Just days ago, a report found that children influenced parents' decision to buy homes and relocate. Now, Livability.com has come up with a list of cities in the United States that are the best for children to grow up in.
To arrive at the list of cities, the website took in to account the areas that have the highest concentration of school-going children and also considered the amenities - healthcare facilities and healthy food options - a school offered. They also assessed the crime rates and childhood mortality rates of the areas. They also used the rankings from GreatSchools.org to compile the list.
They also considered cost of living and health data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which gave ample information about children's eating habits. Food Genius, a food website, helped the researchers find areas with restaurants that have separate menus for kids indicating how children-friendly the area was.
The researchers also accounted for the number of parks, playgrounds, libraries and other recreational facilities an area had.
"It's only natural for parents to want what's best for their kids and offer them every possible advantage. But, depending on where you live, those advantages may be limited. Our picks for the Top 10 Best Cities for Kids give children opportunities to get a great education, live healthy lifestyles and engage in a numerous activities with other kids," Livability states.
Below are the top five cities that made it to the list: (courtesy: Realtor Magazine)
1. Boise, Idaho
Population: 212,983
Median Age: 35
Median Household Income: $51,160
Median Home Price: $158,437
Average Work Commute: 16 minutes
2. Downers Grove, Ill.
Population: 48,293
Median Age: 42
Median Household Income: $81,274
Median Home Price: $259,500
Average Work Commute: 24 minutes
3. Overland Park, Kan.
Population: 178,222
Median Age: 37
Median Median Household Income: $74,051
Median Home Price: $225,625
Average Work Commute: 18 minutes
4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Population: 129,073
Median Age: 35
Median Household Income: $50,714
Median Home Price: $118,998
Average Work Commute: 14 minutes
5. Plano, Texas
Population: 278,814
Median Age: 37
Median Household Income: $82,061
Median Home Price: $209,593
Average Work Commute: 24 minutes
You can take a look at the full list here.
According to GreatSchools.org, it is important to consider the child's personality when choosing a school for him or her.
"A quiet child might fare better in a smaller school or a school with small class size. If you have a budding musician or scientist, you'll want to look for a school that has programs in these areas," the website states. They also have several help options on how to choose schools for your kids.
Also read more on the Coldwell Banker Study, which found that children play a great role in influencing parents' decision on buying a home or their relocation behavior, here.
