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Best coastal towns for raising a family unit in America

The archetype of the ideal American family unit home hasn't changed much in the last century: a pristine house with a bright green lawn, white picket fence, and a big front porch. The scene becomes fifty-fifty more appealing when y'all add in a cool sea breeze and sandy beach. For many Americans, the thought of raising a family near the water is platonic. Simply think: You tin take the kids out for a canoe paddle around the lake, or build sandcastles on the embankment someday y'all want.

But not every beach town is dandy for kids. Atlantic City, N.J., is nigh the beach—but its proximity to casinos makes the expanse less than platonic for families. In order to calculate the best coastal towns for families, Stacker checked the locations on Wallethub's listing of the best beach towns against Niche'southward list of the best places to raise a family unit. Towns and cities on both lists were ranked past their score on Niche's listing for this article. In the Wallethub list, beach towns refer to whatever urban center or boondocks almost either a lake or bounding main. The criteria for family unit-friendly towns include quality of local schools, safety, affordability, and access to family unit civilities. Read on to come across if whatsoever coastal towns in your state made the list.

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#fifty. Brunswick

Location: Boondocks in Maine

All-time places to raise a family unit rank: #2,709

Public schools grade: A-

Good for families form: A

Population: twenty,497

This quaint boondocks just north of Portland, Maine, scored well on economic health and public safety, making it attractive for parents. Brunswick is also the home to Bowdoin College, then kids who grow up here volition always be exposed to college education.

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#49. Merritt Island

Location: Town in Florida

All-time places to raise a family rank: #2,703

Public schools grade: A+

Expert for families class: A

Population: 35,916

This town on Florida'south largest island is home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and a 140,000-acre wild fauna sanctuary. Merritt Isle is also an extremely affordable place to live—a win for all parents.

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KenFL74 // Wikimedia Commons

#48. Destin

Location: Town in Florida

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,689

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: xiii,312

Nicknamed the "World's Luckiest Fishing Hamlet," Destin boasts incredible angling thank you to limestone structures, artificial reefs, and the nearby DeSoto Canyon. Even if line-fishing isn't your thing, yous'll withal notice enough to similar nigh this picturesque town, such every bit its healthy economic system and affordability.

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#47. Coral Gables

Location: Suburb of Miami, FL

Best places to heighten a family rank: #2,677

Public schools grade: B

Good for families grade: A

Population: fifty,533

This historic urban center in Miami-Dade Canton was 1 of the nation's first planned communities. Coral Gables remains popular with tourists, who flock to the suburb for its gorgeous Mediterranean architecture, tree-lined avenues, and iconic landmarks such every bit the Biltmore Hotel.

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#46. Boca Raton

Location: Town in Florida

Best places to heighten a family rank: #ii,670

Public schools class: A

Expert for families grade: A

Population: 91,702

Boca Raton is already a pop identify to retire, only the town is also a great option for families. The lovely Florida weather and elevation-notch public schools are difficult to beat.

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Daderot // Wikimedia Commons

#45. Pacific Grove

Location: Town in California

Best places to raise a family unit rank: #ii,613

Public schools course: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 15,546

With i of the oldest continually operated lighthouses in the country and a classic golf course, Pacific Grove has plenty of old-fashioned charm. The town also has excellent public schools and an absolutely stunning location forth the Monterey Coast.

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Bluebarb11 // Wikimedia Commons

#44. Oak Creek

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

Best places to raise a family unit rank: #2,599

Public schools form: A-

Adept for families grade: A

Population: 35,218

Oak Creek may be part of the Milwaukee metro area, but it'due south also just 85 miles outside of Chicago. The suburban temper and convenient proximity to urban center amenities make this coastal spot along the western shore of Lake Michigan a bang-up location for raising a family.

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Glittering Pillars // Wikimedia Eatables

#43. Massapequa

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

Best places to enhance a family rank: #2,553

Public schools class: A

Practiced for families grade: A

Population: 21,820

This quaint hamlet is actually a subset of the boondocks of Oyster Bay on Long Island'southward South Shore. Massapequa has plenty of local history and hosts an almanac Apple tree Festival, amidst dozens of other family-friendly activities in the area throughout the year.

