Best in the West for Raising Families

The costs of homeownership and having children are rising, especially on the coasts. A new study finds the best cities on the West Coast to settle down and raise a family.

SmartAsset's study finds that 9 of the top 10 cities are in California, and seven are within an hour of the Bay Area, even though San Francisco is ranked 68th, due to low graduation rates and high crime rates, as well as a tiny population aged 19 years and younger. San Ramon, Calif. took the top spot, in part due to its high scores for livability, share of housing costs as a percent of median income, and low poverty, crime, and unemployment rates.

It costs more than $233,000 to raise a child through age 17, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Given that high cost, you want to know that you’re living in a place that is conducive to your family’s happiness and success. In this study, we looked at almost a dozen factors, including childcare costs and housing affordability, to find the best cities on the West Coast for families.

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