, xix% bachelors, 38% some college, 31% high schoolhouse or less

With a mixed population of retirees, young professionals, and families, Sheridan offers a irksome-paced suburban lifestyle for those with children. Affordable homes and highly rated public schools make for a user-friendly place to alive with plentiful access to pharmacies, java shops, restaurants, and stores.

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#42. Moscow, ID

- Population: 24,833
- Median dwelling value: $216,700 (41% of residents ain)
- Median hire: $669 (59% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $35,979
- Educational attainment: 26% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 27% some college, 14% high schoolhouse or less

Take a stroll with the family downward to the Moscow Farmers Marketplace or bank check out the foliage at the University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Betwixt the beautiful Latah Trail Bike Path, the Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Centre, and the nearby Wolf Society Campgrounds, there are plenty of activities to practice with children both indoors and outdoors.

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CSNafzger // Shutterstock

#41. Boise, ID

- Population: 220,859
- Median home value: $206,800 (threescore% of residents own)
- Median rent: $875 (40% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $54,547
- Educational attainment: 14% masters or higher, 27% bachelors, 33% some college, 27% high schoolhouse or less

Boise has a lot of outdoor activities for families, including birding at the World Eye for Birds of Prey, biking the Boise River Greenbelt, and strolling through the Idaho Botanical Garden. This city is definitely a cultural hub of Idaho, with many vibrant neighborhoods that have their ain unique personalities.

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#forty. Bozeman, MT

- Population: 43,132
- Median home value: $310,800 (44% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $956 (56% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $49,217
- Educational attainment: 22% masters or higher, 35% bachelors, 28% some college, 15% loftier schoolhouse or less

Named the #10 identify to enhance a family on Livability'southward 2018 ranking, Bozeman offers a tight-knit suburban community. Residents have an boilerplate commute time of 15 minutes to work and bask several opportunities to relax outdoors on the weekend. Montana State Academy is one of the community's largest employers forth with the companies that make up the city's burgeoning tech scene.

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Gary Whitton // Shutterstock

#39. College, AK

- Population: fourteen,362
- Median home value: $233,000 (60% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,198 (twoscore% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $77,341
- Educational attainment: 18% masters or higher, 24% bachelors, 37% some higher, 20% high schoolhouse or less

College is part of the Fairbanks metropolitan area and has the Academy of Alaska Fairbanks inside its city limits. With the abundance of higher students come many cultural activities such every bit concerts and theatrical productions. The city has a sparse suburban feel, and many of its residents are young professionals.

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#38. Kaysville, UT

- Population: 30,328
- Median abode value: $293,800 (89% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $846 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $91,334
- Educational attainment: 15% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 35% some college, 17% high school or less

Between Ogden and Salt Lake Urban center, Kaysville is regarded as "Utah's hometown." The city is celebrated and was the kickoff to exist incorporated in Davis County. The public schools also boast high rankings, with Davis High Schoolhouse leading the number of students who take the AP test in the state and also ranking 2nd in the country for students that pass.

[Pictured: Salt Lake Urban center, UT.]

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#37. Due north Logan, UT

- Population: x,140
- Median domicile value: $249,300 (63% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $982 (37% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $lxx,139
- Educational attainment: 19% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 32% some higher, 16% high school or less

With a modest population of just over ten,000, North Logan offers a small-town environment for a slap-up value. Northward Logan has a lot of outdoor activities fun for the whole family like hiking to the Wind Caves, skiing Beaver Mountain, or trekking the Crimson Trail.

[Pictured: Air current Caves.]

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Ramkumar Menon // Wikimedia Eatables

#36. Los Gatos, CA

- Population: 30,709
- Median dwelling value: $1,476,700 (66% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,111 (34% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $132,671
- Educational attainment: 30% masters or college, 36% bachelors, 21% some college, 12% high school or less

A suburb of San Jose, Los Gatos has a big population of retirees and offers a quiet community with a dense suburban experience. The fantastic public schools and great museums lend themselves to a boondocks that'south full of civilization.

