Best places to raise a family in the Northeast
The average American will during his or her lifetime. These transitions are often influenced by job prospects or loss, the chance to upgrade into a larger home or the need to downsize, or鈥攓uite commonly鈥攆amily planning. Families staking out a place to lay down roots reportedly when choosing a location ranging from economic prosperity to amenities and education systems.
Some parents flock to cities to raise their children, noting (which means more time to spend with spouses and children), world-class culture and museums on their doorstep, and the opportunity to meet more people with different life experiences. For others, rural towns are well-suited for raising kids. Studies have shown that more young professionals are moving to smaller towns and away from large urban areas. Families might be in rural places, as well as the perception of a tight-knit community, peace and quiet, more time outside, and better air quality.
Fortunately, the northeastern region of the United States offers plenty of family-friendly locations sure to please any kid.
To help house-hunting parents find the best Northeast communities for their kids, 麻豆原创 looked to that evaluates dozens of important components. Public schools have the heaviest weight among the considerations included, while crime and safety, cost of living, demographics, and community resources all factor in strongly (). Locations are ranked in reverse order, with the #1 spot reserved for the top-ranked place to raise a family.
The Northeast comprises the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Only locations with populations exceeding 5,000 people were considered. To offer representation throughout the Northeast, at least two locations were included from every state.
Read on to find out why these towns and cities have a stellar reputation for being family friendly鈥攁nd if you already live in one of the top 50.
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#50. North Star, DE
- Population: 7,390
- Median home value: $435,300 (95% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,891 (5% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $141,618
- Educational attainment: 32% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 16% some college, 15% high school or less
North Star is consistently ranked among the . The town is just 43 miles from Philadelphia, making it a popular choice for commuters and job seekers alike. Former with his wife and children when he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972.
#49. Pike Creek, DE
- Population: 8,740
- Median home value: $321,100 (91% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,715 (9% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $122,772
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 29% bachelors, 20% some college, 15% high school or less
Within New Castle County, and second for health outcomes in Delaware. Residents of Pike Creek maintain a healthy lifestyle, with 77% of the adult population reporting that their leisure time involves physical activity. Additionally, 83% of people living in Pike Creek report being non-smokers, and 73% of adults reporting a healthy Body Mass Index. Pike Creek is home to and just four miles from , which offers year-round fishing, hiking and bike trails, and events from hayrides to 鈥渙wl prowls鈥.
#48. South Burlington, VT
- Population: 18,773
- Median home value: $280,800 (62% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,395 (38% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $66,197
- Educational attainment: 22% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 24% some college, 22% high school or less
Families in South Burlington, Vt., have no shortage of things to do. Residents and visitors flock to the town鈥檚 for its public beach and swimming area, as well as the 100-acre park鈥檚 hiking trails, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing areas. South Burlington has things to do for Mom and Dad, too: The popular is headquartered in South Burlington and offers tours of the brewery as well as beers and snacks.
#47. Shelburne, VT
- Population: 7,677
- Median home value: $400,000 (71% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,065 (29% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $100,705
- Educational attainment: 35% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 20% some college, 13% high school or less
, Vt., was incorporated in 1763 and is located alongside scenic Lake Champlain. The town鈥檚 family-friendly attractions include the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the Shelburne Museum that and lush gardens. In the fall, families can also visit Shelburne Orchards, where you and indulge in fresh apple cider donuts and hayrides.
#46. Amherst, NH
- Population: 11,241
- Median home value: $335,000 (92% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,592 (8% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $127,246
- Educational attainment: 28% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 22% some college, 13% high school or less
Amherst, N.H., is home to Baboosic Lake Town Beach, which offers a place to swim, relax or play in the sand, on one of the lake's beach volleyball courts. The park is and season pass holders on the weekends and holidays, giving the local beach a tight-knit community vibe. For adults in Amherst, offers breathtaking landscapes, vineyard tours, live music, and even yoga classes.
