Washington is an extremely family-friendly state. Whether you prefer to raise your children on a rural farm, in a mid-sized suburb or in the heart of the city, you’ll have excellent options. There really is no bad place to raise a family here—but according to the sites nerdwallet.com and localniche.com, these are 15 of the best.
- Redmond, King County
Kurt Clark / Flickr Great schools and an abundance of job opportunities (Microsoft and Nintendo have offices here.) make this Seattle suburb a popular place for families. It is also home to the state’s only competitive cycling track.
- Snoqualmie, King County
Gilad Rom / Flickr Another town with great schools, this eco-conscious community has higher housing costs. The median household income and incredible surroundings easily make up for this. Head out for a hike and enjoy beautiful Snoqualmie Falls.
- Ridgefield, Clark County
Sarah McDevitt / Flickr This charming small towns offers family friendly festivals like the popular July 4th celebration and an annual birding festival. Nearly 44% of households here include children.
- Maple Valley, King County
Diana Robinson / Flickr This town places a strong emphasis on community and the arts. The schools here have been awarded a “Green Ribbon” designation by the U.S. Department of Education for their environmental efforts.
- Woodinville, King County
Erin / Flickr This rapidly expanding town recently remodeled their high school adding an entire performing arts wing. Woodinville is also home to the state’s oldest winery, the perfect place for parent’s night out.
- Issaquah, King County
Jasperdo / Flickr A popular hiking destination, the Costco corporation is also headquartered here. High school students in Issaquah had some of the highest ACT scores in the nation.
- Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County
Jordan Petram / Flickr This safe city was voted by both CNN Money and Money Magazine as a top place to live in the United States. In 2001, their little league team made it all the way to the world series.
- Lynden, Whatcom County
Jasperdo / Flickr This thriving community sits just 5 miles from the Canadian border and places a strong emphasis on education, agriculture and public safety.
- Tumwater, Thurston County
Manuel Iglesias / Flickr The wealthiest city in Thurston County, this town offers numerous parks and recreational activities.
- Anacortes, Skagit County
Dana / Flickr Nearly 80% of teachers in the Anacortes school system have obtained master’s degrees or higher. This popular boating destination is also fairly affordable.
- Newcastle, King County
Andy Simonds / Flickr A former coal mining town, this Seattle suburb constantly tops “best places to live” lists; they have been honored by both CNN Money and Newsweek. This hilltop town offers scenic city views, golfing and a sizable system of hiking trails.
- Olympia, Thurston County
Jon. D. Anderson / Flickr Washington’s capital offers numerous cultural opportunities and an exceptional home schooling program. Their earth day festival is nationally recognized.
- Chehalis, Lewis County
Wikipedia Chehalis is home to multiple museums and the beautiful Rainbow Falls State Park. It’s not easy to get bored in this small town.
- Mukilteo, Snohomish County
Scott Smithson / Flickr One of the wealthiest Seattle suburbs, many schools in the district are award-winning.
- Richland, Benton County
Colleen Lane / Flickr Top schools and a lower cost of living make Richland a great choice for families.
Did you grow up in any of these places?
Kurt Clark / Flickr
Great schools and an abundance of job opportunities (Microsoft and Nintendo have offices here.) make this Seattle suburb a popular place for families. It is also home to the state’s only competitive cycling track.
Gilad Rom / Flickr
Another town with great schools, this eco-conscious community has higher housing costs. The median household income and incredible surroundings easily make up for this. Head out for a hike and enjoy beautiful Snoqualmie Falls.
Sarah McDevitt / Flickr
This charming small towns offers family friendly festivals like the popular July 4th celebration and an annual birding festival. Nearly 44% of households here include children.
Diana Robinson / Flickr
This town places a strong emphasis on community and the arts. The schools here have been awarded a “Green Ribbon” designation by the U.S. Department of Education for their environmental efforts.
Erin / Flickr
This rapidly expanding town recently remodeled their high school adding an entire performing arts wing. Woodinville is also home to the state’s oldest winery, the perfect place for parent’s night out.
Jasperdo / Flickr
A popular hiking destination, the Costco corporation is also headquartered here. High school students in Issaquah had some of the highest ACT scores in the nation.
Jordan Petram / Flickr
This safe city was voted by both CNN Money and Money Magazine as a top place to live in the United States. In 2001, their little league team made it all the way to the world series.
This thriving community sits just 5 miles from the Canadian border and places a strong emphasis on education, agriculture and public safety.
Manuel Iglesias / Flickr
The wealthiest city in Thurston County, this town offers numerous parks and recreational activities.
Dana / Flickr
Nearly 80% of teachers in the Anacortes school system have obtained master’s degrees or higher. This popular boating destination is also fairly affordable.
Andy Simonds / Flickr
A former coal mining town, this Seattle suburb constantly tops “best places to live” lists; they have been honored by both CNN Money and Newsweek. This hilltop town offers scenic city views, golfing and a sizable system of hiking trails.
Jon. D. Anderson / Flickr
Washington’s capital offers numerous cultural opportunities and an exceptional home schooling program. Their earth day festival is nationally recognized.
Wikipedia
Chehalis is home to multiple museums and the beautiful Rainbow Falls State Park. It’s not easy to get bored in this small town.
Scott Smithson / Flickr
One of the wealthiest Seattle suburbs, many schools in the district are award-winning.
Colleen Lane / Flickr
Top schools and a lower cost of living make Richland a great choice for families.
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