Best ZIP Codes for Families with Young Children: Data-Backed Rankings (2025)
Choosing where to raise your children is one of life's most important decisions. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates school quality, safety, affordability, and family-friendly amenities to help you find the perfect neighborhood for your growing family.
Where you choose to raise your children profoundly impacts their education, safety, social development, and future opportunities. But finding the right neighborhood requires balancing multiple factors: top-rated schools, low crime rates, affordable housing, parks and recreation, and a community of other families.
We've analyzed data from over 42,000 ZIP codes to identify the 30 best places in America to raise a family. Our methodology weighs the factors parents care about most, using official data from school rating agencies, FBI crime statistics, Census demographic data, and local amenity databases.
Our Family-Friendly Ranking Criteria
Note: We excluded ZIP codes with populations under 10,000 to ensure adequate schools and amenities.
Data Methodology Note: Rankings and statistics in this article combine official U.S. government data (Census Bureau for demographics/housing, NOAA for weather, FBI for crime) with modeled estimates for schools and some economic indicators. While we strive for accuracy, specific figures should be verified with official sources for critical decisions. Learn more about our data sources and methodology.
Top 30 Best ZIP Codes for Raising Children
| Rank | ZIP Code | Location | School Rating | Safety Score | Median Home | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10583 | Scarsdale, NY | 9.8/10 | 96/100 | $1250K | 95.2 |
| 2 | 07078 | Short Hills, NJ | 9.7/10 | 97/100 | $1450K | 94.8 |
| 3 | 02482 | Wellesley, MA | 9.6/10 | 95/100 | $1350K | 94.3 |
| 4 | 60091 | Wilmette, IL | 9.5/10 | 94/100 | $825K | 93.8 |
| 5 | 94022 | Los Altos, CA | 9.7/10 | 96/100 | $3450K | 93.5 |
| 6 | 60045 | Lake Forest, IL | 9.4/10 | 95/100 | $875K | 93.2 |
| 7 | 19087 | Wayne, PA | 9.3/10 | 94/100 | $765K | 92.8 |
| 8 | 22101 | McLean, VA | 9.2/10 | 93/100 | $975K | 92.4 |
| 9 | 98004 | Bellevue, WA | 9.1/10 | 92/100 | $1150K | 91.9 |
| 10 | 80110 | Englewood, CO | 9/10 | 91/100 | $685K | 91.5 |
In-Depth Profiles: Top 10 Family-Friendly ZIP Codes
Scarsdale, New York claims the #1 spot as America's best ZIP code for families, and for good reason. This affluent Westchester County village boasts some of the nation's highest-performing public schools, with 98% of students meeting or exceeding state standards. The Scarsdale school system consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally, with average SAT scores exceeding 1400 and an Ivy League matriculation rate of nearly 30%.
Beyond academics, Scarsdale offers exceptional safety (crime rate 90% below the national average), beautiful tree-lined streets with sidewalks perfect for walking to school, and a strong sense of community. The town's central location-just 25 miles from Manhattan-makes it ideal for commuters while maintaining a quiet, suburban character. Multiple parks, rec centers, and youth sports leagues provide abundant activities for children.
The Trade-off: Excellence comes at a price. With a median home value of $1.25 million and property taxes averaging $30,000-40,000 annually, Scarsdale is accessible primarily to high-earning families. However, for those who can afford it, the investment often pays off in the form of outstanding educational opportunities and strong property value appreciation.
Short Hills, New Jersey combines top-tier education with upscale suburban living just 20 miles from Manhattan. This Millburn Township community features consistently high-performing schools (9.7/10 average rating), extremely low crime, and a wealthy, family-focused population. The Millburn School District routinely sends graduates to elite colleges, with a 95% four-year college enrollment rate.
The Short Hills Mall, one of America's most upscale shopping destinations, anchors the community, while nearby parks and the South Mountain Reservation provide outdoor recreation. Direct train service to Penn Station makes commuting convenient for NYC workers. The community is extremely family-oriented, with over 30% of households having children under 18.
Wellesley, Massachusetts represents New England excellence in education and community. This Boston suburb is home to Wellesley College (one of the Seven Sisters) and features a public school system ranked among the best in Massachusetts-which means among the best in the nation. The town's commitment to education is evident in its school spending (over $20K per student annually) and outcomes (average SAT scores above 1380).
Wellesley offers a true New England small-town feel with tree-lined streets, historic town center, and numerous parks and recreational facilities. The community is affluent but down-to-earth, with a strong volunteer culture and active parent-teacher organizations. Proximity to Boston (12 miles) provides access to world-class museums, hospitals, and cultural institutions.
Wilmette, Illinois stands out as the first truly "affordable" option on our top 10 list (relatively speaking), with median homes under $900K-half the price of coastal equivalents with similar school quality. This North Shore Chicago suburb offers exceptional schools (9.5/10 average), low crime, and easy access to downtown Chicago via Metra trains.
The community features tree-lined streets, a charming downtown village with local shops and restaurants, and proximity to Lake Michigan beaches. Wilmette's family-friendly culture is evident in its numerous parks, strong youth sports programs, and active community events. For families seeking East Coast-caliber education at Midwest prices, Wilmette is hard to beat.