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#45. East Greenwich, RI
- Population: 13,094
- Median home value: $424,600 (77% of residents own)
- Median rent: $870 (23% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $108,828
- Educational attainment: 28% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 19% some college, 19% high school or less
East Greenwich, R.I., is known for its renowned school district and award-winning academics. In 2016, was the only high school in Rhode Island to land on Newsweek鈥檚 America鈥檚 Top High Schools list (the school ranked on that list in 2015, as well, and made U.S. News鈥 Best High Schools for 2019) and boasts a . The town is also home to a New England Institute of Technology campus that starting in 2014.
#44. Barrington, RI
- Population: 16,218
- Median home value: $402,300 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,407 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $117,408
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 18% some college, 14% high school or less
, has a rich colonial history: The town was home for colonials who arrived in North America onboard Mayflower the Mayflower. Today, Barrington is steeped in arts, culture, historic places, nature trails, and year-round activities for families. In 2015, Barrington鈥檚 Archie R. Cole Middle School was named , the highest honor given to schools by the U.S. Education Department.
#43. Cumberland, Maine
- Population: 7,695
- Median home value: $364,400 (84% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,063 (16% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $112,604
- Educational attainment: 28% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 21% some college, 15% high school or less
Community-oriented Cumberland, Maine, boasts activities for its residents year-round, from a Memorial Day parade to start the summer to an outdoor concert series to golf and tennis at Val Halla Recreation Center, and to Broad Cove Reserve, where people can splash and enjoy the coastline. There are several other opportunities to enjoy nature in Cumberland, including Knight鈥檚 Pond Preserve, Rines Forest, and the Town Forest.
#42. Cape Elizabeth, Maine
- Population: 9,235
- Median home value: $388,200 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,060 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $106,157
- Educational attainment: 27% masters or higher, 41% bachelors, 23% some college, 8% high school or less
Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is a small but scenic town on the coast of the state that prioritizes family and community engagement. Each year in June, Cape Elizabeth holds a Family Fun Day at Fort Williams Park, where events include a parade, live music, carnival games, and fireworks. The town is also , making it an ideal location for families with working parents.
#41. Hanover, NH
- Population: 11,428
- Median home value: $539,900 (67% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,460 (33% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $118,250
- Educational attainment: 49% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 11% some college, 8% high school or less
Dartmouth College has made Hanover, N.H., an attractive town for people of all ages. Unemployment in the town has been consistently low, and graduates of Dartmouth have spun off their own start-ups in Hanover as well. The town features a number of kid-friendly activities including the , public and walking trails, and the .
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#40. Manhasset, NY
- Population: 7,922
- Median home value: $1,019,300 (79% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,402 (21% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $130,433
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 17% some college, 22% high school or less
Manhasset鈥檚 schools are among the best in the country: was ranked #228 nationally among high schools and #28 in New York. Residents and tourists flock to the , a large open-air shopping center with 60 luxury stores and two highly acclaimed restaurants along the north shore of Long Island. The town鈥攚hich has access to culture, several parks, and activities鈥攊s also just 20 miles from Manhattan, making day trips to the city a breeze.
#39. Princeton, NJ
- Population: 30,722
- Median home value: $809,200 (59% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,433 (41% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $125,506
- Educational attainment: 55% masters or higher, 25% bachelors, 9% some college, 11% high school or less
Princeton has no shortage of activities for children and families to enjoy, and as the seat of Princeton University, the town attracts special events and exhibitions all year-round. The Princeton University Art Museum not only , but also Family Time on Saturday mornings, where kids can create an art project and participate in a planned activity. The Princeton Public Library also holds an annual Children鈥檚 Book Festival every September.
#38. Avon, CT
- Population: 18,381
- Median home value: $378,000 (85% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,404 (15% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $125,536
- Educational attainment: 30% masters or higher, 39% bachelors, 18% some college, 13% high school or less
Avon, Conn., is sure to please history buffs. The town is home to the Pine Grove Schoolhouse, which was and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Avon Historical Society began restoring the schoolhouse in 1975, and today, it is free to visit. Researchers and Avon residents can visit the in the Avon Free Public Library, where information on the history of the town is kept, including family genealogies, original homesteads, maps, deeds, and scrapbooks.