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#35. South Pasadena, CA

- Population: 25,974
- Median dwelling house value: $928,500 (45% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,556 (55% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $92,756
- Educational attainment: 30% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 23% some college, 14% high school or less

While affordability certainly isn't the selling point for choosing Due south Pasadena to heighten your family—with a median home value of $928,500—information technology reciprocates with a high percentage of educational attainment for its residents. It was ranked #6 on Niche's 2010 all-time Los Angeles suburbs to heighten a family unit and boasts a modernistic city with a small-boondocks attitude.

[Pictured: Garfield Park, S Pasadena, CA.]

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Burkhard Mücke // Wikimedia Commons

#34. Berkeley, CA

- Population: 120,179
- Median home value: $861,800 (43% of residents own)
- Median rent: $ane,523 (57% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $75,709
- Educational attainment: 39% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 17% some college, 11% high schoolhouse or less

Home to the Academy of California, Berkeley, this urban center is a vibrant suburb of San Francisco with a personality that matches its unique history. In keeping with its revolutionary history, its downtown is a mix of necktie dye wares and henna tattoo vendors, mixed with quaint cafes and a thriving mom-and-pop eatery scene. Berkeley also has a lot to offer for outdoorsy families with hikes up to Grizzly Meridian and strolls through the academy's botanical garden.

[Pictured: University of California Berkeley Botanical Garden.]

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LunaseeStudios // Shutterstock

#33. Irvine, CA

- Population: 256,877
- Median home value: $753,400 (48% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $2,114 (52% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $95,573
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 20% some college, 12% high schoolhouse or less

Dubbed the "Safest Metropolis of its Size" for the 14th year in a row, information technology is a swell place to heighten a family unit. This metropolis too has the charm of being a college town, centering on the University of California, Irvine. Congenital as a dense suburban town, it has all the conveniences for raising a family, including easy access to shops, schools, and parks.

[Pictured: The Slap-up Park Palm Courtroom in Irvine, CA.]

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#32. Cottage Lake, WA

- Population: 23,941
- Median domicile value: $676,400 (92% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,831 (8% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $146,315
- Educational attainment: 25% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 26% some college, 12% high school or less

Cottage Lake is a suburb of Seattle that boasts scenic views and a rural feel. The metropolis has a high pct of educational attainment with 36% of residents achieving bachelors degrees and 25% achieving master'due south degrees or college. In that location is also a plethora of outdoor activities for families to bask, including pond, camping, canoeing, and hiking at Cottage Lake Park.

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Esprqii // Wikimedia Commons

#31. Lake Oswego, OR

- Population: 38,212
- Median home value: $559,100 (69% of residents own)
- Median rent: $ane,425 (31% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $93,993
- Educational attainment: 28% masters or college, 41% bachelors, 22% some college, 10% high school or less

The scenic Oswego Lake is the centerpiece to this idyllic town just outside of Portland. The city has beautiful views, great public schools, and great lake activities. While being on the lake increases the value of real manor, its residents have very high educational attainment, with a whopping 41% of residents obtaining a bachelor'southward degree and 28% getting a primary's degree or higher.

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Gtj82 // Wikimedia Eatables

#30. Blood-red Creek, CO

- Population: 12,310
- Median home value: $559,900 (66% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $1,394 (34% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $97,883
- Educational attainment: 31% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 20% some higher, eleven% high school or less

Cherry Creek is a suburb of Denver that is only five minutes from the downtown area. The town has become known for its diverse shopping scene and locally sourced cuisine. Cherry Creek is also i of Denver's safest neighborhoods with a offense rate 60% lower than the rest of the city.

[Pictured: Arts Festival in Blood-red Creek, CO.]

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Casey Yee // Wikimedia Commons

#29. Bainbridge Island, WA

- Population: 23,689
- Median home value: $624,200 (76% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,313 (24% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $109,341
- Educational attainment: 32% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 22% some college, 9% high schoolhouse or less

Another suburb of Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a thin suburban feel that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of its neighboring metropolitan surface area. Merely a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds here. Homeownership is very high, with 76% of residents owning their homes and but 24% renting.

[Pictured: Washington State Ferry boat landing at Bainbridge Island Terminal.]

