Best Cities to Raise a Family, to Live In

Many parents don't have the opportunity to choose where they want to raise their children—job location and finances usually dictate where we set roots. But if you were given the choice of anywhere in the United States to settle down, where would you go? There are countless cities to choose from with diverse cultural experiences, varying approaches to education and distinct climates and geography. With so many options, choosing the best spot for your kids can seem like an overwhelming task. But, certain cities rise to the top as particularly great places to raise a family when you look at specific factors such as health, economy, culture or safety. We decided to examine 36 sets of data and what we found may surprise you. Below are the results of our third annual Best Cities for Families based on ranking 100 cities using nearly 4,000 pieces of data.

1. Boston, Massachusetts (2011: #3)

Last year Boston was third on our list but managed to snag the top spot this year as our best city for families. A thrilling hometown baseball team, incredible institutions of higher learning, gorgeous parks, historical neighborhoods and a new highway system are the obvious reasons why Boston is a great town to live in. But the city also offers exciting opportunities for kids. For example, the White House committee selected a Boston elementary school to participate in a prestigious arts program headed by artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Forest Whitaker. Boston is also home to the premier Boston Children's Hospital which houses the world's largest research center based in a pediatric hospital with more than 1,100 scientists working to find treatments and cures for childhood diseases. Boston Children's Museum recently announced a $365,000 grant to ensure that their programs appeal to all children, including kids in underserved populations. And students at 25 schools across Boston are enjoying a before-school exercise program created by a local mom—a program so popular it has attracted the sponsorship of Reebok and is spreading to other cities. Offering urban life with a focus on education, Boston is a classically great town in which to raise a family.