Best Cities to Raise a Family, to Live In

8. Madison, Wisconsin (2011: #6)

The city by the lake makes a repeat appearance on our top 10 list, and it's no wonder that Madison is a perennial favorite when it comes to healthy, safe living for families. Unemployment and crime are low, the air is clean and there are plenty of parks and trails for families to go outside and stay active. The Madison farmers’ market, which takes place around the capitol square, is more that just a place to buy veggies. The market is a community event harkening back to the days when farmers arrived on horse and buggy to the town square to sell their wares and everyone assembled in the streets to shop and socialize. Today, you might see groups of families enjoying locally grown produce and baked goods while listening to live music. Madison is the type of city where parents can enjoy the culture and entertainment that such an urban environment offers while appreciating the green space and healthy living for their children.