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Best places to raise a family in Washington
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Washington using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
#25. DuPont
- Population: 9,435
- Median home value: $328,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,787 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $90,298
- Top public schools: Pioneer Middle School (A-), Steilacoom High School (A-), Chloe Clark Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Cadence Academy Preschool - DuPont (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1470 Packwood Ave, DuPont ($585,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $328,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,787 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $90,298
- Top public schools: Pioneer Middle School (A-), Steilacoom High School (A-), Chloe Clark Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Cadence Academy Preschool - DuPont (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1470 Packwood Ave, DuPont ($585,000, 5 bedrooms)
#24. Duvall
- Population: 7,901
- Median home value: $486,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,189 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $159,597
- Top public schools: Tolt Middle School (A-), Stillwater Elementary School (B+), Cedarcrest High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Hillside Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15215 272nd Pl NE, Duvall ($985,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $486,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,189 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $159,597
- Top public schools: Tolt Middle School (A-), Stillwater Elementary School (B+), Cedarcrest High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Hillside Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15215 272nd Pl NE, Duvall ($985,000, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Brier
- Population: 6,843
- Median home value: $525,900 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,000 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $131,293
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Kenmore Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 3201 Alaska Rd, Brier ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $525,900 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,000 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $131,293
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Kenmore Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 3201 Alaska Rd, Brier ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#22. Silver Firs
- Population: 22,358
- Median home value: $487,100 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,054 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $131,337
- Top public schools: Fernwood Elementary School (A), Skyview Junior High School (A), Bothell High School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Snohomish (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7530 150th St SE, Snohomish ($825,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $487,100 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,054 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $131,337
- Top public schools: Fernwood Elementary School (A), Skyview Junior High School (A), Bothell High School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Snohomish (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7530 150th St SE, Snohomish ($825,000, 4 bedrooms)
#21. Mirrormont
- Population: 3,780
- Median home value: $634,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,310 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $125,453
- Top public schools: Issaquah High School (A+), Liberty Senior High School (A+), Issaquah Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 17104 242nd Ave SE, Maple Valley ($975,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $634,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,310 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $125,453
- Top public schools: Issaquah High School (A+), Liberty Senior High School (A+), Issaquah Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 17104 242nd Ave SE, Maple Valley ($975,000, 3 bedrooms)
#20. Seattle
- Population: 724,305
- Median home value: $663,100 (46% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $92,263
- Top public schools: Raisbeck Aviation High School (A+), Garfield High School (A+), Roosevelt High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lakeside School (A+), University Prep (A+), The Bush School (A+)
- Pictured: 1526 Lakeside Ave S, Seattle ($12.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $663,100 (46% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $92,263
- Top public schools: Raisbeck Aviation High School (A+), Garfield High School (A+), Roosevelt High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lakeside School (A+), University Prep (A+), The Bush School (A+)
- Pictured: 1526 Lakeside Ave S, Seattle ($12.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Kenmore
- Population: 22,724
- Median home value: $572,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,433 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $109,810
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Discovery Community School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Creative Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16206 81st Pl NE Lot 1, Kenmore ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $572,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,433 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $109,810
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Discovery Community School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Creative Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16206 81st Pl NE Lot 1, Kenmore ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
#18. Woodinville
- Population: 12,383
- Median home value: $623,600 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,877 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $106,145
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+), Sunrise Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chrysalis School (A-), Academy Northwest (B), Northwest Liberty School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13750 220th Pl NE, Woodinville ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $623,600 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,877 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $106,145
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+), Sunrise Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chrysalis School (A-), Academy Northwest (B), Northwest Liberty School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13750 220th Pl NE, Woodinville ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Bothell
- Population: 45,749
- Median home value: $530,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,719 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $99,965
- Top public schools: Woodinville High School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+), Canyon Park Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cedar Park Christian School - Bothell Campus (A-), Ucic Learning Center (unavailable), Woodinville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22925 31st Ave SE, Bothell ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $530,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,719 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $99,965
- Top public schools: Woodinville High School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+), Canyon Park Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cedar Park Christian School - Bothell Campus (A-), Ucic Learning Center (unavailable), Woodinville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22925 31st Ave SE, Bothell ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Camas
- Population: 23,200
- Median home value: $441,400 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $111,584
- Top public schools: Skyridge Middle School (A), Camas High School (A), Dorothy Fox Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bright Futures Christian School (unavailable), Spanish with Sarah (unavailable), Camas Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3623 NW McMaster Dr, Camas ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $441,400 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $111,584
- Top public schools: Skyridge Middle School (A), Camas High School (A), Dorothy Fox Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bright Futures Christian School (unavailable), Spanish with Sarah (unavailable), Camas Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3623 NW McMaster Dr, Camas ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#15. Kirkland
- Population: 89,438
- Median home value: $662,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,861 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $117,190
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Preparatory School (A+), Providence Classical Christian School (B+), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10103 NE 66th Ln, Kirkland ($5.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $662,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,861 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $117,190
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Preparatory School (A+), Providence Classical Christian School (B+), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10103 NE 66th Ln, Kirkland ($5.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Bainbridge Island
- Population: 24,486
- Median home value: $705,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,555 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $117,990
- Top public schools: Bainbridge High School (A+), Capt. Johnston Blakely Elementary School (A+), Capt. Charles Wilkes Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Madrona School (unavailable), Montessori Country School (unavailable), St. Cecilia Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9631 Summer Hill Ln NE, Bainbridge Island ($3.9 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $705,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,555 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $117,990
