WalletHub >For the family list, "WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 46 key metrics that consider essential family dynamics, such as the cost of housing, the quality of local school and health-care systems, and the opportunities for fun and recreation," they said.
The real estate list establishes "the best local real-estate markets in the U.S.," by comparing "300 cities of varying sizes across 22 key indicators of housing-market attractiveness and economic strength," they said. "Our data set ranges from median home-price appreciation to home sales turnover rate to job growth."
Evaluating both lists, three cities stand out: Irvine, CA; Seattle, WA; and Boise, ID.
Moving to Irvine
Irvines total 70.74 score for their No. 2 ranking on the Best Cities for Families list includes:
No. 28 for Family Fun
No. 3 for Health and Safety
No. 3 for Education and Child Care
No. 49 for Affordability
No. 4 for Socio-Economics
The citys No. 27 rank on the Best Real Estate Markets list breaks down like this:
A total 67.58 score
No. 40 for Real Estate Market
No. 27 for Affordability and Economic
In their look at the Best Places to Live, Time: Money noted: "Its no wonder people flock toIrvine; it boasts high-paying jobs, stellar public schools and a quick 10-mile drive to the coast. Plus, for 11 years running, the FBI has named this family-oriented Orange County city one of the safest in the country."
They also point out the desirability of Irvines family friendly neighborhoods or villages. "Homes in each surround a neighborhood park, playground and pool, and youd be hard-pressed to find anyone outside the pool on a hot summer day," they said. "On weekends, Irvines bike paths are also busy; more than 350 miles of on- and off-street bike lanes connect all corners of the city."
Irvine ranked 15th on U.S. News World Reports 2018 Best Places to Live in the United States list, which was created to "highlight areas across the country that have the characteristics residents are looking for, including steady job growth and affordability," said Patch. "The top-ranked places are areas where citizens can feel the most fulfilled socially, physically and financially."
That affordability is >less pricey than some other California cities, it may be a rude awakening for those coming from other parts of the country.
Still, if you can afford it, Livability says youll love living in this city that "consistently ranks as one of our Best Places to Live" thanks to "an average temperature of 71 degrees," its focus on technology, "more than 16,000 acres of parks and open spaceand access to three top medical facilities."
Moving to Seattle
Seattles total 63.44 score for their No. 15 ranking on the Best Cities for Families list includes:
No. 47 for Family Fun
No. 37 for Health and Safety
No. 25 for Education and Child Care
No. 27 for Affordability
No. 59 for Socio-Economics
Seattle is No. 8 on the real estate market list with a 72.16 score, including:
No. 3 for Real Estate Market
No. 171 for Affordability and Economic
Looking at that last number and shaking your head? Yes, Seattle is expensive. Thecost of living"isnt as high as it is in that other West Coast tech hub, but it isnt exactly low either," said SmartAsset. "Whats more, as a result of rapid population growth in recent yearsliving costs have been rising quickly. If youre in the market for buying a home, be prepared to face a lot of competition."
But those who live there and love it think there are enough upsides to make the price points worth it. Mostly. Here are some pros and cons of living in Seattle according to SmartAsset:
"Seattle is a city unlike any other," they said. Nestled between the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, along the shores of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, its natural beauty causes manywho visit to wish they could stay forever."
Theres no state income tax but there is a high sales tax rate.
"Seattle has the countrys best summers. Theyre warm and dry, with low humidity and lots of sunshine. Its the perfect time of year to enjoy the many natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, like Olympic National Park or the San Juan islands."
That rain may not be so bad. "Usually when it rains in Seattle, it comes down as a mist. Seattleites dont even bother flipping the hood on the raincoat they probably purchased at REI. The real problem is the gloom. Seattle has more cloudy days than almost any other U.S. city, and its far-northern location means winter days are especially short." If you start to get down when you havent seen the sun for a day, Seattle might really affect you.
The aforementioned population explosion. "In 2000, the population of Seattle was about 560,000. Today, the population has grown to more than 660,000. Thats 100,000 new residents in 15 years, and the growth shows no signs of slowing down, with tech companies like Google, Facebook and especially Amazonplanning on increasing their hiring in the city. That has downsides, like the competitive rental marketand the gridlocked streets, but it also has upsides. For example, as a new arrival, you shouldnt have any problem meeting people who are also getting acquainted with the city."
Lots of local sports team with fervent fans.
Bad traffic but decent public transportation. "If you dont have a car or dont want to drive,Seattles public transportation system should get you where you need to go."
And, of course, some serious coffee. This is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all.
Moving to Boise
Boise scores a total of 63.26 on the Best Cities for Families list for a No. 17 ranking and gets:
No. 17 for Family Fun
No. 18 for Health and Safety
No. 169 for Education and Child Care
No. 8 for Affordability
No. 55 for Socio-Economics
On the Best Real Estate Markets list, it comes in at No. 19, which breaks down as:
A 68.95 score
No. 23 for Real Estate Market
No. 40 for Affordability and Economic
If youre thinking about a move to Boise, its important to note that the city ranks highly on US News Best Places to Live as well as its Best Places to Retire lists.
"Boise is a recreationalists paradise," said US News. "If you value the outdoors and time spent among rivers, mountains, canyons, deserts and lakes -- and all the activities encapsulated therein -- its worth a serious look.
In addition, the city has a "booming" downtown area with ample new construction, "locally sourced food and drink," and ample entertainment options. "Idahos capital sits squa>Local radio personality Jeremy Hobson from Here Now weighed in on whether "Boise is the next Portland" on WBUR, saying: "Boises cultural cachet is growing as tourists and new residents seek out its unique food and music scenes, as well as its low cost-of-living."
Boises lower cost of living is a huge driver for those moving to the city, as is its reputation as a safe city, and changing economic landscape. "People really like to come here, especially from the tech sector. That is changing the look and feel of Boise. For a long time, Boise has been kind of flyover country, and that is changing in a big way."
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