When it comes to finding the perfect place to raise a family, affordability is one of the most important factors to consider. While every city offers a unique experience, there are some key factors you’ll want to consider before you move. Keeping in mind the population size, local amenities, crime statistics, public schools, and most importantly, the cost of living, will help you choose the best city for your lifestyle. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best affordable places to raise a family. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find your next home sweet home on our list of the top 10 best affordable places to raise a family in 2022.
Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee has some of the best amenities to offer when it comes to raising a family. Not only is there a thriving job market, affordable housing, and a low cost of living, but there are plenty of recreational activities for all ages. That means the money you save on essentials can fund your family weekend activities (Disney is just a short road trip away)!
There’s always a reason to get out of the house when you live in Florida’s Capital City. Tallahassee hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year including food, arts, and cultural celebrations! The whole family can soak up some sun at one of the 88 different parks and hiking trails around the city. If you’re more into beach days than hiking adventures, you’re in luck, there are several beaches within driving distance from Tallahassee.
A local downtown bar or restaurant is the perfect place for a date night without the kids! No matter what you’re in the mood for, Tallahassee restaurants are sure to satisfy. If you’re out in the city during the weekend you might even catch a local music performance.
During the week, your family’s schedule is sure to be filled with sports, art classes, music lessons, and extracurriculars. Tallahassee also has one of the top-ranked public schools in Florida, which will help prepare your kids for their future! If college is their next step, Tallahassee is home to two universities and a community college, so there is no need for out-of-state tuition somewhere else.
All of these amenities packed into one city may sound too good to be true, but the residents of Tallahassee would disagree.
If you’re ready to make the move, find more resources & relocation guides here.
Indianapolis, Indiana
If you want to live in an affordable bustling city with walkable neighborhoods that are also close to great dining options, Indy may be your spot.
Indiana is making huge strides in public transit, making your commute to work easier and faster. With the recent investments in city infrastructure, the whole family can stay active with the bike lanes and running trails throughout the city. Looking for a fun weekend activity? Try using the rideshare scooters or bikes that make getting to your favorite spots so much fun!
Sports are a huge part of Indy culture and there is no shortage of them. It is home to 6 professional sports teams: the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, Indy Eleven, and Indy Fuel. The NCAA headquarters and America’s first sports commission, Indiana Sports Corp are located right in Indianapolis.
The city is slowly becoming a great destination for young families, due in part to home affordability. Housing prices have a median value of $142,300, which is 30% less than the national average. Not to mention, the Indy suburbs have no shortage of excellent schools. There is also a selection of colleges and universities when your child is ready to start planning for the future.
If you’re ready to make the move and raise your family in Indianapolis, you can find more resources here: https://www.indy.gov/topic/moving-to-indianapolis
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio has four professional sports teams, access to breathtaking natural landscapes, and offers affordable homes for families. Not only are there plenty of walkable neighborhoods for young professionals and families, the local amenities include parks and museums perfect for entertaining anyone in the family.
Just twenty minutes north of downtown Cincinnati you’ll find one of the top thirty high schools in the United States; one of the many reasons why young families are settling down in the area. You’ll be close to mom-and-pop restaurants, as well as a swim club, golf course, and tennis courts. Your family will love attending the local music festivals and theater performances throughout the year. You can’t forget about the famous Cincinnati Zoo, open year-round.
Ready to call Cincinnati home? Find more resources here: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityofcincinnati/
Naperville, Illinois
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a big city, but still enjoy the amenities? If you said yes, Naperville, Illinois may be the perfect fit. Rated number one on Niche’s Best Cities to Raise a Family in America, and located only 30 minutes from Chicago, there is something for everyone.
Naperville is home to unique restaurants, relaxing spas, and local shops to help residents find everything they are looking for. Within the city, your family can enjoy sightseeing opportunities like a downtown walking tour, historical landmarks, and a scenic riverwalk.
The kids will have plenty of space to play with over 130 parks covering more than 2,400 acres! You’ll also be able to enjoy over 1,500 Naperville Park District seasonal events with the whole family.
Living in Naperville is more affordable than living in Chicago. With a median home value of $416,700, your family can enjoy homeownership with a lower price tag.
If you’re ready to make the move and raise your family in Naperville, you can find more resources here: https://www.naperville.il.us/about-naperville/
Raleigh, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a safe, affordable city with great weather and amazing activities – Raleigh has it all and more! The city has several educational museums, state parks, and an amazing culinary scene the whole family can enjoy. The breathtaking nature surrounding the city means that residents can go mountain biking, hiking, or even head to a local lake for watersports.
Raleigh has an A-rated public and private school system, which can help set your children up for the future. The city also has ample clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities for your children to enjoy. When your children graduate high school, there are 11 different university and college campuses in the Raleigh metro area if they’re looking to continue their education.
On top of these amenities, Raleigh has a low crime rate and a high safety score. The median home cost in Raleigh is only $248,300 making it one of the most affordable places to raise a family in 2022. The job market in Raleigh is thriving and the unemployment rate is lower than the national average.
