September 12, 2025
For this list focusing on the Western U.S., places with populations of over 10,000 were considered
While we’re pretty far removed from the Westward expansion of the 1800s, there are still plenty of enticing reasons to move out West, including the natural beauty and ample professional opportunities that make it a wonderful place to raise a family. The most recent census data released in May 2025 showed continued population growth for the region. Smaller cities and towns experienced tinier bumps, while larger cities saw a growth rate of around 1%. Los Angeles, in particular, drew 31,000 residents in 2025, earning it third place among the country’s largest-gaining cities.
Of course, there are endless attractive destinations across the region, most of which don’t have the name recognition of LA. The abundance of jobs in entertainment, technology, and science is one of the more practical reasons to relocate to the West. Add to that the consistent (some might say consistently pleasant) weather, entrepreneurial opportunities, a broad focus on health, and a peaceful lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why so many Americans choose to call the West home.
But where in the West suits your family best? Deciding on a place to raise a family on the West Coast comes with several key considerations, including the basics such as the cost of living and the quality of the public school system. Then there are the west coast lifestyle considerations: the feel of the area, population density, safety, family activities, and the town’s walkability, among other factors. Finding a place that checks off all the boxes can be tricky—in some cases, nearly impossible. Nevertheless, neighborhoods, towns, and cities fit everyone’s lifestyle and needs.
To help families at all stages take a data-driven approach to finding the best communities within the American West, Stacker consulted Niche’s 2025 Best Places to Raise a Family ranking, which evaluates dozens of important components for raising a family on the U.S. West Coast. Public schools have the heaviest weight among the considerations included, while crime and safety, cost of living, demographics, and community resources all factor strongly.
For this list focusing on the Western U.S., places with populations of over 10,000 were considered in the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Read on for a list of the top places in the West that will allow your family to thrive.
#25. Solana Beach, California
– Population: 12,841
This small town in Southern California has a mix of active families, competitive surfers, and nature preservationists. It only spans 3.5 square miles by the sea, but this limited area offers beautiful sunsets and stunning seascapes. Due to its quaint size, this neighborhood is a tight-knit and relatively affluent community, with a median home value exceeding $1.9 million.
#24. Corte Madera, California
– Population: 10,101
Located at the base of Mount Tamalpais, Corte Madera is beloved for the laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle it provides. Residents can enjoy two protected natural areas (the Shorebird Marsh and the Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve), two of the best shopping centers in Marin County, and a weekly farmer’s market that brings fresh produce and locally-made goods from all over the state. Corte Madera also emphasizes education, offering several highly-ranked public school options and a handful of private schools for families to choose from.
#23. San Marino, California
– Population: 12,279
San Marino, an affluent suburb of Los Angeles, is a destination for many wealthy retirees. Despite the older demographic, this slightly rural-feeling neighborhood is also ideal for raising a family. The area offers many cultural activities, such as visiting the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens; watching the New Year’s Day Rose Parade; or exploring the Kidspace Children’s Museum.
#22. Mercer Island, Washington
– Population: 25,282
At the center of Lake Washington, Mercer Island is connected to Seattle by a bridge. It has been a decade since Business Insider named Mercer Island one of the 50 best American suburbs, but the community continues to thrive. With scenic landscapes, beautiful parks, excellent public schools, and a strong sense of community, it’s easy to see the allure for families.
#21. Castle Pines, Colorado
– Population: 12,573
Niche named Castle Pines the #5 best place to raise a family in Colorado. It is a suburb of Denver with exceptional public schools and a rural feel. In another affluent community, the median household income is nearly $190,000, which matches the average home value of over $825,000. For the steep prices, residents have access to ample parks and recreation areas.
#20. Foster City, California
– Population: 32,964
Foster City is a planned community situated on an island in San Francisco’s marshlands, developed in the early 1960s. Designed specifically for families, it has 24 parks spanning some 200 acres, a golf course and driving range, a public amphitheater, a teen activity center, a thriving local theater program, a well-connected library system, and a host of highly rated public and private schools. Its proximity to Silicon Valley and the placement of several notable companies’ headquarters in the surrounding area mean finding employment is a breeze.
#19. Woodinville, Washington
– Population: 13,440
Located 15 miles northeast of Seattle, Woodinville is a picturesque community nestled in the Sammamish River Valley. Known for its tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities, the town has more than 100 tasting rooms and miles of bike trails. It also features a robust schedule of festivals and events, making it easy to stay engaged with the local community.
#18. Piedmont, California
– Population: 11,012
Piedmont, a suburb of Oakland and a liberal neighborhood, has an extremely high median home value of $2 million. The population also boasts a high level of academic achievement, with 35% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree and 52% having received a master’s degree or higher.
#17. Hermosa Beach, California
– Population: 19,248
Named an “outstanding coastal town” by Los Angeles Magazine, life in Hermosa Beach is centered around the outdoors of the West Coast. Whether spending a day on the area’s 94 acres of public beach or biking along the Strand (a gravel path connecting many beach towns up and down the California coast), there are plenty of ways to spend your free hours. Mild year-round temperatures are also a major draw for families looking to avoid cold weather.
#16. Pleasanton, California
– Population: 77,500
Another suburb of California’s Bay Area, Pleasanton has a “dense suburban feel” mixed with quaint small-town charm. Families can enjoy a local farmer’s market, learn to identify trees in nearby Sycamore Grove Regional Park, or check out the Alameda County Fairgrounds in the summer.
