2011 Best Cities for Families

8. Seattle, WA

Want to raise a book lover? This hotbed of reading is the place, named one of the most literate cities in America.

Seattle gets a bad rap for its rainfall, but the steady precipitation results in lush vegetation, earning Seattle the nickname “the Emerald City” and serving up plenty of locally grown goodness. And when the sun comes out, the weather is mild and perfect for heading to the nearly 5,500 acres of parks.

Companies like Starbucks and Amazon fuel the job market, and expectant parents are in luck because the state of Washington has expanded the Family Medical Leave Act to include businesses with only eight or more workers.

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2010 Best Cities for Families