#37. Carlisle, MA
- Population: 5,160
- Median home value: $793,300 (95% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,328 (5% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $170,703
- Educational attainment: 49% masters or higher, 35% bachelors, 8% some college, 7% high school or less
Families living in Carlisle will have no shortage of activities to enjoy, from year-round offerings at to the month-long fright fest at held in 2019 from Sept. 27-Nov. 2 in 2019. Many local families participate in the , a community program for families with children ages 5 and younger. The group hosts events that in the past have included family concerts, visits to farms, Halloween parties, and picnics. Carlisle Family Connection also has five different playgroups that allow kids to meet each other before they start kindergarten, easing the transition to public school.
#36. Old Greenwich, CT
- Population: 6,860
- Median home value: $1,386,700 (86% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,439 (14% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $236,250
- Educational attainment: 43% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 14% some college, 8% high school or less
Old Greenwich offers proximity to the coast while only being from New York City. The town is most well-known for its Greenwich Point Park, a 147-acre park and beach that extends into the Long Island Sound, and offers skyline views of Manhattan. At the park, visitors can also check out Bruce Museum's Seaside Center鈥攁 free museum where people can learn about local birds, fish, and other species.
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#35. Ridgewood, NJ
- Population: 25,554
- Median home value: $739,300 (77% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,969 (23% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $162,011
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 40% bachelors, 12% some college, 12% high school or less
Ridgewood, N.J., offers families walkable neighborhoods, quiet, tree-lined streets, a plethora of after-school activities, premier sports teams for kids and young adults, and great proximity to Manhattan in a safe town with great schools. Ridgewood鈥檚 bustling downtown area teems with shops and features over 50 restaurants that regularly rank among the best in the state. Public transit throughout New Jersey and into New York City couldn鈥檛 be simpler: Ridgewood has train and bus stations (as well as a taxi stand) right in the center of town.
#34. Westford, MA
- Population: 24,087
- Median home value: $485,600 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,841 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $138,006
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 18% some college, 14% high school or less
There鈥檚 something for everyone in Westford, Mass. Kids and adults alike revel in the fun-filled atmosphere at in Westford, Mass., a 1939-era ice cream parlor that has expanded into a sprawling 50-acre area with mini golf, batting cages, bumper boats, a zipline, and an arcade. Kimball Farm offers over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream that are made fresh daily, and the business remains in the Kimball family鈥檚 hands today.
#33. Rockville, MD
- Population: 66,420
- Median home value: $498,200 (57% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,847 (43% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $100,436
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 27% bachelors, 18% some college, 19% high school or less
The Washington D.C. suburb of Rockville, Md., was ranked as for families in 2015 due to the region鈥檚 highly acclaimed school district, extremely low crime rate, and the high percentage of children living in the community. Rockville was also lauded for its schools鈥 focus on science and technology, as well as its libraries, parks, air quality, and short commute times for busy parents.
#32. Belmont, MA
- Population: 25,965
- Median home value: $759,500 (63% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,802 (37% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $118,370
- Educational attainment: 46% masters or higher, 27% bachelors, 14% some college, 12% high school or less
Families in Belmont can enjoy the fresh air and take advantage of their surroundings at Beaver Brook Reservation, a . The southern part of the park also has several athletic fields and a spray deck for kids to splash in during the summer. Beaver Brook also offers educational programs, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a fun place to spend a day.
#31. Brookline, MA
- Population: 59,246
- Median home value: $829,300 (51% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,127 (49% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $111,289
- Educational attainment: 53% masters or higher, 30% bachelors, 8% some college, 9% high school or less
Brookline was named , and the town can attribute its high score to its proximity to Boston (just four miles away!) and abundance of parks that allow dogs to run around off-leash. The average commute in Brookline is a short 26 minutes, and the high school graduation rate is 93%. Brookline also hosts an annual arts festival every year to showcase live music and artwork.
