UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#3. Beaverton OR
Though it may be a suburb of Portland, Beaverton, OR, definitely stands on its own — from great schools to fresh air, families can really thrive here. When mom and dad aren’t working at top companies like IBM, Nike and Intel (among others headquartered here), it’s easy to get outside and explore Beaverton’s 90 parks, 60 miles of trails and 1,400 acres of dedicated natural areas — in fact, there’s a park within a half mile of every home here.
Beaverton also has great public transportation and makes it easy to commute by bike or on foot (the city’s average commute time is just 20 minutes, so parents can make it home quickly for dinner).
Best Way to Keep Everyone Entertained on a Saturday Afternoon: Paint ceramics or create a mosaic masterpiece at CeramiCafe Art Lounge — no art experience is necessary and it’s fun for both kids and adults.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Tom’s Pancake House, which has been a Beaverton favorite since 1966. Kids love the chocolate chip pancakes and the fresh cinnamon rolls (did somebody say sugar rush?).
Best Date Night Spot (for frazzled parents): Spend an afternoon at Ponzi Vineyards tasting wine, playing bocce ball and strolling around the nearly 50-year-old estate. They also offer tours and wine-pairing lunches.
Where to Score the Sweet Stuff: Ome Calli Frozen Treats, which specializes in a type of Mexican shaved ice called chamoyada. They also serve up some quirky ice cream flavors and fresh popsicles.
Coolest Indoor Playground: Pump It Up, which has huge inflatable playgrounds perfect for blowing off some steam or celebrating a school milestone.
Dog-Friendly Hangout Spot (because they’re part of the family too!): The 30-acre Hyland Woods Natural Area has lots of trails through the trees — and plenty of smells for curious noses!
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