Table of Contents
Last Updated on January 17, 2025
Having children is one of life’s most significant transitions. Even a small family is a major responsibility, yet most people consider it among their most rewarding and enjoyable experiences.
Deciding where to plant roots is a crucial decision point for young families. Many new or soon-to-be parents find themselves at an unexpected crossroads when the needs of their children demand reexamining their living situation. Based on migration patterns from 2023 showing a significant increase in families moving long distances, it’s more important than ever to understand the key factors that should influence your decision.
Here, we’ll look at some of the most important factors to consider when deciding where to raise a young family in the United States.
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1. Housing Affordability
Many new parents’ primary concern is providing ample space for a growing family. While home prices vary substantially across the U.S., housing prices are generally on the rise across the country. Finding housing that suits your needs and budget requires planning and research.
While housing prices have risen over the years, U.S. Census data indicates that the average home size has also increased by more than 30% since the 1970s, and more space means young families have more room to grow. Based on today’s norms, a family of four will likely seek a home with at least three bedrooms, while larger families need more space.
Below are the states with the five lowest and highest median home prices.
Lowest Median Home Price (2023)
West Virginia: $123,200
Mississippi: $125,500
Arkansas: $133,600
Oklahoma: $142,400
Kentucky: $147,100
Highest Median Home Price (2023)
Hawaii: $636,400
Washington, D.C.: $618,100
California: $538,500
Massachusetts: $398,800
Colorado: $369,900
2. Property Taxes
The sticker price isn’t the only thing to consider when home shopping. Property taxes can add a substantial amount to your monthly mortgage payment — and they’ll still apply even after you’ve paid off the home. All 50 states and the District of Columbia impose property taxes. As you review the rates below, bear in mind that rates can vary based on your area within the state.
Lowest Effective Tax Rates (2022)
Hawaii (0.30 percent)
Alabama (0.37 percent)
Arizona (0.39 percent)
Colorado (0.40 percent)
Tennessee (0.42 percent).
Highest Effective Property Tax Rates (2022)
New Jersey (1.79 percent)
Illinois (1.78 percent)
Connecticut (1.57 percent)
Vermont (1.43 percent)
Nebraska (1.36 percent)
3. Cost of Living
Cost of living is an estimate of how much a resident of a given state should expect to spend on essential goods and services annually. These calculations consider factors such as home prices, rent, transportation, utilities, food, and income taxes.
Lowest Cost of Living (2023)
Mississippi: $32,336
Arkansas: $32,979
Alabama: $33,654
Oklahoma: $33,966
New Mexico: $34,501
Highest Cost of Living (2023)
Hawaii: $55,491
Massachusetts: $53,860
California: $53,171
New York: $49,623
New Jersey: $49,511
When reviewing a state’s cost of living, remember to consider the state’s average salary as well. For example, although New York has the fourth highest cost of living ($49,623), wages are typically much higher, and New York residents rank first in disposable income ($25,247). In addition, the cost of living in Manhattan is significantly higher than elsewhere in the state. It’s essential to research the specific area you’re considering for your future home.
When calculating your moving budget, bear in mind that many financial factors are relative.
4. Public School System (K–12)
A quality school system is a key consideration for U.S. parents. While “quality” has varying definitions, and school districts in the same state can vary wildly on crucial factors, below are the top overall rated states for primary education.
Five primary factors were used in U.S. News & World Report’s evaluation of public school systems (K–12):
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) math scores
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading scores
- Preschool enrollment
- High school graduation rate
- College readiness
Highest Ranking
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Connecticut
New Hampshire
New York
Lowest Ranking
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Arizona
Alaska
Nevada
5. Higher Education Ranking
To a lesser extent, families should also consider the state’s options and quality at the college and university levels.
The five primary factors for evaluating schools of higher education include:
- 2-year-college graduation rate
- 4-year-college graduation rate
- Educational attainment
- Tuition and fees
- Debt at graduation
Highest Ranking
Florida
Washington
California
Colorado
Wyoming
Lowest Ranking
Pennsylvania
Louisiana
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Michigan
6. Crime and Public Safety
The following rankings are based on statewide rates of:
- Violent crime
- Property-based crime
- Corrections outcomes
Lowest Crime Rates
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Maine
Idaho
New Jersey
Highest Crime Rates
Washington, D.C.
New Mexico
Louisiana
Colorado
South Carolina
While crime rates are important, families should evaluate public safety from a more local perspective. For example, the crime rate in a large city like Los Angeles will differ from suburban or rural areas elsewhere in California.
7. Family-Friendliness
We’re not talking about friendly families here (although those are nice, too!). As you consider where to move, research the state’s population of families with dependent children. States with more families are likely to offer better support systems and family-friendly amenities.
Largest Family Size
Utah: 3.51
California: 3.44
Hawaii: 3.41
Texas: 3.27
Alaska: 3.25
Smallest Family Size
Maine: 2.79
Vermont: 2.82
Wisconsin: 2.94
Wyoming: 2.95
New Hampshire: 2.96
8. Health Care
Access to quality health care is a priority for all Americans. As your family grows, you’ll value living in an area with reliable, trustworthy medical care.
The three primary factors used in ranking the quality of a state’s health care are:
- Health care quality
- Health care access
- Public health services
Highest Ranking
Hawaii
Rhode Island
Massachusetts
Maryland
Connecticut
Lowest Ranking
West Virginia
Mississippi
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Kentucky
As you consider your growing family, keep in mind that some regions of the U.S. have a shortage of obstetrics providers for maternity services.
9. Other Common Considerations
Let’s look at some of the other common factors for young families.
Employment Opportunities
Young families are likely to prefer regions with a healthy economy and job market. However, in many cases, the importance of local employment opportunities has diminished as remote work becomes more prevalent.
Proximity to Family
Young families often prefer to live near close family members, particularly their parents. Grandparents can help with child care, which may be crucial for families where both parents work full-time. Further, many young parents are assisting their own parents as they age.
Community and Social Connectedness
Families tend to thrive in communities where they experience a sense of belonging. The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us of the importance of social connectivity. Strong social links are vital in preventing loneliness and improving mental health.
When deciding where to settle your young family, consider the neighborhood, school system, places of worship, and other communities.
Weather and Climate
Last, but not least, try to move somewhere you and your family will feel comfortable. If outdoor activities like surfing, snowboarding, or boating are important to you, your list of potential destinations might narrow substantially. Consider average sunshine, rainfall, humidity, and potential natural disasters when researching new homes.
The best state for raising a family depends on you. As you embark on this new chapter of life, you’ll need to balance your current options and future opportunities. After your move, discover how to help your child adjust after a move here.
Sources:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/housing-costs-by-state https://www.attomdata.com/news/market-trends/home-sales-prices/attom-2022-property-tax-analysis/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/cost-of-living-by-state/
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education
https://www.insider.com/the-average-number-of-kids-per-family-in-every-state-2019-2
