Raising children while building a career is often a delicate balancing act, but, in some cities, the scales tip more in parents’ favor. Our 2025 ranking analyzed nearly 100 cities across three verticals — career opportunities; childcare and education; and health and environment. The results reveal the places where working parents can truly thrive by combining strong job markets; top-tier schools; and healthier, more balanced lifestyles. From major hubs with powerful economies to fast-growing suburban communities, the best cities prove that professional success and family wellbeing don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

To support our data-driven study, we convened a panel of six leading experts: Maria Sargent, PhD (Ashland University); Cassandra Chaney, PhD (Louisiana State University); Rob Weisskirch (California State University, Monterey Bay); David Brasington, PhD (University of Cincinnati); Dr. M. H. Raza (Missouri State University); and Kimberly K. Merriman (UMass Lowell). This expert roundup adds valuable context on how family-friendly policies, local programs, school systems, and community resources shape the daily routines and choices of working parents. (Read their full answers at the end of the study.