Massachusetts named as the best state to raise a family

Real Estate

By Mary K. Jacob

If you’re looking to raise your brood in what’s just been named as the best place in the nation to do that, you should embrace the Spirit of America.

That’s right: Emerging as the prime contender for the ideal family-centric location is Massachusetts, securing its top spot for the second consecutive year.

That’s according to a comprehensive evaluation by WalletHub that analyzed five key pillars, including Family Fun, Health & Safety, Education & Child Care, Affordability and Socio-economics. It utilized 50 pertinent metrics graded on a 100-point scale to determine optimal living conditions for families.

WalletHub aimed to identify a location balancing affordability amid inflationary pressures, while offering top-notch educational facilities, healthcare and recreational amenities.

That said, garnering a cumulative score of 66.97, the New England state soared to the summit primarily due to its remarkable prowess in the Education & Child Care dimension.

Famed for its esteemed academic institutions like Harvard and MIT, Massachusetts boasts a public school system hailed as one of the world’s finest, earning praise from Niche, a notable education assessment organization.

However, it comes at a cost. The report also sheds light on the cost of residing in Massachusetts, which stands at 50% higher than the national average. Housing costs, in particular, surge significantly at 124% above the national average, coupled with utilities tallying at 14% higher, according to data from Payscale.

The current real estate landscape in Massachusetts has an average home value of $588,621, signifying a 6.7% increase over the past year.

Meanwhile, Zillow’s data suggests a median rent of $3,050 encompassing all bedroom types and property categories within the state.

The list’s top 10 states to raise a family feature a mix of regions, with North Dakota securing the second spot, climbing two positions from its 2023 ranking.

1. Massachusetts
2. North Dakota
3. Minnesota
4. Nebraska
5. New York
6. Maine
7. New Hampshire
8. South Dakota
9. Rhode Island
10. Vermont

Notably, North Dakota excels in Education & Child Care, claiming the second position, and tops the charts for Socio-economics, reflecting a robust job market and enviable employment statistics.

A Forbes analysis corroborates North Dakota’s economic strength, spotlighting it as among the states with the lowest unemployment rates at a mere 1.9%.

Additionally, WalletHub’s findings indicate that North Dakota maintains a cost of living that’s 4% lower than the national average, with housing costs marked at 12% below the national average and utilities registering at par.

North Dakota’s positive attributes extend beyond economic facets. The state’s recognition as one of the least stressed states in a separate WalletHub report adds another feather to its cap, underscoring its holistic appeal as a favorable environment for families.