Parents know that where they live can have a big impact on their children’s future. Kids thrive in environments where they can play, learn, and explore with other children in communities that offer good schools, extensive parks, and safe neighborhoods. If you’re thinking of moving in 2026, here are five family friendly cities definitely worth considering.
Irvine, CA
Located in Orange County, about an hour south of Los Angeles, Irvine is one of the most diverse and prosperous cities in California. While the region is famous for its warm weather and sunny beaches, most families move to Irvine for its:
- Public Schools. The Irvine Unified School District has one of the top-rated education programs in the state, with high scores in math, reading, and science. There are several top-tier colleges in the area as well, including the University of California, Irvine ‒ recently ranked no. 32 on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Colleges.”
- Safe Neighborhoods. Irvine has been ranked as the safest city in America for 16 years in a row, thanks to the close ties between its police department, civic leaders, and community members.
- Spacious Parks. The city has some of the best-preserved open spaces in the country, with playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic spots spread over 64 parks, most within easy walking distance of the average home. In addition to its numerous hiking trails and bicycle paths, it also has its own water park and hot-air balloon!
- Well-Funded Infrastructure. Municipal services are provided by the city’s Public Works and Transportation Department, which maintain the roads, sidewalks, lights, and drainage systems. Their efforts have helped make Irvine clean, orderly, and easy to navigate, even with a car full of kids.
Columbia, MD
A planned community on the outskirts of Baltimore, Columbia is not a city, but a group of ten self-sustaining villages that blend small-town comforts and big-city amenities. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most desirable destinations in the United States thanks to its:
- Excellent Schools. Columbia is part of the Howard County School System, known for its high test scores, advanced placement courses, and low student-teacher ratios. With a 94 percent graduation rate, it’s generally considered the best learning program in the state.
- Community Planning. Each village in Columbia contains a mix of townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes, all centered around a small collection of shops, supermarkets, and businesses designed to address residents' needs and concerns. Parks and recreation facilities are overseen by the Columbia Association, which offers a wide range of community events and services, including mini golf, fitness clubs, tennis clubs, golf courses, a skate park, an ice rink, a roller rink, batting cages, and a dog park, not to mention indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- Thriving Town Center. Located in the center of Columbia, the Merriweather District, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and The Mall in Columbia offer a wide range of stores, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues for your family to explore.
- Access to Healthcare. The Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center is one of the best hospitals in the country. With over 1,000 affiliated doctors in nearly 100 clinical specialties, it offers a full range of health and wellness services. The nearby Johns Hopkins Children's Center provides comprehensive pediatric care for infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents.
Arlington, VA
Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, directly across from Washington D.C., Arlington is a charming city famous for its national monuments, such as the Pentagon, Iwo Jima Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. But for families living next to the nation’s capital, Arlington offers more than cultural landmarks. It’s also famous for its:
- Safe, Walkable Neighborhoods. Unlike many other major cities, Arlington is built around foot traffic and public transportation. Its trails, walkways, and public spaces are clean, easy to navigate, and conveniently located near bus stops and train stations. At the same time, its proactive, community-oriented police force ensures everyone feels safe in the city’s parks, neighborhoods, and entertainment districts.
- Open Spaces. Arlington has over 150 parks, creating a large, interconnected belt of green space running through the city. Besides its picturesque lawns, trees, and gardens, the city also maintains a wide range of recreational facilities, including tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, handball courts, playgrounds, and dog parks.
- Top-Rated Schools. In addition to its academic programs, which emphasize STEM and advanced placement, the Arlington Public Schools offers a wide range of art courses and extracurricular activities. Administrators also provide extensive counseling and mental health support to help students manage the ups and downs of schoolwork and adolescence.
- Kid-Friendly Entertainment. Families who like to stay active have seemingly endless options for fun and recreation. Mini golf, petting zoos, batting cages, waterparks, skate parks, climbing walls, aerial ropes courses ‒ the city offers a wide range of attractions for children of all ages.
Overland Park, KS
Abundant housing and strong household incomes have made Overland Park one of the most affordable cities in the United States. But the low-cost-of-living isn’t the only reason it's popular with families. It also has:
- Good Public Schools. Unlike most cities, Overland Park is served by two school districts: Blue Valley School District and Shawnee Mission School District. Each has a reputation for exceptional teachers, academic excellence, and student success. Their schools are often ranked among the best in the state due to their high test scores and graduation rates.
- Exceptional Public Safety. Overland Park was recently named thesecond safest city in America, thanks to its low-crime rate, active police force, and community partnerships. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious behavior, which ensures officers can respond quickly to potentially dangerous situations.
- Proximity to Nature. Whether your family enjoys fishing, tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, or running around on playgrounds and splashpads, the city’s 80 neighborhood parks offer lots of opportunities for fun and recreation. More adventurous residents can explore the nature preserves outside the city, where there are hundreds of miles of trails for you to explore.
- Fun Family Attractions. Bowling, arcades, escape rooms, skating rinks, trampoline parks, mini golf, interactive museums ‒ Overland Park offers a lot of entertainment options. There’s even an axe-throwing course for older children!
Boise, ID
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise is a dynamic city centered on technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. The growing job market has boosted demand for skilled workers, creating a stable economic environment where families can thrive. But affordability isn’t the only reason why parents move to Boise. They’re also drawn by its:
- Strong Sense of Community. Newcomers are often surprised at Boise’s friendly and welcoming attitude. According to one writer, the city’s unspoken motto is:do right by me and I’ll do right by you.
- Highly Regarded Public Schools. The Boise School District is one of the best in the country. Known for its strong academics, dedicated teachers, and small class sizes, Boise schools provide a supportive environment where students can learn and grow.
- Low Crime Rates. Idaho is one of the safest places in the county. In addition to traditional law enforcement, Boise police also emphasize community outreach, which helps officers respond to crime throughout the city.
- Parks, Playgrounds, and Open Spaces. There are over 100 parks in Boise, most within a ten-minute walk of the typical household. The city is also surrounded by lakes, rivers, and hiking trails ‒ perfect for families who love the outdoors.
Finding the City That’s Right for You
Family-friendly cities provide a safe, supportive environment where your children can grow. Parks, schools, and security give kids a chance to build friendships, develop new skills, and pursue their interests ‒ laying the foundation for a happy, successful life. If you’re planning to move this year, keep these factors in mind to ensure you choose some place where you and your family can flourish.
Allied Long-Distance Moving Services
Moving is a major undertaking, especially if you have kids, but an experienced team can help make the transition a lot more manageable. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery, Allied’s full service relocation teams oversee every aspect of your move from start to finish. We handle the heavy lifting, so you and your family can focus on the adventure ahead. Contact us today for a free quote!