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#28. Hillsborough, CA

- Population: 11,436
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (93% of residents own)
- Median hire: $2,952 (vii% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $238,750
- Educational attainment: 42% masters or college, 34% bachelors, 14% some college, 11% high schoolhouse or less

Located just south of San Francisco, Hillsborough is a neighborhood of San Mateo County. The educational attainment of residents in this area is exceptionally high, with 42% of its residents achieving a principal'due south degree or higher. This could be because Hillsborough has experienced a 1.three% increment in the task market over the last yr. The neighborhood has a rural feel, and 93% of its residents own their ain homes.

[Pictured: The Flint House, located in Hillsborough, CA.]

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#27. San Marino, CA

- Population: xiii,331
- Median abode value: $1,550,100 (84% of residents own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (xvi% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $152,527
- Educational attainment: 41% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 17% some college, ix% high schoolhouse or less

An affluent suburb of Los Angeles, San Marino is a destination for many wealthy retirees. Despite the older demographic, this slightly rural-feeling neighborhood is also an ideal place to raise a family. The area offers many cultural activities like visiting the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, catching the New Yr'south Day Rose Parade, or tinkering around at Kidspace Children's Museum.

[Pictured: The Huntington Japanese Garden, San Marino, CA.]

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Andrew Zarivny // Shutterstock

#26. Castle Pines, CO

- Population: 10,623
- Median domicile value: $549,700 (87% of residents own)
- Median hire: $1,752 (thirteen% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $157,550
- Educational attainment: 26% masters or higher, 44% bachelors, 21% some higher, 9% loftier school or less

Named past WalletHub the #3 all-time place to raise a family in Colorado, Castle Pines is the #5 neighborhood with the most families with children. Another suburb of Denver, this neighborhood has infrequent public schools and has a rural experience, offering families a lot of state parks and recreation space.

[Pictured: Denver, CO.]

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Michael C. Berch // Wikimedia Eatables

#25. Pleasanton, CA

- Population: 79,341
- Median home value: $879,800 (70% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,140 (xxx% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $138,269
- Educational attainment: 28% masters or college, 35% bachelors, 23% some college, 15% loftier schoolhouse or less

This suburb of California'south Bay Area, Pleasanton ranked #7 in WalletHub'southward 2018 ranking of best Californian cities to raise a family unit. With a dense suburban feel mixed with quaint small-boondocks amuse, families can enjoy a local farmer's market, acquire to identify trees in Sycamore Grove Regional Park, or check out the Alameda County Fairgrounds in the summer.

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Sergei Gussev // Wikimedia Commons

#24. Solana Beach, CA

- Population: 13,362
- Median home value: $one,103,900 (59% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,990 (41% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $103,864
- Educational attainment: xxx% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 20% some college, xiii% loftier school or less

This small town in Southern California has a mix of active families, competitive surfers, and nature preservationists. It just takes up 4 square miles past the body of water, but that limited area offers beautiful sunsets and breathtaking seascapes. Considering of its quaint size, this neighborhood is tight-knit and nigh schools are walking distance from homes.

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Junkyardsparkle // GoodFreePhotos

#23. Issaquah, WA

- Population: 35,629
- Median abode value: $502,500 (61% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,746 (39% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $100,844
- Educational attainment: 26% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 23% some higher, 13% high schoolhouse or less

Seventeen miles west of Seattle, Issaquah is one of the best cities to heighten a family unit in Washington. Issaquah is surrounded by 3 big mountains by the tip of Lake Sammamish and offers a lot of hiking and boating opportunities for active families. The community also has a roster of annual festivals, including Salmon Days Festival and the First Fri Artwalks serial.

[Pictured: View of Lake Sammamish from the zoo in Issaquah, WA.]

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#22. West Linn, OR

- Population: 26,307
- Median habitation value: $433,300 (79% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,392 (21% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $100,188
- Educational attainment: 22% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 29% some college, 14% high school or less

Westward Linn is a suburb of Portland with a population of 26,307. Offering an affordable place for families to ain homes, West Linn has highly rated schools that are often named among the best in the nation. One of its biggest selling points is the 600 acres dedicated to parkland. In that location are also botanical gardens, arboretums, and gardens for those who are looking to learn more than about nature.

[Pictured: Willamette River Westward Linn, OR.]

