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While school may have another five or six months to go before the end of the season, some parents are looking to relocate to a place that is a little more friendly for their children, their budget, and their overall happiness. Right now is a great time to start looking for a few places before the new school year comes barreling down in August, but the real question is “where do you start look?” Here are but a few of the friendliest places in the US to relocate to.
Tilden, Nebraska
If you’re looking for that small town feel, this is one of the best places to get your fix. With this small town’s population bordering 1,000 as of 2012, it’s a great escape for those who are looking to run from their busy hustle and bustle lives in the bigger cities. The community has a petit hospital and a decent library for all of those long nights studying. If you’d like to show the kids a bit more on the hands-on science aspect, check out the Elkhorn River that lies only about a mile north of the town. The average income rests just under $52,000.
Niles, Illinois
Maybe you’d rather find your way to the city with a quick jaunt to the bigger city, not be so far from civilization, but still want a small population you may want to look into Nile, Ill. The town has a decent average of public school and private schools; so, you’ll have your run of the litter as far as choosing your child’s perfect school. You can plan regular family trips to the bite-sized version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or head over to Pioneer Park and relax on the weekends. With the average household salary banking around $73,500, there should be enough to do within the town that won’t break the bank and that still keeps you and the family thoroughly entertained.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, CO is one of the best cities to raise a family if you want to feel the thrill of the big city, well into the green life, and want something to do on a regular basis. There are a plethora of different sports to go check out with every member of your family. Denver is filled with a variety of housing opportunities. While the average price of owning a home is around the $300K mark, you may opt to look into other opportunities for you and your family. Feel free to contact a Denver Real Estate agent to help you out. As far as the education system is concerned, Denver has a high graduation rate of about 88%. So you have something to do on your off days with the kids and you can feel better about sending your kids out into the world with graduation statistics like that!
Portland, Maine
If you want to head up to the northeast and enjoy a little fresh air, wide open spaces, and a good bout of crime free living, perhaps you should try your hand in Portland. The education system is on top of their game, and the little town is just a hair’s breath away from Acadia National Park. It could be considered a decent suburb away from the big city without being in the city.
When relocating for you and your family, be sure to check the school systems, the crime rate, the average salary and housing. After all of that, the world is your oyster. All in all there are a lot of different places within the US that you can raise a family depending on your preferences. If you prefer to keep your family in the suburbs maybe check out the middle of the country. If you want a less stressful lifestyle where you can spend a lot of time outdoors, the west coast might be your best bet. As for the northeast, go ahead and head on up if you want to the ability to choose where you go on a regular basis. There are a lot of contrasting and interesting places there and most of them have a little something for everyone.
What are some other great places to raise a family?
Denver does offer the best of many aspects of life, but the winters can be a bit of a bummer. I’d be more likely to settle in Boulder. It’s still close to Denver, but with a more laid-back appeal. Boise is a good city for families as well.
My aunt lives near Denver. Centennial. Have you heard of it? I’ve never been but need to visit there someday.
Denver Co sounds nice. I’d like to visit there some day. But the crime free living in Portland, no way! I’m a 911 Dispatcher and I bet I would have a really hard time finding a job there! Crime is job security for me! LOL! Just kidding! I live in Indiana and love it, most of the time.
Hehe. I’m sure every place has their ups and downs at time. I tend like places where I have family.
I’m always reading those articles about Best Places to Retire so I enjoyed this. I have a strong appeal for Small Town America but I definitely want a year round mild climate. I get more done with winter every year and don’t like torrid heat. I know, I know…there is give and take everywhere. Good post, Jennifer 🙂
As of right now I’m not liking winter that much. We are about sick of all the snow days. Ugh…school gonna go on all summer at this rate.