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#30. Wayland, MA
- Population: 13,700
- Median home value: $661,500 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,086 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $166,893
- Educational attainment: 47% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 10% some college, 7% high school or less
Wayland, Mass., is home to the where residents can kayak, canoe, fish, birdwatch, and escape in nature for a little while. Visitors may have the chance to spot bald eagles, blue herons, and native water lilies at the body of water. Heard Pond measures 85 acres and while the park was closed for decades for a water chestnut infestation, residents can now visit thanks to the hard work of volunteers.
[Pictured: First Parish in Wayland, Mass.]
#29. Chevy Chase, MD
- Population: 9,844
- Median home value: $897,000 (79% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,341 (21% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $173,333
- Educational attainment: 53% masters or higher, 32% bachelors, 9% some college, 7% high school or less
, on the border of Washington D.C., ranked in 2019 as the 23rd richest town in the U.S. Suffice to say schools here are highly regarded: in Chevy Chase was Maryland鈥檚 only high school to make the list of top 100 high schools in 2019 according to U.S. News and World Report.
[Pictured: Walt Whitman High School.]
#28. Franklin Park, PA
- Population: 14,301
- Median home value: $322,100 (92% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,451 (8% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $121,711
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 35% bachelors, 16% some college, 13% high school or less
The town of Franklin Park, Penn., holds family-friendly activities around the year sure to please all ages. Franklin Park in 2018 at Blueberry Hill Park, where kids enjoyed activities such as live music and a fireworks display. The town also holds a Special Needs Family Fun Day, designed with children of all different abilities in mind.
#27. Charlestown Township, PA
- Population: 5,705
- Median home value: $405,600 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,076 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $136,458
- Educational attainment: 38% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 13% some college, 14% high school or less
Charlestown Township, Penn., has several parks and trails that locals can take advantage of, including the that has playgrounds and sports fields, where hundreds of children from the area take part in soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse games. The town also values its hiking trails, and regularly hosts cleanup days where volunteers maintain the walking paths, as well as guided trail walks in the fall and spring.
[Pictured: Chester County, PA where Charlestown Township is located.]
#26. Blue Bell, PA
- Population: 6,290
- Median home value: $432,200 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,566 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $128,779
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 16% some college, 11% high school or less
Blue Bell, Penn., is part of the Wissahickon School District, which was ranked as in Pennsylvania, thanks to the locale's high teacher salaries and academic and safety resources. A school district with a high ranking shows that teachers are invested in their students and their schools are equipped with adequate teaching tools, and that the school district provides a safe environment for both teaching and learning.
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#25. Ellicott City, MD
- Population: 71,737
- Median home value: $522,700 (75% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,611 (25% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $124,059
- Educational attainment: 36% masters or higher, 30% bachelors, 17% some college, 17% high school or less
Children who are fascinated with trains will love Ellicott City, Maryland鈥檚 Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. , the station is the oldest train station in the United States, and though it is no longer operational, local groups have preserved the station. Entrance to the two-story museum is free, and the museum is open on weekends as well for fun and educational family outings.
#24. Marshall Township, PA
- Population: 8,232
- Median home value: $324,100 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,654 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $112,292
- Educational attainment: 39% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 14% some college, 13% high school or less
Though Marshall Township may seem like a rural paradise (and its community events certainly impart that small-town vibe), it is actually only a , making the town well-suited to commuters. For those who don鈥檛 drive, the town also offers public transportation options for traveling to the city. History buffs will relish in the the town has preserved from the colonial era.
[Pictured: Allegheny National Forest in Allegheny County where Marshall Township, Pa. is located.]
#23. Cochituate, MA
- Population: 6,832
- Median home value: $608,400 (86% of residents own)
- Median rent: $720 (14% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $143,712
- Educational attainment: 44% masters or higher, 35% bachelors, 12% some college, 9% high school or less
Cochituate, Mass., is perhaps most well-known for , which is home to Lake Cochituate. People can swim, fish, boat, canoe, and kayak in the three linked ponds that make up Lake Cochituate, and can relax on the lake鈥檚 beaches. When it鈥檚 too cold to swim, visitors can also take advantage of the park鈥檚 many hiking trails and can even cross-country ski.