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Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons

#42. Edmonds

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,522

Public schools class: A-

Skillful for families form: A

Population: 41,020

With 23 city parks and i,000 anxiety of waterfront shoreline, Edmonds has plenty of places for kids to play outside. The Seattle suburb too boasts a lot of customs diverseness.

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#41. San Clemente

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family unit rank: #ii,498

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 65,082

The loftier-scoring public schools in this Los Angeles suburb brand it an attractive place for families. Kids will likewise love all xi of the city'south beaches.

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Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons

#xl. Shoreline

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,295

Public schools grade: A

Proficient for families grade: A

Population: 55,021

As the name implies, this Seattle suburb lies along the shores of the Puget Sound. Shoreline is home to 400 acres of parkland and open spaces, including a botanical garden, beaches, hiking trails, and playgrounds. Homes here date back to the early 1800s, but the suburb didn't officially become a city until 1995.

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BazookaJoe // Wikimedia Eatables

#39. Holland

Location: Boondocks in Michigan

All-time places to raise a family rank: #2,248

Public schools form: B+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 33,581

White sandy beaches, an adorable downtown area, and a earth-famous tulip festival brand Kingdom of the netherlands an attractive identify to visit and a great identify to live. Known as one of America'south prettiest towns, Holland—as the proper noun implies—also has rich Dutch heritage.

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#38. Wantagh

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

Best places to heighten a family rank: #2,198

Public schools class: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: xviii,490

This Long Island boondocks has great public schools, plenty of outdoor activities, and a relatively like shooting fish in a barrel commute into nearby New York City. Information technology doesn't hurt having Wantagh Park in your backyard, either; the 111-acre park features a marina, ballfields, domestic dog runs, and endless recreational opportunities.

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#37. Coronado

Location: Suburb of San Diego, CA

Best places to enhance a family rank: #two,090

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 24,852

This coastal city has all the beachy appeal of nearby San Diego but with a quieter pace. Plenty of parks, kid-friendly community activities, and high-performing public schools brand it a wonderful identify to raise a family.

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Allie_Caulfield // Flickr

#36. Marina District

Location: Neighborhood in San Francisco, CA

All-time places to raise a family unit rank: #two,074

Public schools grade: A-

Adept for families grade: A

Population: 16,783

This Golden Gate City neighborhood borders Ghiradelli Square to the eastward and the Palace of Fine Arts to the due west, placing information technology smack dab in the heart of the action. On superlative of all this, the Marina District also offers groovy public schools.

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Monacat // Wikimedia Eatables

#35. Seal Embankment

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family unit rank: #1,989

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 24,510

This Orange County city has pristine beaches, community golf courses and lawn tennis courts, and blessedly sunny weather. Add to that the area's excellent public schools, and y'all can meet why Seal Beach is so attractive to parents.

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Djh57 // Wikimedia Eatables

#34. Laguna Beach

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,963

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 23,204

Known for the mid-aughts reality TV show of the same proper name, Laguna Beach has all the gorgeous beaches and dandy weather condition you run into on the testify with (thankfully) significantly less high schoolhouse drama. The seaside resort urban center is dwelling house to seven miles of coastal coves and beaches, a thriving artist community, and in excess of 20,000 acres of protected wilderness.

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#33. Swampscott

Location: Suburb of Boston, MA

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,912

Public schools grade: A

Skillful for families form: A

Population: xiv,250

Swampscott is a safe place to alive, affordable, and less than 15 miles northward of Boston. Plenty of community activities and a skillful public schoolhouse system make it exceedingly attractive to families.

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#32. Key Biscayne

Location: Suburb of Miami, FL

Best places to enhance a family rank: #1,799

Public schools grade: B+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 12,935

Key Biscayne is a gorgeous coastal town just a brusk drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami. The area boasts plenty of outdoor activities for active families, including Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Greatcoat Florida Country Park, a nearby littoral barrier reef, and an underwater archaeological trail.

