Reevaluating Suburban Dreams: Insights on Family Living
If you’re dreaming of suburban life, you might want to reconsider, particularly if Newark is on your list.
Newark has emerged as the fifth-best place in the West for raising a family in 2025, according to a recent report.
Wallethub assessed 182 cities across the U.S., analyzing 45 different factors in categories like family fun, safety, education, childcare, affordability, and socioeconomics. Each city received a score out of 100.
From that extensive analysis, experts highlighted both the top and bottom cities, and the results might be unexpected.
Newark ranked notably for its education and childcare (No. 53), but overall, it found itself toward the bottom of the list.
In fact, across the rankings, Memphis landed last, followed by Detroit, Cleveland, and Gulfport, Mississippi.
On a brighter note, one of the top-ranked cities is just a short drive away from the tri-state area, despite the potential for some infant tantrums along the way.
South Burlington, Vermont, secured the fifth position nationally and is only about five hours from NYC. This picturesque New England city is praised for its education and childcare, along with clean air, low crime, and a delightful maple syrup charm.
Leading the pack this year, Fremont, California, took the top spot.
However, New Jersey parents might want to think twice before making any hasty relocations.
Kensington, Long Island, earned the second spot in a separate ranking focused on family-friendly locations. The Great Neck Hamlet boasts a median household income of $217,679, a range of excellent public schools, and a notably low crime rate.
Other Nassau County highlights include Syosset (No. 11), Jericho (21), East Williston (30), and Manhasset (39), each offering upscale shopping and beautifully maintained lawns.
In Westchester County, Scarsdale and Ardsley made strong showings, ranking No. 13 and No. 14, respectively.
Conversely, the South Shore didn’t fare as well. Merrick positioned itself at 512, Onetag hit a low of 982, and Massapequa, recently linked to the Gilgo Beach case, fell far behind at 3,087.
Yet, while some families may dream of escaping to beautiful Vermont or pricey Long Island, none of these cities truly earns a gold star in every category.
Chip Lupo from Wallethub notes that many people prefer to raise their children near extended family, suggesting that it’s not a failing as a parent if you’re trying to stay close to loved ones.
