UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#6. Chandler
An annual Ostrich Festival with carnival rides, spring training games between 15 Major League Baseball teams and chihuahua races on Cinco de Mayo are just some of the family-friendly activities that help make Chandler, AZ, one of the Best Cities for Families. But what really drew our attention to this Phoenix suburb was the high percentage of children the city has, the great schools in Chandler, the comfortable climate and a massive assortment of recreational facilities. It’s easy to see that community leaders focus on providing children with educational resources and plenty of ways to stay active and engaged.
Chandler receives an average of 330 days of sunshine each year, which allows residents to spend lots of time outdoors and utilize the city’s elaborate aquatic centers and large playgrounds. More than 60 regional, community and neighborhood parks provide families with plenty of options for getting out to play. More than 325 miles of paved bike lanes and paths in Chandler make biking around town a safe option for families with young children. City, regional and nearby national parks give parents options to take their children rafting, hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking just about any day of the year. Homes in Chandler range in size and cost, making it a great place for families to choose the lifestyle they want.
Professional baseball players come to the Valley of the Sun for spring training, and Chandler is located within minutes of stadiums that host preseason games. When it comes to fun events, it’s hard to beat the Ostrich Festival. Typically held in March, this three-day event features ostrich races, concerts, carnival rides and a variety of entertainers. Children can experience the Old West at Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, a theme park that takes visitors back to the days when cowboys rode into town on horses.