Sure, I might be a little biased, but I think New England is a great place to raise a family. I loved growing up in a place that experienced all four seasons! Also, there were always new places to explore and things to learn. We could head to Old Sturbridge Village and learn about life in 1800s, pop into Boston and spend the day at the Science Museum, or drive up to the White Mountains and hike! It's all within driving distance. I can't imagine raising my family anywhere other than New England, but then again, it's all I know.

A website called Fortune Well ranked the top 25 best cities to raise a family in the U.S.

The article explains "the Sandwich Generation", which is something I had never heard of, but it makes total sense. 45% of Americans are being squeezed by the simultaneous responsibilities of raising their children while having the financial and emotional responsibility of caring for their own aging parents. The site goes on to explain that where these families choose to live can help alleviate some of the stress, especially if they have useful amenities like good schools, access to quality healthcare, community support, and resources for aging residents.

The site worked to find hometowns that provided the right mix to meet the needs of multigenerational families. They analyzed 215,000 data points across five categories:

  • Education
  • Aging resources
  • General wellness
  • Financial health
  • Livability

Out of the nearly 2,000 cities and towns analyzed, I was SHOOKETH to see that only two New England cities made the list.

Brookline, Massachusetts

January Snowstorm in Brookline
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Right in Boston's backyard, Brookline, Massachusetts, came in at #16 and is a great mix of urban and suburban life. There are so many thriving small businesses in their downtown. It's also gorgeous and conveniently located on the MBTA's Green Line, making it a very desirable spot for commuters. The site goes on to explain that the town has a great school system and amenities for the aging community, including the Brookline Senior Center and Brookline Adult and Community Education. It's so important for our seniors to continue to feel like they are part of the community, and these groups achieve that.

South Portland, Maine

South Portland, Maine, USA
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This scenic, coastal town came in at #13. The site states that the median home price in South Portland is just above the national average at around $270,000. This is a tradeoff for the above-average public school system, not to mention the plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, and close proximity to the beach.

What cities do you think are missing from this list? Check out the full list of cities and findings here.

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