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#21. Lafayette, CA

- Population: 25,792
- Median dwelling value: $1,214,200 (73% of residents ain)
- Median hire: $i,940 (27% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $152,609
- Educational attainment: 33% masters or higher, 39% bachelors, 20% some college, viii% high schoolhouse or less

One of the affluent suburbs of Oakland, Lafayette is located very virtually Berkeley. Lafayette offers easy admission to Northern California's redwood forests and Tilden Regional Park. Considering of its proximity to Berkeley'south university, the area is also shut to several fantastic museums, including the Chabot Space & Scientific discipline Center, the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, and the Lesher Middle for the Arts.

[Pictured: Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, CA.]

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#20. Highlands Ranch, CO

- Population: 105,264
- Median home value: $407,200 (81% of residents own)
- Median rent: $i,740 (19% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $116,973
- Educational attainment: 23% masters or higher, 41% bachelors, 24% some college, 12% high schoolhouse or less

A suburb just 30 minutes exterior of Denver, Highlands Ranch is known as the premier "family friendly" neighborhood in Denver. This neighborhood's residents are mostly in the eye- to upper-income brackets and includes an incredibly prophylactic place to live and first-class public school system.

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Andwhatsnext // Wikimedia Commons

#19. Orinda, CA

- Population: 19,248
- Median home value: $1,221,800 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: $ii,231 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $186,075
- Educational attainment: 40% masters or higher, 41% bachelors, xiv% some college, half dozen% high school or less

A suburb of Oakland, Orinda is still some other family friendly neighborhood in California's Bay Expanse. With a multifariousness of restaurants, shops, and parks, Orinda residents can savour a sparse suburban feel with proximity to the cultural attractions of Oakland and Berkeley.

[Pictured: Alice Lane, Orinda, CA.]

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Nadia Yong // Shutterstock

#xviii. Cedar Manufactory, OR

- Population: 17,050
- Median home value: $518,300 (74% of residents ain)
- Median hire: $1,114 (26% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $114,909
- Educational attainment: 27% masters or college, 36% bachelors, 25% some college, 12% high school or less

Cedar Factory is a suburb of the Portland metro area, and residents are close to both Portland and Beaverton. Major employers of residents, Nike and Intel, are in neighboring towns. Families are also attracted to the Beaverton Schoolhouse District that carries a rating of 9 out of ten at GreatSchools.

[Pictured: Portland, OR.]

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MARELBU // Wikimedia Commons

#17. San Anselmo, CA

- Population: 12,619
- Median home value: $963,300 (76% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $1,756 (24% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $116,867
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or college, 43% bachelors, twenty% some college, eight% high school or less

In the affluent Marin County in Northern California'due south Bay Area, San Anselmo is a neighborhood centered on community and enjoys pleasant, mild weather with proximity to San Francisco. Without the hustle and bustle of the city across the bay, San Anselmo offers a picturesque landscape with beautiful wineries.

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Doctor Searls // WIkimedia Commons

#16. Superior, CO

- Population: 12,879
- Median home value: $491,100 (58% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $i,723 (42% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $119,810
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 41% bachelors, 15% some college, ix% high school or less

Situated southeast of Bedrock, Superior has an admirable 594 acres of parks and light-green infinite and 27 miles of hiking trails. The majority of its residents are families and young professionals that live an agile lifestyle. Families can relish all the conveniences of suburban living including grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops.

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#15. San Ramon, CA

- Population: 75,048
- Median domicile value: $863,800 (70% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,152 (30% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $142,718
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or college, 40% bachelors, 21% some college, 11% loftier school or less

San Ramon boasts several accolades as a family friendly neighborhood, including the #1 place to raise a family in the Bay Area, the #7 safest city in the nation co-ordinate to security visitor SafeWise, as well equally being amidst Money magazine'southward best places to live in California. Being near Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, San Ramon is an ideal suburb to raise a family and remain close to city life.

[Pictured: Sunrise at San Ramon Valley, Bay Expanse, CA.]

