Anonymous wrote:I have done extensive research on this, because we have many options for relocating eventually. Most cities have sub-par public schools, with maybe one or two pricey neighborhoods where schools are decent. Some cities have close-in suburbs that are walkable and have good schools. Some cities you have to go way out to the cookie cutter burbs to find good schools (and these are the ones I've crossed off my list).

Places that might work are:
St. Louis (close-in burbs with character; lots of family activities; good COL; public transit options)
Minneapolis (close-in burbs; good parks; homes with character; not sure about public transit)
Denver (close-in burbs, though a few city hoods have good schools; good parks; public transit stinks)
Portland (close-in burbs; good parks; homes with character; good public transit)

There aren't many options. DC actually has what you're looking for, but it comes with a hefty price tag.

what was your opinion on Austin? We almost moved there and were pleased with our options, although there were drawbacks as well. We were only looking at certain neighborhoods and schools, though.

I think this area is as close to the sweet spot as you can get. Lots of options for kids, decent public transport, good public schools in the burbs (with options in DC proper). We consider ourselves pretty lucky, honestly. And we don't even live in the most sought after/expensive neighborhood, but our public schools in our pyramid are still award winning.

Saint Louis suburbs are a great place to raise children.

There are tons of free or very inexpensive activities for children: St. Louis Zoo (arguably the best zoo in the country, and free to boot), Magic House, the Science Center, Museum of Transportation, Westward Expansion Museum/Arch, City Museum, The Muny (free seats in the back for every show), Wabash Miniature Railroad, Botanical Gardens (lots of festivals), soccer fields everywhere (Soccer in St. Louis is like swimming in NOVA), Grants Farm, Laumier Sculpture Park, Art Hill, Historic St. Charles, Meramac Caverns, Six Flags, etc.

The schools are generally good, and you have a choice between big mega districts similar to Fairfax (like Rockwood) and many smaller local districts like Falls Church (Clayton, Webster, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Brentwood, etc). St Louis has many, many wonderful Catholic schools as well.

Cost of living is very low.

The only place they are lacking is in public transport. Some neighborhoods are walkable, but quite frankly, you do need a car to survive in St. Louis.

The climate stinks for a good part of the year. It is like an inconsistent Virginia, with a ton of gulf humidity (muggiest we have ever lived) and ice in the winter.

I have done extensive research on this, because we have many options for relocating eventually. Most cities have sub-par public schools, with maybe one or two pricey neighborhoods where schools are decent. Some cities have close-in suburbs that are walkable and have good schools. Some cities you have to go way out to the cookie cutter burbs to find good schools (and these are the ones I've crossed off my list).

Places that might work are:
St. Louis (close-in burbs with character; lots of family activities; good COL; public transit options)
Minneapolis (close-in burbs; good parks; homes with character; not sure about public transit)
Denver (close-in burbs, though a few city hoods have good schools; good parks; public transit stinks)
Portland (close-in burbs; good parks; homes with character; good public transit)

There aren't many options. DC actually has what you're looking for, but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Madison, WI

Where I live in MoCo seems to fit the bill pretty well.

Anonymous wrote:The magic kingdom in disney world

LOL

Minneapolis comes to mind.

Anonymous wrote:Much of San Diego but I'm partial to Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Hills, etc

Hillcrest isn't very child-friendly. I know, I've been there with small children frequently. It's like DuPont, but with an edge.

I think NYC and nw DC have those qualities now. Boston as well.

The magic kingdom in disney world

Anonymous wrote:Much of San Diego but I'm partial to Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Hills, etc

SD is the only one that comes to mind too! Unfortunately, it's hard to find a job there in my field.

Anonymous wrote:I understand that you have kids right now, so that is your immediate concern, but I don't think you actually want to live in a city that caters to one demographic group over others. What you want is a city with good public services for everyone. A healthy, dynamic system has adequate resources for citizens at all stages of life so that people can invest in the community and make it the place that they choose to live out their lives. Population stability is what makes a city work over the long haul.

Yes, I would like that! Now, does it exist?

I understand that you have kids right now, so that is your immediate concern, but I don't think you actually want to live in a city that caters to one demographic group over others. What you want is a city with good public services for everyone. A healthy, dynamic system has adequate resources for citizens at all stages of life so that people can invest in the community and make it the place that they choose to live out their lives. Population stability is what makes a city work over the long haul.

Much of San Diego but I'm partial to Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Hills, etc

Does my dream city exist? I'd like walkability, parks, good schools, activities for kids and adults, good public transportation. Does such city exist, do you think NYC or DC will become more kid-friendly?