Best coastal towns for raising a family in America

Location: Town in Maine

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,709

Public schools grade: A-

Good for families grade: A

Population: 20,497

This quaint town 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, so kids who grow up here will always be exposed to higher education.

Location: Town in Florida

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,703

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 35,916

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

Location: Town in Florida

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

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 13,312

Nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin boasts incredible angling thanks to limestone structures, artificial reefs, and the nearby DeSoto Canyon. Even if fishing isn’t your thing, you’ll still find plenty to like about this picturesque town, such as its healthy economy and affordability.

Location: Suburb of Miami, FL

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

Public schools grade: B

Good for families grade: A

Population: 50,533

This historic city in Miami-Dade County was one 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 as the Biltmore Hotel.

Location: Town in Florida

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,670

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 91,702

Boca Raton is already a popular place to retire, but the town is also a great choice for families. The lovely Florida weather and top-notch public schools are hard to beat.

Location: Town in California

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,613

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 15,546

With one 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 along the Monterey Coast.

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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

Public schools grade: A-

Good for families grade: A

Population: 35,218

Oak Creek may be part of the Milwaukee metro area, but it's also just 85 miles outside of Chicago. The suburban atmosphere and convenient proximity to city amenities make this coastal spot along the western shore of Lake Michigan a great location for raising a family.

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

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

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 21,820

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

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

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

Public schools grade: A-

Good for families grade: A

Population: 41,020

With 23 city parks and 1,000 feet of waterfront shoreline, Edmonds has plenty of places for kids to play outside. The Seattle suburb also boasts a lot of community diversity.  

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,498

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 65,082

The high-scoring public schools in this Los Angeles suburb make it an attractive place for families. Kids will also love all 11 of the city's beaches.

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

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

Public schools grade: A

Good 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.  

Location: Town in Michigan

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,248

Public schools grade: B+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 33,581

White sandy beaches, an adorable downtown area, and a world-famous tulip festival make Holland an attractive place to visit and a great place to live. Known as one of America’s prettiest towns, Holland—as the name implies—also has rich Dutch heritage.  

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

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

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 18,490

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

Location: Suburb of San Diego, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,090

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 make it a wonderful place to raise a family.  

Location: Neighborhood in San Francisco, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #2,074

Public schools grade: A-

Good for families grade: A

Population: 16,783

This Golden Gate City neighborhood borders Ghiradelli Square to the east and the Palace of Fine Arts to the west, placing it smack dab in the middle of the action. On top of all this, the Marina District also offers great public schools.

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family 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 tennis courts, and blessedly sunny weather. Add to that the area’s excellent public schools, and you can see why Seal Beach is so attractive to parents.

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 name, Laguna Beach has all the gorgeous beaches and great weather you see on the show with (thankfully) significantly less high school drama. The seaside resort city is home to seven miles of coastal coves and beaches, a thriving artist community, and in excess of 20,000 acres of protected wilderness. 

Location: Suburb of Boston, MA

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

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 14,250

Swampscott is a safe place to live, affordable, and less than 15 miles north of Boston. Plenty of community activities and a good public school system make it exceedingly attractive to families.

Location: Suburb of Miami, FL

Best places to raise 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 short drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami. The area boasts plenty of outdoor activities for active families, including Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a nearby coastal barrier reef, and an underwater archaeological trail.

Location: Town in Mississippi

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

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 17,547

This Mississippi town on the Gulf Coast was first settled in 1699 by French explorers. Affordable housing, top healthcare facilities, and some of the best public schools in the state make Ocean Springs a perfect place to raise a family.

Location: Suburb of San Francisco, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,744

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 awesome weather have made Alameda a popular place to raise a family.

Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,678

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 10,041

This Chicago suburb is not only affordable, but also has a thriving economy. Its proximity to Chicago also means families can take advantage of all the city’s amenities and culture.

Location: Town in California

Best places to raise a family 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, good economy, excellent weather, and great public schools give Folsom's residents a great quality of life.

Location: City in California

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,611

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 112,008

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

Location: Town in Florida

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,564

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 10,495

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 great proximity to other Florida hotspots, too: Orlando is just an hour northwest and Miami a few hours south (with plenty of beach towns in between). 

Location: Suburb of San Francisco, CA

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

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A

Population: 102,224

Though the ocean near San Mateo isn’t as warm as some of the other spots on this list, the coastal town still has tons of natural beauty and beachy appeal. The impressive public school education kids can get here also draws in plenty of families.