#22. Hopkinton, MA
- Population: 16,720
- Median home value: $551,400 (86% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,675 (14% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $151,357
- Educational attainment: 29% masters or higher, 39% bachelors, 18% some college, 14% high school or less
Hopkinton, Mass., is celebrated as being among the , with a fraction of national averages. Hopkinton is also famous as the , the that takes place every year on Patriots鈥 Day. The marathon attracts about 500,000 spectators, making the race New England鈥檚 most-watched sporting event.
#21. Bronxville, NY
- Population: 6,428
- Median home value: $1,077,200 (82% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,745 (18% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $205,781
- Educational attainment: 48% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 10% some college, 9% high school or less
Bloomberg listed Bronxville, N.Y., as one of the in the United States in 2017, with the average household income in 2015 reaching as high as $317,063. Bronxville is located from Midtown Manhattan and has a convenient train station as well. In Bronxville's downtown area, locals can browse the , and shop at a seasonal farmers' market on Saturdays as well.
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#20. Travilah, MD
- Population: 12,204
- Median home value: $1,072,600 (94% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,864 (6% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $225,104
- Educational attainment: 52% masters or higher, 27% bachelors, 12% some college, 9% high school or less
Travilah, Maryland, is ranked as in Maryland for low crime, great education, and solid employment opportunities. Crime is 62% lower in Travilah compared to the rest of the state, while household income is a whopping 184% higher than the Maryland average. The high school graduation rate in Travilah is 97%, with school test scores and student-teacher ratios being equal to the national average.
#19. North Bethesda, MD
- Population: 50,056
- Median home value: $550,900 (52% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,868 (48% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $103,194
- Educational attainment: 39% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 15% some college, 15% high school or less
North Bethesda is home to the KID Museum, that teaches children innovative skills and is conveniently located at the Davis Library. KID Museum is open to the public on weekends and provides hands-on activities and workshops that are designed to enrich STEM knowledge and promote critical thinking. The museum also offers free programs, like Coding Camp, and is a popular field trip spot for elementary school and middle school groups.
#18. Sudbury, MA
- Population: 18,697
- Median home value: $668,500 (92% of residents own)
- Median rent: $923 (8% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $170,945
- Educational attainment: 42% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 12% some college, 10% high school or less
The town of Sudbury, Mass., operates the , which provides social activities, organizes playgroups, and schedules fun nights out for parents. The annual dues to the group are just $32 and give members access to beloved events like the organization鈥檚 Halloween Party and Egg Hunt. Sudbury Family Network also organizes local outings, musical performances, and book clubs for Mom and Dad. And the group hosts events during both the week and the weekend, ensuring everyone participates.
[Pictured: Wayside Inn historic Grist Mill, Sudbury.]
#17. Newton, MA
- Population: 88,479
- Median home value: $845,100 (71% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,771 (29% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $133,853
- Educational attainment: 48% masters or higher, 29% bachelors, 11% some college, 12% high school or less
Newton鈥檚 unique characteristics make it a popular spot for families to settle down. The town is split into 13 villages, giving the suburb a small-town feel with close-knit communities, but is just a 15-minute drive from Boston. And the Newton Public School system is ranked one of the highest in Massachusetts.
#16. Urbana, MD
- Population: 11,022
- Median home value: $456,900 (86% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,176 (14% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $146,637
- Educational attainment: 30% masters or higher, 37% bachelors, 21% some college, 13% high school or less
economic opportunities and proximity to the nation's capital make it a natural choice for raising a family if you can afford it: The town is about 124% more expensive than the U.S. average. The town's public high school is rated the and 15th statewide, and residents enjoy easy access to shopping, entertainment, and extracurricular activities.
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#15. Greenville, NY
- Population: 7,087
- Median home value: $905,200 (94% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,744 (6% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $212,042
- Educational attainment: 52% masters or higher, 27% bachelors, 10% some college, 11% high school or less
call Greenville, N.Y., home, and enjoy the views the town offers of the Catskill Mountains, which offers plenty of skiing opportunities in the winter. Although Greenville may be classified by some as a small town, there is plenty for its residents to do. The town is home to three golf courses, and Vanderbilt Park has sports fields and numerous walking trails. The town is also located just south of Albany, where many of its residents commute for work.
