Looking for the perfect place to raise a family? This list of the 10 most family-friendly suburbs in America highlights communities that offer top-tier safety, affordability, and overall quality of life.
Based on a detailed analysis of crime rates, vehicle mortality, substance use, and cost of living, these suburbs stand out as the best places for families seeking stability and peace of mind.
From the quiet charm of Great Falls, VA, to the fast-growing and secure neighborhoods of Frisco, TX, these locations provide the ideal blend of security and community, making them excellent choices for family-focused living in the U.S.
1. Great Falls
VA Great Falls, Virginia, holds the top spot as the safest suburb in the United States. This community is located on the banks of the Potomac River, offering a convenient, short drive from downtown Washington, D.C..
It demonstrates exceptional safety, boasting the second-lowest violent crime rate among all suburbs studied. Furthermore, Great Falls records the eighth-lowest vehicle mortality rate, indicating strong road safety.
The suburb also shows positive public health metrics, with less than 15% of its residents aged 18 and older engaging in excessive drinking, contributing to a safer and more stable environment for families.
2. Carmel
IN Carmel, Indiana, a prominent suburb of Indianapolis, is widely appreciated for its vibrant atmosphere and strong sense of community.
Its appeal extends beyond just safety; it was recognized as the 2023 Best Small City in America by WalletHub.
Carmel exhibits a robust commitment to road safety, reflected in its 4.86 vehicle-related fatalities per 100,000 residents, which ranks as the 23rd lowest overall.
Beyond safety, Carmel also offers affordability, being named one of the cheapest of the safest suburbs in America, where housing costs constitute only about 15% of the city’s median household income.
3. Bethesda
MD Bethesda, Maryland, another notable suburb located near Washington, D.C., is recognized for being a highly safe area.
A key safety highlight for Bethesda is its remarkably low vehicle mortality rate, which is among the lowest across all suburbs included in SmartAsset’s comprehensive study.
This indicates a strong record in preventing fatal road accidents. Additionally, Bethesda stands out for its public health, recording the 10th-lowest percentage of people who engage in excessive drinking out of the 370 suburbs analyzed.
These factors collectively contribute to Bethesda’s reputation as a secure and well-regulated community.
4. Fishers
IN Fishers, Indiana, known affectionately as one of America’s friendliest towns, secured a prominent position within the top five safest suburbs.
This suburb shares similarities with Carmel, Indiana, in its commitment to safety, including a low vehicle mortality rate.
Fishers notably distinguishes itself with a property crime rate that is among the lowest in the entire study.
Furthermore, when it comes to violent crime, Fishers demonstrates exceptional performance, reporting 84% fewer incidents on average compared to other suburbs. Alongside its safety, Fishers is also recognized for its affordability.
5. Noblesville
IN Noblesville, Indiana, marks the impressive inclusion of a third Indiana suburb on this list, showcasing the state’s strong presence in safety rankings.
This city is considered among the safest in America, consistently demonstrating high safety standards.
Like its fellow Indiana suburbs, Noblesville boasts a remarkably low vehicle mortality rate, contributing significantly to its overall safety profile.
Perhaps most notably, Noblesville stands out for its Hamilton County city property crime rate, which is an astounding 90% lower than that of any other suburbs included in the study, making it an exceptionally secure place to reside.
6. Lehi
UT Lehi, Utah, a thriving suburb of Salt Lake City, stands out as another exceptionally safe area highly appealing as a home for families.
This rapidly growing city has earned recognition for its strong safety metrics. Lehi is noted for its notably low property crime rates, with just 1,012 incidents per 100,000 residents, indicating a secure environment.
Its vehicular mortality rate is also commendably low at 5.4 per 100,000 residents. Furthermore, Lehi leads the nation with the lowest population engaging in excessive drinking by a significant margin, at just 6.74%, contributing to a sober and safe community.
7. Fort Bliss
TX Fort Bliss, Texas, is one of several Texas suburbs that secured a spot on the list of America’s safest cities.
While safety is a primary appeal, Fort Bliss also offers a notable advantage with its particularly low cost of living, enhancing its overall attractiveness for residents.
The suburb consistently demonstrates low rates across all safety categories analyzed in the study, indicating a comprehensive approach to community security.
It is especially recognized for its low vehicular mortality rate, with only 11.3 mortalities per 100,000 residents, further cementing its reputation as a safe place to live.
8. Frisco
TX Frisco, Texas, known as home to the Dallas Cowboys, is a rapidly expanding Texas suburb, having increased its population by an impressive 72% in the last decade.
Despite its rapid growth, Frisco has maintained its status as one of the safest cities in the country, boasting an impressively low crime rate across the board. This indicates effective community planning and law enforcement efforts.
Furthermore, Frisco distinguishes itself with a drug mortality rate that is among the lowest in the study, highlighting its success in addressing substance abuse issues and ensuring a healthier environment for its residents.
9. Dacula
GA Dacula, Georgia, a smaller suburb of Atlanta, has been recognized for years as a quiet town, but it is currently on an upward trend, experiencing 8.7% growth according to U.S. Census data.
Its affordability makes Dacula particularly appealing to families who are operating with a tight housing budget.
Beyond its economic advantages, this Atlanta suburb boasts a low crime rate, contributing to a sense of security for its residents.
Additionally, Dacula stands out for its notably lower vehicular mortality rate compared to many other suburbs, indicating safer roadways and a reduced risk of traffic-related fatalities.
10. Castle Rock
CO Castle Rock, Colorado, is a picturesque suburb positioned as a convenient midway point between Denver and Colorado Springs.
This community earned its place on Livability’s list of best places to live in America due to its relatively low crime rates and its close proximity to natural landscapes.
SmartAsset’s study particularly highlighted Castle Rock’s low vehicular mortality rate, recorded at 4.6 per 100,000 residents.
These combined attributes, safety, natural beauty, and strategic location, make Castle Rock an appealing option for families seeking a secure and desirable place to call home.
Alicia Richards