Starting a family in 2025 brings many challenges. Rising costs, safety concerns and school quality all play major roles in where families decide to settle. Across the country some towns and suburbs stand out by offering a smart balance of affordability, stability and family-friendly living. Many are outside major metro areas yet still deliver strong schools, safe neighborhoods and good job opportunities.
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Here are nine communities where new families can find value without sacrificing quality of life. The cost estimates are based on Economic Policy Institute data and show what it takes for a family of four to live modestly but comfortably.
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Naperville, Illinois
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Annual cost of living: $110,472
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Average home value: $602,133, monthly rent around $2,200
Naperville is nationally known for its quality of life. It offers top schools, low crime and a walkable downtown. Located just outside Chicago, it provides suburban comfort without big-city stress. Though living costs are above average many families see long-term value in the safety, education and strong community.
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The Woodlands, Texas
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Annual cost of living: $97,109
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Average home value: $454,872, monthly rent around $2,685
Just north of Houston, The Woodlands is a master-planned community with a family-first design. It is known for safety, good schools and more than 200 miles of trails. This peaceful neighborhood offers strong local amenities making it an ideal place to raise children. Average home value of $454,872 was sourced from U.S. News & World Report.
Fairfax County, Virginia
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Annual cost of living: $144,138
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Average home value: $789,733, monthly rent around $2,700
Home to some of the nation’s top-ranked public schools and just a short commute to Washington, D.C., Fairfax County offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and urban opportunity. The higher cost reflects reliable schools, strong infrastructure and lasting appeal for families seeking both convenience and stability.
Montgomery County, Maryland
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Annual cost of living: $144,001
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Average home value: $633,256, monthly rent around $2,100
Also bordering Washington, D.C., Montgomery County features top-rated schools, a diverse population and a strong job market. Safe neighborhoods and plenty of green space offer families a mix of urban energy and suburban calm with room to grow.
Wake County, North Carolina
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Annual cost of living: $114,321
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Average home value: $496,690, monthly rent around $1,950
Centered around Raleigh, Wake County combines Southern charm with a booming tech and education sector. Families enjoy excellent public schools, low crime and a balance of city life and suburban peace. Growth and job access make it a smart long-term choice.
Fargo, North Dakota
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Annual cost of living: $91,685
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Average home value: $316,579, monthly rent around $1,500
New families are drawn to Fargo for its rare combination of affordability, safety and opportunity. Housing costs are well below the national average making homeownership easier for first-time buyers. Strong public schools, low crime and a growing job market add to its stability and appeal.
Plymouth, Minnesota
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Annual cost of living: $119,863
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Average home value: $507,890, monthly rent around $1,805
For new families looking to settle near the Twin Cities, Plymouth offers strong schools, safe streets and access to parks and lakes. Families like the balance of opportunity and comfort, along with its reputation for livability and community involvement.
Frisco, Texas
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Annual cost of living: $125,280
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Average home value: $690,340, monthly rent around $2,100
Located just north of Dallas, Frisco is one of Texas’s fastest-growing suburbs. It features top-rated schools, low crime and plenty of family-friendly amenities. The area offers long-term value in a vibrant region, making it a standout choice for those seeking long-term value in a fast-growing region.
Lincoln, Nebraska
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Annual cost of living: $106,735
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Median home value: $288,219, monthly rent around $1,200
Lincoln combines affordability with a strong sense of community, making it ideal for new families. Housing costs sit well below the national average, helping make homeownership more attainable. A strong job market, quality public schools, safe neighborhoods and plenty of parks and outdoor space all add to its appeal as a smart, balanced place to grow.
Editor’s note: Average home values were sourced from Zillow, unless otherwise stated.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Best Places in the US for New Families — and How Much It Costs To Live There