Find more resources on moving to Raleigh here: https://raleighnc.gov/communication-and-outreach/information-new-residents
Olympia, Washington
More affordable than its neighboring cities, Olympia Washington is a great place to move to if you’re looking for an outdoor lifestyle close to dining and shopping.
While people commonly say that Washington is a rainy state, Olympia actually ranks 44th in rainfall amongst U.S. cities. It actually gets less rain than cities like Boston, New York, Houston, and Miami. Living in the city means you get to take advantage of the beautiful weather. There are countless outdoor activities to enjoy, like camping and hiking at one of the nearby state parks. Your whole family can also enjoy indoor activities like local museums, science centers, and theaters!
Olympia has a growing job market, which makes it a great city to find employment. Residents can expect a $504,200 median house cost, which is reasonable for the area, although higher than some of the other cities on our list. Your kids will be well taken care of with a high-rated school district and a well-supported education system.
If you’re interested in raising your family in Olympia, you can find more resources here: https://www.olympiawa.gov/
Plano, Texas
Recently, Texas was ranked number two in the country for relocation by niche.com. With a great job market, no state income tax, and plenty of local amenities you might find your next home in Plano, Texas.
Take a walk with your family, or ride a bike at one of the parks and nature preserves like Arbor Hills or Oak Point. With a total of 70 parks in Plano, your family and your furry friends will have plenty of green space to enjoy!
Aside from the natural amenities, Plano has a 28% lower crime rate than the national average. Your family be living in a safe area and your kids will also be going to great schools. Plano schools are highly rated and are the highest-ranked schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
According to a 2017 study at WalletHub, Plano is the #2 city in the United States for jobs, with several Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the area. You can find positions at top companies like Bank of America, JCPenney, FedEx, and more! The average price for a home is about $350,000 and with everything Plano has to offer, this city is at the top of our list for affordable places to raise a family in 2022.
If you’re ready to raise your family in Plano, you can find more resources here: https://www.plano.gov/
Des Moines, Iowa
Have you ever thought about moving to the midwest? Des Moines is a great city, close to beautiful landscapes and fun activities.
Residents between 25-34 years old are the biggest population here and make up the largest group of homeowners. The median home cost in Des Moines is only $168,873, which makes it one of the most affordable places to raise a family in 2022.
But be prepared – the winters in Des Moines are no joke. The city averages more than 35 inches of snow per year. However, you can still enjoy outdoor activities with your family, like ice skating, skiing, or sledding. And when the weather is just too cold, enjoy an indoor activity like shopping at one of the premier midwest shopping centers, or catching a local theater production at The Play House.
There are also learning opportunities for kids of all ages at the different museums like the Des Moines Children’s Museum or the Science Center Of Iowa and Blank Imax Dome Theater. Des Moines offers highly rated public schools as well as a few colleges and a university nearby.
If your family is up for the adventure of moving to the midwest, you can find more resources here: https://www.dsm.city/
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is home to a diverse population with the largest group of residents being young families. As more companies move their headquarters to the city, the amount of resources and residents continues to grow, creating a great place to raise a family!
Living in Hartford you can enjoy the world-class attractions of Elizabeth park, the country’s oldest municipal rose garden, and the Mark Twain house. In the winter months when it gets a bit chillier there are plenty of museums and activities for the kids too.
Hartford will give your children access to a great public school system that will prepare them for their future, potentially at The University of Hartford, which is conveniently located nearby.
You’ll be happy to know that the crime rate is lower than the national average and the average cost of a home in Hartford is only $237,500. You can find safety and affordable housing in Hartford which makes it one of the best places to raise a family in 2022.
Ready to make the move to Hartford? Find more resources here: https://www.hartfordct.gov/Home
Minneapolis, Minnesota
When looking for a place to relocate, don’t overlook Minneapolis. This is a city full of culture, arts, and beautiful lakes. You will also find amazing local restaurants and plenty of activities for the kids.
The museums, art fairs, and broadway shows will be fun for the whole family! Outdoor activities are available all summer long like swimming, water skiing, and boating on the lakes. When winter hits you’ll have to bundle up before enjoying some fun snow activities like ice skating, hockey, and fishing.
With over 90 public and private schools to choose from in the city, your kids’ education is in good hands. The crime rate in Minneapolis is also lower than the national average. The median listing price of a single-family home in Minneapolis is $294,400, making it easier for your family to settle down in the area.
If you’re ready to head to the Minneapolis, find more resources here: https://www.minneapolis.org/
Choosing the Perfect City
While Tallahassee is our favorite city, you can’t go wrong with any location on our list! Figuring out the most important wants on your family’s list will help you narrow down your relocation search. Keeping your family’s lifestyle and budget in mind will allow you to make the best decision for your future, and find the best affordable place to raise a family in 2022.
If you’re ready to discover why more families choose Tallahassee, you’ll find more resources here: https://choosetallahassee.com/live/ or check out our free downloadable relocation guides.