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#31. Ocean Springs

Location: Town in Mississippi

Best places to enhance a family rank: #1,748

Public schools grade: A

Expert for families grade: A

Population: 17,547

This Mississippi town on the Gulf Coast was kickoff settled in 1699 by French explorers. Affordable housing, meridian healthcare facilities, and some of the best public schools in the state brand Ocean Springs a perfect place to enhance a family unit.

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#30. Alameda

Location: Suburb of San Francisco, CA

All-time places to raise a family rank: #one,744

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 77,409

Alameda, nicknamed the "City of Homes and Beaches," has historic buildings dating back to its settlement in 1853 and lovely nearby beaches. Amazing public schools, high levels of diversity, and crawly weather have fabricated Alameda a popular place to raise a family.

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Alanscottwalker // Wikimedia Commons

#29. Gages Lake

Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL

All-time places to raise a family unit rank: #one,678

Public schools form: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: x,041

This Chicago suburb is non but affordable, but as well has a thriving economic system. Its proximity to Chicago likewise means families tin can take advantage of all the city'due south amenities and civilization.

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Vince Migliore // Wikimedia Commons

#28. Folsom

Location: Town in California

Best places to heighten a family unit rank: #1,636

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 74,960

Backing up to Folsom Lake, Folsom has miles and miles of jogging, biking, and hiking trails along the lake and American River. Folsom's affordability, skillful economy, excellent conditions, and smashing public schools give Folsom'south residents a great quality of life.

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#27. Carlsbad

Location: City in California

Best places to enhance a family rank: #one,611

Public schools course: A+

Expert for families course: A

Population: 112,008

Carlsbad has all kinds of family-friendly attractions, from Legoland to a skate park. It likewise boasts great public schools, a good economy, and sunny California atmospheric condition.

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Ricardo'south Photography // Flickr

#26. Satellite Beach

Location: Town in Florida

Best places to raise a family rank: #ane,564

Public schools form: A+

Expert for families course: A

Population: ten,495

This sunny Florida community has lots to be proud of, including excellent public schools, lots of outdoor activities, and an overall affordable lifestyle. Satellite Beach has slap-up proximity to other Florida hotspots, also: Orlando is simply an hour northwest and Miami a few hours due south (with plenty of beach towns in between).

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4097 Four Kids // Wikimedia Eatables

#25. San Mateo

Location: Suburb of San Francisco, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,562

Public schools course: A+

Proficient for families grade: A

Population: 102,224

Though the ocean well-nigh San Mateo isn't as warm as some of the other spots on this listing, the coastal town still has tons of natural beauty and beachy entreatment. The impressive public school instruction kids can get here also draws in plenty of families.

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Estrategy // Wikimedia Eatables

#24. Hermosa Beach

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

All-time places to raise a family rank: #i,445

Public schools class: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: xix,726

Surfer dudes and dudettes raising kids who can hang ten might want to settle here. Between the colorful downtown scene and chilled out local beaches, Hermosa Embankment has enough of appeal for visitors and residents.

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Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism // Flickr

#23. Newburyport

Location: Suburb of Boston, MA

Best places to heighten a family rank: #1,343

Public schools course: A

Practiced for families grade: A+

Population: 17,837

Non far from Boston, Newburyport offers an easy commute for parents who piece of work in the city and admission to bully public teaching for children. Public health is as well exceptional here.

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Pumaphotog // Wikimedia Commons

#22. Newport Beach

Location: Town in California

Best places to raise a family unit rank: #one,316

Public schools class: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 86,813

This beachside community is incredibly picturesque—specially the residential customs of Balboa Island, where residents can grab frozen bananas on a stick at the banana stand, or prowl the strip past kayak or stand-upward paddleboard.

