10 Best Places to Live for Families

Honolulu, Hawaii

• "Best Life" magazine chose Honolulu as its top spot in the U.S. to raise a family, citing high levels of educational spending per pupil, low unemployment rates and 125 nearby beaches to enjoy with your kids. Hawaii's state capital is also a cultural center for the state of Hawaii as a whole, rich with theater and art. "Parenting" and "Men's Health" also rated Honolulu high on their lists.

Madison, Wisconsin

• Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin, ranks second in the "Men's Health" list, third at "Parenting" and eighth in the "Best Life" rankings. Situated between two lakes, Madison is blessed with numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. It's also home to the University of Wisconsin and its academic and artistic resources. Many local kid-friendly activities, such as the Henry Vilas Zoo, are free or low-cost. "Best Life" notes it also has an especially high number of pediatricians per capita.

Des Moines, Iowa

• Des Moines topped the list at "Forbes" and put in Top 10 appearances at both "Men's Health" and "Best Life" as well. Low crime, short commutes and stellar air quality helped boost its ranking. As the largest city in Iowa and also the state capital, Des Moines is the state's cultural hub, as well as a thriving business center.

Burlington, Vermont

• Burlington is "Men's Health"'s pick for best city in which to raise a family, due in large part to its high levels of educational spending per student. This largest city in the state of Vermont also has the lowest number of fast food restaurants per capita of any city in the country.

Arlington, Virginia

• "Parenting" chose Arlington as its best city for families due to its very low unemployment rate, good school system and low crime rate. It's also close to the rich cultural offerings of the nation's capital in Washington, D.C. Public transportation options are strong, and there are numerous parks to enjoy as well.

Austin, Texas

• Many cities that host both a state capital and a major university rank high on family livability lists, and Austin stands proudly among their ranks. Austin's cultural offerings draw nationwide attention, most notably during the annual SXSW festival. "Parenting" notes that the Department of Education awarded Austin's schools a blue ribbon for excellence. There's also park space and pediatricians galore.

Lexington, Kentucky

• Lexington, "The Horse Capital of the World," boasts a low crime rate, a stable housing market and acres of parks and recreational spaces, making it a desirable location for families to raise their children.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

• The "City of Lakes" and its twin sister across the Mississippi River, state capital St. Paul, both boast diverse populations, progressive social programs, good schools, rich cultural programs including a public radio station and a children's museum -- and three children's hospitals. The literacy rate is one of the highest in the country, and the Twin Cities area plays host to over a dozen institutions of higher education.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, one of the premier public universities in the country. It has a startlingly high per capita rate of educational spending per student and very low crime rates as well. Densely wooded streets and parks earn Ann Arbor the nickname "Tree Town."

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

• Raleigh-Durham is the home of several major colleges and universities. It has good air quality, strong schools, and lots of parks -- and its temperate climate means families can enjoy them year-round.