- Top public schools: Bainbridge High School (A+), Capt. Johnston Blakely Elementary School (A+), Capt. Charles Wilkes Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Madrona School (unavailable), Montessori Country School (unavailable), St. Cecilia Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9631 Summer Hill Ln NE, Bainbridge Island ($3.9 million, 2 bedrooms)
#13. Lake Forest Park
- Population: 13,430
- Median home value: $623,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,617 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $126,750
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Meridian Park Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Sno-King Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3636 NE 195th St, Lake Forest Park ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $623,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,617 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $126,750
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Meridian Park Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Sno-King Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3636 NE 195th St, Lake Forest Park ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Snoqualmie
- Population: 13,480
- Median home value: $610,700 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,960 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $145,580
- Top public schools: Snoqualmie Elementary School (A), Timber Ridge Elementary School (A), Chief Kanim Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center (unavailable), Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center managed by Bright Horizons (unavailable), The Goddard School - Snoqualmie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6935 North Fork Rd SE, Snoqualmie ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $610,700 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,960 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $145,580
- Top public schools: Snoqualmie Elementary School (A), Timber Ridge Elementary School (A), Chief Kanim Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center (unavailable), Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center managed by Bright Horizons (unavailable), The Goddard School - Snoqualmie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6935 North Fork Rd SE, Snoqualmie ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
#11. Newcastle
- Population: 11,750
- Median home value: $759,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,814 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $129,828
- Top public schools: Newport Senior High School (A+), International School (A+), Liberty Senior High School (A+)
- Pictured: 14007 SE 92nd St, Newcastle ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $759,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,814 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $129,828
- Top public schools: Newport Senior High School (A+), International School (A+), Liberty Senior High School (A+)
- Pictured: 14007 SE 92nd St, Newcastle ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#10. Cottage Lake
- Population: 22,677
- Median home value: $798,200 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,992 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $161,233
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mack Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14308 217th Pl NE, Woodinville ($3.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $798,200 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,992 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $161,233
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mack Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14308 217th Pl NE, Woodinville ($3.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Woodway
- Population: 1,105
- Median home value: $1,212,000 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,625 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $194,904
- Top public schools: Edmonds Woodway High School (A), Challenge Elementary School (A), Maplewood Parent Cooperative (A)
- Pictured: 22 Woodhaven Pl, Woodway ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,212,000 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,625 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $194,904
- Top public schools: Edmonds Woodway High School (A), Challenge Elementary School (A), Maplewood Parent Cooperative (A)
- Pictured: 22 Woodhaven Pl, Woodway ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Issaquah
- Population: 37,965
- Median home value: $642,300 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,982 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $109,676
- Top public schools: Issaquah High School (A+), Skyline High School (A+), Cougar Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Parish School (A), Lakeside Montessori School - Highlands Campus (unavailable), Dartmoor School - Issaquah (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5170 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah ($4.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,300 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,982 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $109,676
- Top public schools: Issaquah High School (A+), Skyline High School (A+), Cougar Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Parish School (A), Lakeside Montessori School - Highlands Campus (unavailable), Dartmoor School - Issaquah (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5170 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah ($4.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#7. Mercer Island
- Population: 25,675
- Median home value: $1,218,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $2,162 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $147,566
- Top public schools: Mercer Island High School (A+), West Mercer Elementary School (A+), Northwood Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Northwest Yeshiva High School (A), Yellow Wood Academy (A-), French American School of Puget Sound (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6610 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island ($6.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,218,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $2,162 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $147,566
- Top public schools: Mercer Island High School (A+), West Mercer Elementary School (A+), Northwood Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Northwest Yeshiva High School (A), Yellow Wood Academy (A-), French American School of Puget Sound (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6610 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island ($6.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#6. Medina
- Population: 3,267
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,855 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $212,337
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3239 Evergreen Point Rd, Medina ($10.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,855 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $212,337
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3239 Evergreen Point Rd, Medina ($10.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#5. Bellevue
- Population: 144,403
- Median home value: $809,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,947 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $120,456
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+), Hillside Student Community School (A), Eastside Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 20 Columbia Ky, Bellevue ($7.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $809,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,947 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $120,456
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+), Hillside Student Community School (A), Eastside Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 20 Columbia Ky, Bellevue ($7.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#4. Yarrow Point
- Population: 1,202
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Clyde Hill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 9252 Points Dr NE, Yarrow Point ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Clyde Hill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 9252 Points Dr NE, Yarrow Point ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Sammamish
- Population: 64,674
- Median home value: $830,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,395 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $174,003
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Catholic School (A+), Arbor Schools (unavailable), TLC Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1818 193rd Ave SE, Sammamish ($3.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $830,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,395 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $174,003
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Catholic School (A+), Arbor Schools (unavailable), TLC Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1818 193rd Ave SE, Sammamish ($3.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
#2. Redmond
- Population: 65,558
- Median home value: $703,000 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,929 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $132,188
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brightmont Academy - Redmond (A-), The Sammamish Montessori School (unavailable), Cascadia School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 26408 NE 70th St, Redmond ($4.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $703,000 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,929 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $132,188
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brightmont Academy - Redmond (A-), The Sammamish Montessori School (unavailable), Cascadia School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 26408 NE 70th St, Redmond ($4.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
#1. Clyde Hill
- Population: 3,329
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,714 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $238,958
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bellevue Christian School (A+)
- Pictured: 1488 92nd Ave NE, Clyde Hill ($5.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,714 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $238,958
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bellevue Christian School (A+)
- Pictured: 1488 92nd Ave NE, Clyde Hill ($5.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
