Best Cities for Education: 10 Cities Giving Students a Smart Start
If you’re looking for a place to live where education shines just as brightly as the community itself, you’ve come to the right place. The Top 10 Best Cities for Education are standouts from Livability’s iconic annual roster of 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. – each chosen for their top-notch schools, thriving districts and access to higher education that make life richer for families and students of all ages. From exceptional public and private school options to innovative colleges and universities, these communities prove that when education is prioritized, opportunities for success multiply. Read on to learn more about each one.
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Columbia, Maryland
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #1
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 89
- # of students enrolled in Howard County Public Schools: 57,633
Nearly 64% of residents in Columbia, MD, a city nestled between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, indicating that learning is a community-wide priority. Families benefit from the Howard County Public School System, one of the best in the nation, with schools consistently recognized for academic excellence. But if you’re seeking education for your kiddos at private and Montessori schools, the area has those, too. At the higher-ed level, Howard Community College anchors the city. At the same time, nearby universities like the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Johns Hopkins and Loyola draw scholars from across the globe.
Overland Park, Kansas
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #2
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 87
- # of students enrolled in Blue Valley Unified School District: 22,284
While Overland Park is just south of Kansas City, the community is more than a gateway to its well-known neighbor. In recent years, more millennials with children have been drawn to Overland Park, which the Blue Valley Unified School District primarily serves; however, the area has three celebrated school districts, which are ranked among the top five in the state. The Blue Valley Unified School District is coveted for having a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio and a high population of students receiving ACT scores that exceed state and national averages. When it’s time for college or career growth, Johnson County Community College is located in town, while the University of Kansas’ renowned programs are just a 40-minute drive away.
Naperville, Illinois
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #3
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 83
- # of students enrolled in Naperville Community Unit School District 203: 16,064
- # of students enrolled in Indian Prairie School District #204: 25,632
A suburb in the Chicagoland area, Naperville has built a reputation as one of the best places in the country for families. In addition to recently ranking as one of the safest cities in America, the city has two powerhouse districts – Naperville 203 and Indian Prairie 204 – both ranked among the top in Illinois and the U.S. In Naperville, students benefit from graduation rates near 96%, and if they want to continue their studies, North Central College is located right downtown. Or those seeking their bachelor’s or master’s degrees can venture to world-class colleges such as Northwestern and the University of Chicago, just a train ride away.
Sugar Land, Texas
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #4
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 81
- # of students enrolled in Fort Bend Independent School District: 76,707
Tucked 20 minutes from downtown Houston, Sugar Land effortlessly pairs Southern charm with big‑city perks, making it a coveted place to plant roots. Schools here really stand out: The Fort Bend Independent School District serves nearly 80,000 students across 38 public schools and is one of the most diverse in Texas (more than 120 languages are spoken). You’ll find a healthy mix of private and charter options, too, including Dulles High’s robust Advanced Placement (AP) offerings and Colony Middle’s STEM focus. Sugar Land is home to branches of the University of Houston and Wharton County Junior College, and Houston’s universities are a stone’s throw away.
Carmel, Indiana
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #5
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 79
- # of students enrolled in Carmel Clay Schools: 16,000
Carmel’s vibrant arts scene, plentiful parks and greenways and proximity to Indianapolis make the Midwest charmer a great place to visit – and settle down. Those who choose to raise a family within city limits can enroll their kiddos at Carmel Clay Schools, which has a strong reputation for academic excellence and offers many programs to help students prepare for their next chapters, including AP courses, college prep opportunities and dual credit options. The greater Carmel area also has dozens of highly regarded private schools, including the University High School of Indiana. While there aren’t any colleges in town, Butler and Indiana universities offer higher education opportunities in Indianapolis.
Olathe, Kansas
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #6
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 79
- # of students enrolled in Olathe Public Schools: 28,245
Once a stop on the Santa Fe Trail and lauded as the birthplace of cowboy boots, Olathe’s pioneering spirit extends to the city’s current population. In fact, roughly 49% of Olathe residents have a college degree, a nod to the community’s commitment to education. More than 30,000 youngsters go to Olathe Public Schools, whose specialized curriculum offerings are designed to accommodate students with a broad spectrum of learning needs and foster their talents outside of the classroom via extracurricular clubs, sports and other activities. Students who want to continue their studies after high school can enroll at Kansas State-Olathe, MidAmerica Nazarene University and Johnson County Community College’s Health Education Center.
Clifton, New Jersey
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #7
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 78
- # of students enrolled in Clifton Public Schools: 11,010
Just outside New York City, Clifton offers families the best of both worlds: easy access to the Big Apple and the comforts of suburban living. The community has nearly 40 parks, a vibrant, diverse population and an education system that delivers. Clifton Public Schools serves just over 11,000 students across 17 schools with a wide range of programs, including magnet and technical options that benefit students interested in specific career pathways. Families also have their pick of long-established private and religious schools, known for smaller class sizes and strong academics. For higher education, Montclair State University and Rutgers University-Newark are close by.
Flower Mound, Texas
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #8
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 77
- # of students enrolled in Lewisville Independent School District: 48,356
- # of students enrolled in Argyle Independent School District: 6,277
Residents of this Dallas–Fort Worth suburb know it offers more than just scenic wildflower views. With safe, family-friendly neighborhoods and top-tier schools, Flower Mound is a haven for families. The public schools consistently rank among the best in Texas, with the Lewisville Independent and Argyle Independent school districts serving the majority of the city and consistently receiving high marks for academic excellence and high graduation rates. For higher education, the University of North Texas and Texas Christian University are located nearby in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #9
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 76
- # of students enrolled in Ann Arbor Public Schools: 16,978
As home to the University of Michigan’s 3,200-acre campus, education is a big part of Ann Arbor’s DNA. The city has a youthful vibe, thanks to its large population of students, recent grads and families looking to raise children in an up-and-coming city. Ann Arbor Public Schools, known for its strong academic performance and diverse student body, often ranks among the top districts in Michigan and the U.S. Meanwhile, the city also has several private schools, ranging from religiously affiliated to college prep institutions. All in all, the presence of the University of Michigan takes the city’s educational landscape to the next level by providing resources and opportunities for students and teachers at all stages of life.
Troy, Michigan
- Livability 2025 Education Ranking: #10
- Livability 2025 Education Category Score: 76
- # of students enrolled in Troy School District: 12,527
About 24 miles north of Detroit and 60 miles northeast of Ann Arbor, Troy has many draws for families: a healthy economy, an abundance of outdoor activities and academically advanced schools. The Troy School District, ranked among the best in Michigan and the nation, serves more than 12,000 students with an 18:1 student-teacher ratio that helps keep learning personal. Families can also choose from 11 private schools, offering even more educational variety. When it comes to higher education, Walsh College and Chamberlain University’s College of Nursing are right in town, while nearby Oakland University and Wayne State University are also worth considering.