#15. Albany, California
– Population: 19,768
Earning a prime spot among the best California suburbs, Albany is a blend of suburban and urban areas. Its high median home value is nevertheless not quite as steep as many of its neighboring communities. Residents are fairly split between owning and renting, with 54% owning their homes.
#14. Greenwood Village, Colorado
– Population: 15,485
A few miles south of Denver, Greenwood Village boasts an open feel, featuring more than 300 acres of parks and 100 acres of intentionally undeveloped space. Home to the Denver Technological Center, a development that houses the headquarters of numerous technology-focused companies, the region offers numerous solid employment opportunities. Outside working hours, residents can enjoy a variety of unique dining options, concerts, and theater performances at the Curtis Center for the Arts, the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, and miles of trails in the High Line Canal and Cherry Creek Trail systems.
#13. Moraga, California
– Population: 16,790
Moraga, a suburb of San Francisco, is home to a mix of young professionals and retirees. The median home value in this affluent area is closing in on $1.6 million, and an impressive 84% of residents own their homes. Its proximity to San Francisco allows residents to take advantage of the city’s energy while also enjoying the quaintness of the suburbs.
#12. Bellevue, Washington
– Population: 151,199
This city offers an “urban suburban mix feel” with many shops, activities, and restaurants. There is no shortage of fun for the whole family, including the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue Downtown Park, Chism Beach Park, and the shopping center at Bellevue Square.
#11. San Ramon, California
– Population: 85,734
Because it’s near Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, San Ramon is an ideal suburb for raising a family and enjoying city life, especially for those seeking a “dense suburban” feel. Those concerned about crime will be pleased to learn that San Ramon’s crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. The city also has several excellent public schools.
#10. Bethany, Oregon
– Population: 31,700
The Portland, Oregon, suburb of Bethany is more ethnically and economically diverse than many other communities on this list. It has scored several No. 1 placements in Niche’s rankings, including the best place to raise a family in Oregon, the best suburbs in Oregon, and the best suburbs for raising a family in Oregon. Bethany’s strong public schools certainly help it earn those top spots.
#9. Irvine, California
– Population: 308,160
For the last two decades, Irvine has earned the title of the “safest city of its size,” which makes it a wonderful place to raise a family. Despite its population, this city has the charm of being a college town, as it’s home to the University of California, Irvine. It offers easy access to restaurants, shops, and parks, and is only about an hour from Los Angeles (depending on traffic).
#8. Manhattan Beach, California
– Population: 34,584
Known for its breathtaking beachfront, Manhattan Beach is a staple of California’s iconic surf scene. It is an excellent place for active families to settle down. The natural beauty has made people flock to this affluent community, with an average home value of $2 million and a median rent of almost $3,500. Additionally, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District consistently ranks highly among schools in L.A. County.
#7. Mountain View, California
– Population: 82,363
Mountain View is the true heart of Silicon Valley, filled with sprawling tech industry campuses and acclaimed eateries. The city boasts a vibrant community of young professionals, most of whom rent and pay an average of nearly $3,000 to do so. For families, Mountain View has the added advantage of exceptional schools, including several rated A+ by Niche.
#6. Redondo Beach, California
– Population: 69,814
A “quintessential laid-back beach town,” Redondo Beach is known for its beauty, world-class shopping, abundance of outdoor activities, and iconic horseshoe-shaped pier. A mere 30-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, the area is within easy commuting distance, offering a more low-key, community-oriented way of life that appeals to many.
#5. South Pasadena, California
– Population: 26,297
While affordability certainly isn’t the selling point for choosing South Pasadena to raise your family—with a median home value of over $1.5 million—the city does have plenty to offer. It has a diverse community, crime rates below the national average, and excellent public schools.
#4. Redmond, Washington
– Population: 75,721
Redmond is another suburb of Seattle, known for housing the state’s burgeoning tech scene. With the headquarters for Microsoft and Nintendo of America within the city limits—not to mention other top companies—there is a significant job market for those looking for a stable place to raise their family. The median household income is over $160,000.
#3. Sammamish, Washington
– Population: 66,375
Sammamish was ranked No. 11 on U.S. News & World Report’s best places to live for 2025, so its high placement on this West Coast list is no surprise. A relatively easy commute from Seattle, the city offers numerous parks and outdoor spaces, as well as strong employment opportunities, which contribute to its impressive median income of over $225,000. The diverse community has also been recognized for its excellent schools.
#2. Cherry Creek, Colorado
– Population: 11,011
Cherry Creek is a suburb of Denver, located just a few miles from downtown. While the neighborhood is known for its shopping scene, namely the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, it also offers exceptional safety and many recreational opportunities. More than three in four residents own their homes, with an average value of over $850,000.
#1. La Cañada Flintridge, California
– Population: 20,094
Located in the Crescenta Valley at the base of the Verdugo Mountains, La Cañada Flintridge also provides stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Although the community is rural, with proximity to the Angeles National Forest, it offers a variety of local restaurants and shops, as well as access to Los Angeles. La Cañada Flintridge boasts low crime rates, substantial ethnic and economic diversity, a high average household income, and fantastic schools—all of which combine to secure the top spot on this list.
Additional writing by Madison Troyer. Story editing by Louis Peitzman. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire.
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