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Lisandro Luis Trarbach // Shutterstock

#14. Los Altos, CA

- Population: 30,527
- Median dwelling value: $2,000,001 (83% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $2,891 (17% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $208,309
- Educational attainment: 49% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 12% some college, 5% high school or less

With a steep $two million median home value, you tin can guess that Los Altos is an affluent community, with 83% of residents owning their homes. The population is also a highly educated one with nearly half of its residents achieving a master'due south degree or college. Close to the heart of Silicon Valley and all the tech employers, it's like shooting fish in a barrel to guess why families are moving here.

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U.South. Woods Service // Wikimedia Commons

#13. La Cañada Flintridge, CA

- Population: 20,474
- Median abode value: $1,280,900 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,185 (eleven% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $160,481
- Educational attainment: 37% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 17% some higher, 8% loftier school or less

Located in the Crescenta Valley in a narrow basin between the Verdugo and San Gabriel mountains, La Cañada Flintridge has scenic foothills. Information technology is near the Descanso Gardens and the Angeles National Forest, giving the somewhat ritzy area a semi-rural feel.

[Pictured: Angeles National Woods.]

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Emiellaiendiay // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Piedmont, CA

- Population: 11,296
- Median abode value: $1,715,700 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,929 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $202,631
- Educational attainment: 49% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 12% some college, 3% loftier schoolhouse or less

Earning a identify in the top twenty suburbs in California, Piedmont is also ranked #15 in the all-time places to retire in California. This suburb of Oakland and liberal neighborhood has quite a high median home value of $1.7 million. The population also boasts a loftier percentage of academic achievement, with 36% of residents achieving a bachelor's degree and nearly 50% of residents receiving a master'south degree or higher.

[Pictured: A view of Piedmont Eye School, Witter Field, and the larger Bay Expanse.]

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Dllu // Wikimedia Commons

#11. Mercer Island, WA

- Population: 24,768
- Median home value: $one,034,600 (70% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,908 (30% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $136,644
- Educational attainment: 37% masters or higher, 42% bachelors, 15% some college, 7% loftier schoolhouse or less

At the center of Lake Washington, Mercer Island is connected by bridge to Seattle. Business concern Insider named Mercer Isle one of the 50 best American suburbs. With a beautiful, scenic landscape, 475 acres of parks, excellent public schools, and a focus on community, it's easy to estimate the allure for families.

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Short Smith // Wikimedia Commons

#10. Bellevue, WA

- Population: 139,014
- Median domicile value: $665,700 (57% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $1,741 (43% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $105,402
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 19% some college, 15% loftier schoolhouse or less

This city offers a suburban/urban mixed feel with many shops, activities, and restaurants. There is no shortage of activities fun for the whole family, including the Bellevue Botanical Garden, the Bellevue Downtown Park, the Chism Beach Park, and the shopping center at Bellevue Square.

[Pictured: Downtown Park, Bellevue, WA.]

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Grand.O. Stevens // Wikimedia Commons

#nine. Oak Hills, OR

- Population: 11,779
- Median home value: $387,600 (64% of residents own)
- Median hire: $1,272 (36% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $85,318
- Educational attainment: 25% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 26% some college, 15% high school or less

Oak Hills, a mid-century mod Historic District in Beaverton, is a main-planned community that includes 627 unmarried-family unit homes and 24 townhomes. This boondocks has very specific guidelines for the aesthetic of their homes and is highly designed to go along the historic architecture. This is a good neighborhood for agreeing families that value a unified community.

[Pictured: City Park, Beaverton, OR.]

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#viii. Manhattan Embankment, CA

- Population: 35,698
- Median habitation value: $one,694,900 (69% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $2,393 (31% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $148,899
- Educational attainment: 34% masters or college, 41% bachelors, 17% some college, 8% loftier schoolhouse or less

Known for scenic beachfront that celebrates California's iconic surf scene, Manhattan Beach is a smashing identify for active families to settle down. The natural beauty of the boondocks has attracted many families, along with a few celebrities, to buy homes, including Maria Sharapova, Vince Vaughn, and Michael Strahan. Additionally, the Manhattan Embankment Unified School District consistently ranks highly among schools in L.A. County.

