The best places to raise a family (crime, home)

[downtown1]

What is your top 5 list of the best places to raise a family? Here is my top 5

Madison, WI
San Diego, CA
Minneapolis, MN
Naperville, IL
Seattle, WA

[Vagus]

These are some very different places. What are your criteria for what makes a place "good" (other than maybe "high cost of living" judging from your list )?

Also, when you list major cities like Seattle, Minneapolis, and San Diego, do you really mean within the city limits proper, or the "metro area," including all the suburbs?

[ajf131]

Chicago, IL
St. Louis, MO
Cincinnati, OH
Pittsburgh, PA
Washington, D.C.

[stacylee926]

I totally agree that the Wash DC suburbs are a GREAT place to raise a family for these reasons.

Diversity, diversity, diversity..... Children will not grow up with prejudice if they go to school in NoVa!
The availability of cultural activities is fantastic.
History at their fingertips.

Now, if families could only afford to buy a home in NoVa, and afford a car to go see all the history, then have money left over to buy gas because they used it all while sitting in traffic........

[downtown1]

My list is based on the following criteria

1. Education environment
2. Crime index
3. Amount of money spent per pupil
4. Job growth
5. Quality health care

Originally Posted by Vagus

These are some very different places. What are your criteria for what makes a place "good" (other than maybe "high cost of living" judging from your list )?

Also, when you list major cities like Seattle, Minneapolis, and San Diego, do you really mean within the city limits proper, or the "metro area," including all the suburbs?

[Blingnjkbling]

Suburban Buffalo... It really is a great place to raise a family!

[ajf131]

I'll add in Cleveland as well I guess, even though the economy there right now is doing absolutely terrible.