8 U.S. Cities Young Families Are Flocking to in 2026, According to Experts

They offer an outstanding quality of life.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to real estate experts, young families are increasingly looking for cities that offer affordable housing, strong school systems, kid-friendly amenities, and an overall high quality of life. The report highlights 8 cities across the U.S. that are attracting young families in 2026, including Queen Creek, Arizona; Bozeman, Montana; Littleton, New Hampshire; Plano, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Carmel, Indiana; Greenville, South Carolina; and Cary, North Carolina.

Why it matters

As more young families seek to put down roots, the report identifies key factors they are prioritizing in their home search, including school quality, access to outdoor recreation, cost of living, and community amenities. The cities highlighted provide insights into the growing trends and preferences of this demographic as they determine the best places to raise their families.

The details

The report cites factors like affordable starter homes, strong school systems, kid-friendly parks and attractions, energy-efficient home features, and proximity to essential services as driving the appeal of these cities for young families. Experts note that buyers are getting more specific in their search, prioritizing things like charter school options, STEM and arts programs, and after-school activities. The homes themselves need to support contemporary family life with open-concept layouts, generous outdoor space, and dedicated home offices.

  • The report is based on a 2024 study from the National Association of Realtors.
  • Plano, Texas is expected to see the opening of the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco within the next few years.

The players

Russell Diehl

Broker and owner of Arizona Network Realty.

Andrew Hurlburt

Owner and broker at the Bozeman Real Estate Group.

Carla Gericke

New Hampshire agent at Porcupine Real Estate.

Hilary Schultz

Real estate agent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Brandon Hardiman

Owner of Yellowhammer Home Buyers.

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What they’re saying

“Good schools are table stakes, but I'm noticing more parents asking about nearby charter options, specialized programs like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and arts, and after-school activities than they used to.”

— Russell Diehl, Broker and owner of Arizona Network Realty (House Beautiful)

“Montana has big blue skies, open space, mountains, rivers, and nearly everything in between. Skiing, hiking, boating, fishing—Montana is an endless playground.”

— Andrew Hurlburt, Owner and broker at the Bozeman Real Estate Group (House Beautiful)

“Kids roam free between farmers markets, riverside parks, and the world's longest candy counter.”

— Carla Gericke, New Hampshire agent at Porcupine Real Estate (House Beautiful)

What’s next

The Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas is expected to open within the next few years, further increasing the appeal of the Plano area for young families.

The takeaway

As young families seek out the best places to put down roots, the report highlights key factors they are prioritizing, including affordable housing, strong schools, family-friendly amenities, and an overall high quality of life. The cities identified provide insights into the growing trends and preferences of this demographic as they determine the ideal locations to raise their families.