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Eric Fredericks // Flickr

#vii. Mountain View, CA

- Population: 80,076
- Median home value: $one,079,900 (42% of residents ain)
- Median rent: $2,103 (58% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $120,351
- Educational attainment: 39% masters or higher, 29% bachelors, xvi% some college, 17% high school or less

Mount View is the true heart of Silicon Valley, filled with sprawling tech manufacture campuses and modern eateries. The home of Facebook, Twitter, and Google, to proper noun a few of its residents, Mountain View also offers a community of many young professionals and ranks in the height five cities to raise a family in California.

[Pictured: Castro Street in Downtown Mountain View, CA.]

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MARELBU // Wikimedia Commons

#6. Moraga, CA

- Population: 17,231
- Median home value: $1,035,000 (82% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,913 (eighteen% of residents hire)
- Median household income: $139,018
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 38% bachelors, 18% some college, 8% high schoolhouse or less

A suburb of San Francisco, Moraga was named ane of the best places to raise a family in California on Stacker's 2018 ranking. With a mix of young professionals and retirees, Moraga is an affluent suburb with a median habitation value of approximately $1 million, and 82% of residents owning their homes. Its proximity to the San Francisco allows for residents to savour the energy of the city and the quaintness of the suburbs.

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MARELBU // Wikimedia Eatables

#5. Palo Alto, CA

- Population: 67,082
- Median home value: $1,989,300 (55% of residents own)
- Median rent: $two,379 (45% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $147,537
- Educational attainment: 52% masters or higher, 29% bachelors, xi% some college, viii% loftier school or less

Palo Alto is a pop customs to raise a family for those working in the tech industry or working at Stanford Academy. Education is a huge draw for settling in Palo Alto, every bit its Unified School District is one of the top-rated in the state and serves approximately 12,000 students. In that location are even more educational opportunities with the city's many museums, including Stanford's Cantor Arts Center and the Museum of American Heritage.

[Pictured: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.]

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LPS.one // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Albany, CA

- Population: 19,682
- Median home value: $766,000 (48% of residents ain)
- Median hire: $1,739 (52% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $87,694
- Educational attainment: 39% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 17% some higher, 11% loftier schoolhouse or less

Earning a ranking amid the top five best California suburbs, Albany has a suburban/urban mixed feel with a somewhat moderate median domicile value. Even though a meaning number of residents own their homes, Albany is more than of a renters' town with 52% renting their homes.

[Pictured: View of Albany from Albany Seedling, with Albany Colina on the left.]

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Jelson25 // Wikimedia Eatables

#three. Redmond, WA

- Population: sixty,712
- Median home value: $579,400 (51% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,731 (49% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $115,300
- Educational attainment: 31% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 20% some college, 12% loftier school or less

Redmond is also a suburb of Seattle and is considered the Silicon Valley of Washington, housing the state'due south burgeoning tech scene. With headquarters for Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Hold Technologies, and many more, there is a significant job market for those looking for a stable place to heighten their family.

[Pictured: The westward campus of Microsoft, Redmond, WA.]

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Short Smith // Wikimedia Commons

#two. Sammamish, WA

- Population: 62,877
- Median home value: $679,900 (86% of residents own)
- Median rent: $two,094 (fourteen% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $157,271
- Educational attainment: 31% masters or higher, 42% bachelors, 19% some college, 8% loftier schoolhouse or less

Named Coin magazine'southward #9 best place to alive in 2018, Sammamish is too a tech hub of Washington. Information technology is situated about 30 minutes from Seattle and attracts families with jobs at Amazon, Microsoft, and Expedia. But it's non all work here; there are also several outdoor activities in which to partake during downtime, including exploring the town'south 14 parks and wild animals preserves, with hiking, ziplining, and biking.

[Pictured: A sunset over Lake Sammamish.]

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#1. Bethany, OR

- Population: 23,177
- Median abode value: $479,700 (74% of residents own)
- Median hire: $one,535 (26% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $121,149
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or college, 33% bachelors, twenty% some college, 11% loftier schoolhouse or less

A newer neighborhood with a good mix of retail and residential, Bethany, Ore., takes the #1 spot on Stacker's list of the best places to raise a family in the West. The diverse community and stiff public school system creates a residential feel that captures the spirit of a pocket-size town with all the commercial conveniences that brand it like shooting fish in a barrel to raise a family unit.

[Pictured: Portland suburbs.]

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