#14. Princeton Meadows, NJ
- Population: 13,692
- Median home value: $367,600 (36% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,474 (64% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $95,041
- Educational attainment: 35% masters or higher, 40% bachelors, 10% some college, 16% high school or less
Princeton Meadows dwellers frequent the nearby , an 18-hole, par 70 championship golf course that offers discounted rates for residents. For those not as interested in golf, there is Morris Davison Park, which has volleyball and basketball courts, a playground, and half-mile bike and jogging paths.
#13. Bethesda, MD
- Population: 63,168
- Median home value: $877,300 (67% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,938 (33% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $154,559
- Educational attainment: 56% masters or higher, 28% bachelors, 10% some college, 7% high school or less
Bethesda topped for four years in a row from 2012 to 2016. The town is home to not only government workers but also the main campus of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health, Lockheed Martin, and Cambridge Information Group.
#12. Syosset, NY
- Population: 19,669
- Median home value: $627,000 (92% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,762 (8% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $155,661
- Educational attainment: 31% masters or higher, 33% bachelors, 19% some college, 17% high school or less
Residents of Syosset, N.Y., can enjoy the 46 acres of fun at the , which offers year-round activities suited for almost everyone. The park has a basketball court, a bocce court, handball courts, shuffleboard courts, and five tennis courts, along with a softball field, a Little League field, and a multi-use turf field. In the summer, the park opens its swimming pool with a diving area and kiddie wading pool, while people can take to the park鈥檚 ice skating rink in the colder months.
#11. Lexington, MA
- Population: 33,339
- Median home value: $816,100 (81% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,998 (19% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $162,083
- Educational attainment: 54% masters or higher, 28% bachelors, 9% some college, 9% high school or less
Lexington, Mass., offers a , which schedules over 100 events every year for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. In addition to weekly activities, playground meetups, family bowling, and nights out for parents, LexFUN! also offers member discounts to 50 local business and a program to help children transition to kindergarten.
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#10. South Kensington, MD
- Population: 8,684
- Median home value: $718,000 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,113 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $160,303
- Educational attainment: 44% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 13% some college, 9% high school or less
Kensington, Md., is home to the , which is one of the few places in the country completely dedicated to children鈥檚 books and parenting and is the oldest public library in the Washington D.C. area. The town also runs a program called the Parent Encouragement Program, or PEP. The nonprofit organization holds workshops, community events and presentations, and parenting classes. Plus, most of the group鈥檚 events provide on-site childcare during sessions.
#9. Mount Lebanon Township, PA
- Population: 32,760
- Median home value: $244,800 (73% of residents own)
- Median rent: $861 (27% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $91,748
- Educational attainment: 35% masters or higher, 36% bachelors, 16% some college, 13% high school or less
Families take comfort living in Mount Lebanon Township because of the city鈥檚 , which has continued to decline steadily since 2001. Mount Lebanon is located from Pittsburgh and is close to an Amtrak station, making it simple to commute to the city. The most common industry in the town is professional, scientific, and technical services, which comprise 15.1% of the locale鈥檚 economy.
#8. Ardmore, PA
- Population: 13,193
- Median home value: $320,100 (60% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,297 (40% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $87,807
- Educational attainment: 33% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 18% some college, 18% high school or less
Located from Philadelphia, Ardmore, Pa. offers quaint living and quick commutes. The town is often called the 鈥淢ain Street of the Main Line,鈥 and has several round-the-year attractions for families with kids. One of those is Lulu鈥檚 Casita, an indoor family-owned playground with coffee and snacks for parents. The 18-acre South Ardmore Park also has numerous sports fields, tennis courts, a playground, and tot lots.
