Plano, Texas, has garnered recognition as one of the top cities in the United States for raising a family, according to a recent comprehensive report released by WalletHub.
The report, which evaluated over 180 cities across the nation, meticulously analyzed various factors essential for family life, including the cost of housing, the quality of local schools, and the accessibility of healthcare services.
Plano emerged as a standout performer, securing the fourth position overall, trailing closely behind Fremont, California, Overland, Kansas, and Irvine, California. WalletHub’s findings also highlight Plano’s impressive rankings across key categories: fourth in socio-economics, fifth in health and safety, and seventh in affordability nationwide. In terms of education and childcare, Plano secured the 29th spot.
While Plano shines brightly in the rankings, other North Texas cities also made notable appearances. Grand Prairie claimed the 63rd position, while Fort Worth secured the 86th spot. Irving, Arlington, and Garland followed closely, securing the 97th, 99th, and 111th spots, respectively. However, Dallas found itself further down the list, landing at the 141st position.
The report underscores the challenges families face in balancing various factors, from affordability and educational opportunities to safety and recreational amenities. Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, emphasized the importance of considering proximity to extended family when choosing a location to raise children.
“Finding the best place to raise a family is difficult, between balancing an affordable cost of living with good educational opportunities, safety, and enough recreation to keep kids entertained,” Happe noted. “On top of all of these factors, people also often want to raise their children close to their extended family. Therefore, current or prospective parents can benefit from narrowing down their choices to a few of the best cities that are within a reasonable drive of their family.”
As families across the nation seek the ideal environment to nurture their loved ones, Plano’s commendable performance in WalletHub’s rankings reaffirms its status as a premier destination for family living, offering a harmonious blend of amenities, opportunities, and community spirit.