Realtor.com suggests the best suburbs near the country’s biggest cities for parents and their kids.
Realtor.com Looked for Family-Friendly Suburbs Near Nation’s 11 Largest Cities
Where are the best places for Millennial homeowners and parents (and their kids)? For the kids, Realtor.com considered the share of kids living in each suburb, school rankings, family-friendly businesses including child-care center, kids’ activities/sports/arts, parks, etc.
For the parents, realtor.com looked for suburbs with restaurants, bars, things to do and reasonable commutes when and if parents have to go to the office.
Denville NJ
Nearest city: New York City – Median Home Price in July: $549,050
With its four lakes and seven additional bodies of water, Denville’s former life as a vacation/second home mecca for urbanites has changed.
Denville’s solid schools, huge recreation fields, amenities and restaurants galore and relative affordability make it a must-see suburb close-enough-to-Manhattan for kids and adults alike.
El Monte CA
Nearest City: Los Angeles – Median Home Price in July: $599,050
El Monte’s Heritage District is home to Las Historia Society, El Monte Historical Museum and a great aquatic center. The city hosts family-friendly events throughout the year including the Emily Ishigaki Children’s Day Parade in October
Libertyville IL
Nearest City: Chicago IL – Median Home Price in July: $565,050
Just a few miles from Lake Michigan, Libertyville residents are close to Chicago’s amenities, museums and outdoor activities while being close to regularly scheduled kids’ art camps, sports, weekly farmer’s markets, and music events.
Parents have opportunities for great in-town breweries, restaurants, live music and improv shows.
Coppell TX
Nearest City: Dallas TX – Median Home Price in July: $550,050
Just a half-hour northwest of Dallas, the Trinity River and Coppell Nature Park (with its Biodiversity Education Center) offer great experiences for families of all ages.
The newly built Coppell Arts Center also offers live theater and shows.
Tomball TX
Nearest City: Houston – Median Home Price in July: $399.950
Once an oil town but now a small-town with big perks, outdoor hiking and biking for all ages and great food.
New home construction is singing as Tomball’s population is expected to nearly double by 2030, according to the city’s comprehensive plan.
Exton PA
Nearest City: Philadelphia PA – Median Home Price in July: $578,550
Exton combines a large commercial center that features shopping and casual dining with a haven for nature lovers, acres of green space, hiking trails and playing fields. Tennis and basketball are big-time pursuits for all ages.
Housing is a mix of condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. Its highly rated Downingtown school district is a big plus.
Olney MD
Nearest City: Washington DC – Median Home Price in July: $495,050
Olney, approximately 25 miles north of DC, is considered a “hotbed” of culture and good eats with tons of food choices from around the world. Its theater scene via the Olney Theater Center offers live shows year-round plus kid-friendly camps, programs and performances.
Housing is a varied as the town’s food scene with condos, townhomes, and spacious Colonials.
Pembroke Pines FL
Nearest City: Miami FL – Median Home Price in July: $589,050
Like many spots in Florida, residents in Pembroke can feel as though they’re on vacation year-round. The beach, every imaginable outdoor activity (except snow sports) and good restaurants are always available.
Pembroke Pines is most well-known for its outstanding schools with public to private options. Its charter school system is one of the most well-regarded in the country.
Peachtree City GA
Nearest City: Atlanta GA – Median Home Price in July: $465,050
This master-planned community has 100-miles of paved paths that connect to the suburb’s five distinct villages. Each village has its own shopping areas, elementary schools and recreational facilities. If not biking or running, many residents get around on golf carts.
The city has more than 100 restaurants, live performances at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater and, because of its beauty and diversity, serves as a backdrop for many TV shows and movies.
Burlington MA
Nearest City: Boston MA – Median Home Price in July: $649,950
Formerly a bedroom community, Burlington is now alive with shops, restaurants, community events, concerts, and events year-round.
Most new development happens here when developers raze older homes. Good schools and a variety of kids’ amenities offer families a solid community around which to grow and explore.
Walnut Creek CA
Nearest City: San Francisco CA – Median Home Price in July: $699.950
Walnut Creek is the priciest suburb on this list however, it still offers families a comparative bargain for what they might pay in Oakland or San Francisco. The suburb has 15 parks, acres of undeveloped space, a very well-rated school system, many extracurriculars for kids and, of course, a great food scene.
According to real estate agents in the area, Walnut Creek is still relatively affordable for its all-around quality.
Thanks to Realtor.com.