Best Family ZIP Codes by State
Great places to raise kids exist in every region. Here are the top family-friendly ZIP codes in 10 major states:
94022 - Los Altos
10583 - Scarsdale
32789 - Winter Park
60091 - Wilmette
43017 - Dublin
98004 - Bellevue
80110 - Englewood
27615 - Raleigh
30327 - Atlanta (Brookhaven)
Urban vs. Suburban Family Living
Parents face a key decision: raise kids in urban neighborhoods with walkability and culture, or suburban areas with space and highly-rated schools? Both have merits:
Best Urban Family ZIP Codes
Excellent schools (8.5 avg), waterfront parks, safe streets, Manhattan lifestyle
Top city schools, walkable neighborhoods, cultural amenities, family-friendly
Great schools, zoo, parks, lakefront, vibrant family community
Best Suburban Family ZIP Codes
9.8/10 schools, ultra-safe, large yards, strong community, near NYC
9.5/10 schools, tree-lined streets, parks, beach access, Chicago proximity
9.7/10 schools, tech hub access, excellent weather, family-oriented
The Trade-off
Urban living offers cultural richness and convenience but typically requires trade-offs in space and school quality. Suburban areas provide the highest-rated schools and more space but mean longer commutes and car dependency. The "right" choice depends on your family's priorities, with many parents choosing suburbs specifically for schools, then exposing children to urban culture through weekend trips.
Affordable Family-Friendly ZIP Codes (Under $250K Median Home)
Not every family can afford million-dollar suburbs. Fortunately, excellent family neighborhoods exist at more modest price points, particularly in the Midwest and South:
50309 - Des Moines, IA
37201 - Nashville, TN
28209 - Charlotte, NC
27601 - Raleigh, NC
46201 - Indianapolis, IN
Why These Affordable ZIPs Work for Families
- •Solid schools: Ratings of 7.4-7.9/10 provide quality education without elite price tags
- •Growing job markets: Cities like Nashville and Raleigh attract employers, creating opportunities
- •Family communities: High percentages of households with children create built-in playmate networks
- •Lower cost of living: More disposable income for family activities, college savings, and financial security
How to Research Schools in Any ZIP Code
While our rankings provide an excellent starting point, every family should conduct their own school research. Here's how:
1Start with Online Ratings
Use GreatSchools.org and Niche.com to check school ratings, test scores, and parent reviews. Look for schools rated 7/10 or higher for solid performance, 8/10+ for excellent schools, and 9/10+ for elite institutions.
2Visit Schools in Person
Nothing replaces walking the halls. Schedule tours, observe classrooms, talk to principals, and get a feel for school culture. Pay attention to student engagement, teacher enthusiasm, and facility quality.
3Talk to Local Parents
Join local Facebook groups, attend community events, or simply chat with parents at parks. Ask about class sizes, special education support, extracurriculars, and how the school handles bullying or behavioral issues.
4Consider Your Child's Needs
A school rated 10/10 might not be right for your child. Consider learning style, special needs, social-emotional development, and extracurricular interests. Some families prioritize arts programs, others STEM, and others athletics-make sure the school aligns.
Beyond Test Scores: What Makes a Great Family Neighborhood
While schools and safety are paramount, other factors contribute to family quality of life:
Parks & Recreation
Access to playgrounds, sports fields, and nature areas promotes physical activity and outdoor play. Look for neighborhoods with multiple parks within walking distance.
Community Culture
Family-friendly neighborhoods foster connections through block parties, holiday events, and active parent groups. Communities with 30%+ households with children naturally develop strong family networks.
Healthcare Access
Proximity to quality pediatricians, urgent care, and children's hospitals matters when kids get sick or injured. Check proximity to major medical centers and availability of highly-rated pediatric practices.
Find Your Perfect Family Neighborhood
Ready to compare these family-friendly ZIP codes side-by-side? Use our interactive comparison tool to analyze schools, safety, housing costs, and demographics across any neighborhoods in America.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Family's Future
Choosing where to raise your children is perhaps the single most impactful decision parents make. The ZIP code you select influences educational opportunities, social development, safety, and long-term outcomes more than almost any other factor.
Our analysis of America's best family ZIP codes reveals several key insights:
- Schools matter most: Parents consistently prioritize education above all else, making school ratings the dominant factor
- Safety is non-negotiable: Families gravitate to low-crime areas, even if it means higher costs
- Geography creates trade-offs: East/West Coast excellence costs 2-3x Midwest/South equivalents
- Affordable options exist: Great family neighborhoods don't require million-dollar budgets
- Community culture matters: Neighborhoods with other families create built-in support networks
Whether you're drawn to elite suburbs like Scarsdale or more affordable options like Des Moines, the key is finding the right fit for your family's values, budget, and lifestyle.
Next Steps:
- Use our ZIP Code Comparison Tool to evaluate your finalists
- Visit finalist neighborhoods in person-ideally during the school year to observe schools and community life
- Join local Facebook groups or parent forums to get insider perspectives
- Consider your commute realistically-even great schools can't compensate for 3+ hours of daily driving
- Subscribe to our newsletter for quarterly updates on the best family neighborhoods
Your family's future starts with finding the right place to call home. Start exploring today.
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