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.
Advertisement
Related Stories
New-Home Sales
Mortgage Rates Are Up but New-Home Sales Still Solid in March
Lack of existing home inventory drove a rise in new-home sales, despite higher interest rates in March
Labor + Trade Relations
Who's Earning What in Construction
Workers in construction management roles may earn a higher median wage, but on average, lower-paid occupations have experienced somewhat faster wage growth
Build to Rent
Build-to-Rent Is Booming, Particularly in These Metros
A recent report finds that the Phoenix metro leads with more than 4,000 build-to-rent units completed in 2023, and Texas is the leading state for build-to-rent development