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,445

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A

Population: 19,726

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 Beach has plenty of appeal for visitors and residents.

Location: Suburb of Boston, MA

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

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 17,837

Not far from Boston, Newburyport offers an easy commute for parents who work in the city and access to great public education for children. Public health is also exceptional here.

Location: Town in California

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,316

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 86,813

This beachside community is incredibly picturesque—especially the residential community of Balboa Island, where residents can grab frozen bananas on a stick at the banana stand, or cruise the strip by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,037

Public schools grade: A

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 85,812

The cost of living in Kirkland is higher than some of the other locations on this list, but it's still a great value when you consider that your family can easily access all the best Seattle has to offer. Kirkland's bustling economy also makes it an attractive location for working parents.

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #1,002

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 67,664

Redondo Beach's perfect weather and access to outdoor space make it easy to stay in shape here. Parents looking to raise active kids might want to look into this beachside community that's just south of Los Angeles.

Location: Suburb of Kansas City, MO

Best places to raise a family rank: #815

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 94,257

Lee’s Summit offers families a good bang for their buck. The suburb features affordable homes, a healthy economy, and excellent public schools.

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's easy to see why. Both outdoor attractions exemplify the easy breezy California lifestyle that attracts millions of residents and tourists. If you don’t mind 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.

Location: Suburb of San Diego, CA

Best places to raise 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 popular with beachgoers year round. Residents of this coastal community are also attracted to its charming shopping district, nearby golf course, good schools, and convenient proximity to San Diego.

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

Best places to raise a family rank: #755

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 13,437

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

Location: Suburb of San Francisco, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #701

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 14,318

Make no doubt about it, Mill Valley is an expensive place to live. The median home price here is well over $1 million. Still, many families think it’s worth the high cost of living. That's because the suburb is extremely safe, right next to San Francisco, and brimming with top-performing public schools.

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #523

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 13,582

This planned community in Los Angeles County was designed by the famous Olmsted brothers, whose father Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. designed Manhattan's Central Park. Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, beautiful homes, and great schools make Palos Verdes Estates an excellent place to raise a family.

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

Best places to raise a family rank: #503

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 10,183

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 young families. Great Neck will cost a pretty penny to lay roots down; but its rich history, gorgeous houses, and great public schools still make it an irresistible option for many families.

Location: Suburb of Seattle, WA

Best places to raise a family rank: #500

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 24,467

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

Location: Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

Best places to raise a family rank: #352

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 35,573

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

Location: Suburb in Connecticut

Best places to raise a family rank: #310

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 27,511

This pretty New England town has stately old-fashioned buildings and a charming, old-fashioned downtown. It’s one of the most affluent suburbs in the country, so it isn’t exactly affordable—but those who have fat wallets will find Westport to be a suburb featuring every amenity.

Location: Town in Washington

Best places to raise a family rank: #303

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 59,268

This community along the northern shore of Lake Sammamish boasts several large parks perfect for softball games, soccer matches, or family picnics. The public schools are something to brag about, too.

Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL

Best places to raise a family 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 thanks to the three Frank Lloyd Wright homes within its borders. Excellent public schools, job opportunities, and an easy commute into the city make it very popular with young families.

Location: Suburb of Cleveland, OH

Best places to raise a family rank: #293

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 20,211

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

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

Best places to raise a family rank: #254

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 37,991

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

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

Best places to raise a family rank: #234

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 23,663

Another Milwaukee suburb, Mequon is a bit smaller than Brookfield but shares the same but has the same reputation for great 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 County that's perfect for walking, jogging, or bicycling.

Location: Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

Best places to raise a family rank: #215

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 13,300

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

Location: Suburb of Cleveland, OH

Best places to raise a family rank: #210

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 15,414

Affordability, safety, education, 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 healthy lifestyle (and keep grown-ups in shape).

Location: Suburb of New York, NY

Best places to raise a family rank: #139

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 15,949

This New York City suburb on the Long Island Sound is the second-best coastal town for raising a family in the country. It is more expensive than many of the other cities and towns on this list, but Rye’s great public schools and local amenities more than compensate for the high price tag.

Location: Town in Minnesota

Best places to raise a family rank: #41

Public schools grade: A+

Good for families grade: A+

Population: 63,206

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