#7. Potomac, MD
- Population: 45,780
- Median home value: $893,600 (88% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,860 (12% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $187,568
- Educational attainment: 51% masters or higher, 30% bachelors, 11% some college, 9% high school or less
A suburb of Washington D.C., there is no shortage of activities to do in Potomac. The town is perhaps most well-known for being home to Great Falls Park, which features a scenic waterfall and hiking trails. Visitors can at the C&O Canal National Historic Park and Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. Those looking for inside attractions need look no further than the Glenstone Museum, a contemporary art museum that houses about 1,300 works from the post World War II period.
[Pictured: People scramble up a rock face along the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls National Park in Potomac, Md.]
#6. Short Hills, NJ
- Population: 13,092
- Median home value: $1,316,600 (92% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,857 (8% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Educational attainment: 54% masters or higher, 34% bachelors, 5% some college, 6% high school or less
Short Hills, N.J., is known for being among the virtually nonexistent crime rate, and great public education. The quiet New York City suburb's schools consistently produce some of the highest student test scores in the nation. Short Hills has plenty to do, too鈥攆rom touring the pristine to the .
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#5. Swarthmore, PA
- Population: 6,243
- Median home value: $387,800 (74% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,099 (26% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $106,737
- Educational attainment: 52% masters or higher, 27% bachelors, 9% some college, 12% high school or less
As the seat of the liberal arts school Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa., attracts some of the nation鈥檚 top minds and has world-class attractions, one of those being the stunning Scott Arboretum. The 鈥済arden of ideas鈥 is and has ornamental gardens that span 425 acres. Within Scott Arboretum is 鈥淐rumhenge,鈥 which is a stone formation and was first installed in the 1980s.
[Pictured: Swarthmore College Parrish Hall.]
#4. Upper Montclair, NJ
- Population: 11,696
- Median home value: $726,200 (81% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,722 (19% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $196,285
- Educational attainment: 46% masters or higher, 39% bachelors, 9% some college, 6% high school or less
Montclair is but has plenty of things for visitors and residents to do without leaving town. The town is bustling with walkable streets, music and theater venues, restaurants, shops, sports complexes, and extracurricular activities. At the Montclair Art Museum, kids can tour the museum at the monthly Park Bench events, as well as create art projects and listen to stories. For sports fans, the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center at Montclair State University is a must-see, with baseball memorabilia and displays following Berra鈥檚 life. Other activities include yoga for kids at the Montclair Cooperative School鈥檚 summer camp, and a and young adults to enjoy鈥攁 rarity in many suburbs.
#3. North Potomac, MD
- Population: 24,236
- Median home value: $656,900 (84% of residents own)
- Median rent: $2,020 (16% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $161,553
- Educational attainment: 46% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 13% some college, 9% high school or less
Families living in North Potomac, Md., can take comfort in the town鈥檚 extremely low crime rate, which is than the national average, making North Potomac safer than 63% of the cities in the United States. The school system in the area is also highly rated, with the high school graduation rate being than the rest of Maryland. Additionally, school test scores in North Potomac are 53% higher than the U.S. average.
#2. Jericho, NY
- Population: 14,014
- Median home value: $732,100 (85% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,935 (15% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $156,029
- Educational attainment: 35% masters or higher, 35% bachelors, 17% some college, 13% high school or less
Jericho, N.Y., has been ranked the , with high school graduation rates of 95%鈥14% higher than the U.S. average. Families living in Jericho are mostly well-off: the median household income in the town is 160% higher than the national average, and the poverty level is .
#1. Penn Wynne, PA
- Population: 5,720
- Median home value: $367,400 (89% of residents own)
- Median rent: $1,500 (11% of residents rent)
- Median household income: $115,625
- Educational attainment: 43% masters or higher, 31% bachelors, 16% some college, 11% high school or less
Not only are residents of Penn Wynne, Pa., highly educated, they also hold impressive jobs. Of the population, hold manager or executive jobs, and Penn Wynne has more people employed as professionals, managers, or executives than 97.5% of the neighborhoods in the United States. The neighborhood of Wynnewood in Penn Wynne is among the 15% highest-income neighborhoods in the country as well. The average Penn Wynne resident spends about 15 to 30 minutes commuting to work, which is lower than the national average.
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