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#21. Kirkland

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

Best places to raise a family rank: #one,037

Public schools grade: A

Good for families form: A+

Population: 85,812

The toll of living in Kirkland is higher than some of the other locations on this list, simply information technology's all the same a groovy value when y'all consider that your family can easily admission all the all-time Seattle has to offer. Kirkland's bustling economic system also makes it an bonny location for working parents.

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#20. Redondo Beach

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to heighten a family unit rank: #i,002

Public schools class: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 67,664

Redondo Beach's perfect weather and access to outdoor space make information technology easy to stay in shape hither. Parents looking to raise active kids might desire to look into this beachside community that'south only south of Los Angeles.

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Charvex // Wikimedia Eatables

#19. Lee's Elevation

Location: Suburb of Kansas Metropolis, MO

Best places to heighten a family unit rank: #815

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 94,257

Lee's Meridian offers families a good bang for their buck. The suburb features affordable homes, a good for you economy, and fantabulous public schools.

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#xviii. Santa Monica

Location: Town in California

Best places to raise a family rank: #775

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 92,247

Tourists flock to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade year-round, and it'south piece of cake to see why. Both outdoor attractions exemplify the easy informal California lifestyle that attracts millions of residents and tourists. If you don't listen a constant barrage of visitors, Santa Monica would be an excellent place to raise a family because of the access to good public schools and nearby beaches and parks.

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#17. Encinitas

Location: Suburb of San Diego, CA

Best places to enhance a family rank: #760

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 62,160

Encinitas' six miles of coastline is famous for its excellent surfing conditions, making it pop with beachgoers year circular. Residents of this coastal community are likewise attracted to its charming shopping commune, nearby golf game course, good schools, and user-friendly proximity to San Diego.

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Americasroof // WIkimedia Eatables

#xvi. Stony Brook

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

Best places to heighten a family rank: #755

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families course: A+

Population: 13,437

Stony Beck is situated on the North Shore of Long Isle, making it a popular community for families with one or both parents commuting into New York City. Merely more than its proximity to Manhattan, the suburb is love for its high-quality public schools.

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#15. Mill Valley

Location: Suburb of San Francisco, CA

Best places to raise a family unit rank: #701

Public schools form: A+

Expert for families grade: A+

Population: xiv,318

Make no dubiety about information technology, Mill Valley is an expensive place to live. The median home price here is well over $ane million. Nonetheless, many families think information technology'south worth the loftier cost of living. That'southward because the suburb is extremely condom, right next to San Francisco, and brimming with summit-performing public schools.

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#14. Palos Verdes Estates

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

All-time places to heighten a family rank: #523

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families form: A+

Population: 13,582

This planned customs in Los Angeles County was designed by the famous Olmsted brothers, whose father Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. designed Manhattan'due south Central Park. Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, beautiful homes, and not bad schools make Palos Verdes Estates an excellent place to raise a family.

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Alchaenist // Wikimedia Commons

#thirteen. Great Neck

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

All-time places to heighten a family rank: #503

Public schools grade: A+

Skillful for families grade: A+

Population: ten,183

Long Island's proximity to all of New York City's five boroughs and gorgeous beaches make many of its neighborhoods and towns perfect for immature families. Great Neck will cost a pretty penny to lay roots down; but its rich history, gorgeous houses, and great public schools nevertheless make it an irresistible option for many families.

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Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Mercer Isle

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

All-time places to enhance a family rank: #500

Public schools course: A+

Proficient for families class: A+

Population: 24,467

Just over 24,000 people live on this ii-mile-long, five-mile-wide Washington island between Seattle and Bellevue. Mercer Island is beloved for its mild climate, exceptional public schools, and backlog of outdoor activities.

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Catatonique // Wikimedia Commons

#eleven. Manhattan Beach

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to heighten a family unit rank: #352

Public schools course: A+

Skilful for families grade: A+

Population: 35,573

Visitors can't resist Manhattan Beach's laid-dorsum vibe, sandy shores, and sunny skies. But for people raising kids, This South Bay customs is more than a charming downtown and great surf: The suburb features a superior public schoolhouse system, loftier level of safety, and overall salubrious lifestyle for its residents.

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#10. Westport

Location: Suburb in Connecticut

Best places to raise a family rank: #310

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families course: A+

Population: 27,511

This pretty New England town has stately sometime-fashioned buildings and a charming, former-fashioned downtown. It'south one of the near affluent suburbs in the country, then it isn't exactly affordable—merely those who have fat wallets volition find Westport to exist a suburb featuring every assiduities.

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#ix. Redmond

Location: Town in Washington

Best places to heighten a family rank: #303

Public schools grade: A+

Skilful for families grade: A+

Population: 59,268

This community forth the northern shore of Lake Sammamish boasts several big parks perfect for softball games, soccer matches, or family picnics. The public schools are something to brag nearly, likewise.

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Teemu008 // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Highland Park

Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL

Best places to enhance a family unit rank: #300

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 29,780

This Chicago suburb along the banks of Lake Michigan is something of a tourist attraction thank you to the iii Frank Lloyd Wright homes within its borders. Excellent public schools, job opportunities, and an easy commute into the city brand information technology very popular with immature families.

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Chris Low-cal // Wikimedia Commons

#7. Rocky River

Location: Suburb of Cleveland, OH

Best places to enhance a family rank: #293

Public schools grade: A+

Proficient for families grade: A+

Population: twenty,211

You'll notice this Cleveland suburb along the shores of Lake Erie. Rocky River has everything families need: a low cost of living, extremely condom neighborhoods, good housing, and excellent public schools.

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Dave // Wikimedia Commons

#vi. Brookfield

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

Best places to heighten a family rank: #254

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families course: A+

Population: 37,991

The simply thing this Milwaukee suburb lacks is good, year-round weather. Families who enjoy all four seasons (with an emphasis on wintertime) adore Brookfield's affordable housing market, incredible schools, and condom neighborhoods.

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Aaron Volkening // Flickr

#5. Mequon

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

All-time places to enhance a family rank: #234

Public schools grade: A+

Proficient for families class: A+

Population: 23,663

Another Milwaukee suburb, Mequon is a bit smaller than Brookfield but shares the same only has the same reputation for bang-up schooling, economical housing, and an affordable cost of living. A great feature of this suburb is its inclusion along the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, a paved trail connecting six communities in Ozaukee Canton that's perfect for walking, jogging, or bicycling.

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Michael Meidenbauer // Flickr

#4. Shorewood

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

Best places to raise a family rank: #215

Public schools class: A+

Proficient for families course: A+

Population: 13,300

Sensing a pattern here? Yet another Milwaukee suburb, Shorewood, ranks equally the fourth-best coastal town for families. The reasonable median dwelling house value and overall safety make this town especially attractive.

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Heather McLaughlin // Flickr

#three. Bay Hamlet

Location: Suburb of Cleveland, OH

All-time places to heighten a family rank: #210

Public schools course: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: fifteen,414

Affordability, safety, instruction, good quality of life: this Cleveland suburb has it all. Bay Village also offers a robust parks system and many recreation programs to get kids started on a salubrious lifestyle (and keep grown-ups in shape).

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Jim.henderson // Wikimedia Commons

#2. Rye

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

Best places to raise a family unit rank: #139

Public schools class: A+

Good for families course: A+

Population: 15,949

This New York City suburb on the Long Island Audio is the second-best littoral town for raising a family unit in the country. It is more expensive than many of the other cities and towns on this listing, merely Rye'southward great public schools and local amenities more than recoup for the loftier price tag.

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Lucas Migliorelli // Wikimedia Commons

#ane. Eden Prairie

Location: Boondocks in Minnesota

All-time places to raise a family rank: #41

Public schools form: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 63,206

Eden Prairie may not border a single, large torso of water; but it is located near more than than 10 small-scale lakes. The affordable housing, depression cost of living, loftier-ranked public schools, thriving economy, and public safety helped information technology earn the top spot on the list.

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