These southern cities are among the best places in the US to raise children

One charming Kentucky city took the number-one spot.

We can all agree that the South is an incomparable place to grow up. Though it may no longer be quite like the play-until-the-streetlights-come-on carefree environment of our youth, there are still strong indicators that raising your kids in a Southern state is a smart choice. From manners to traditions to nostalgic dishes, it’s a great place to start a family. And for 2026, the data proves it.

A new survey by StorageCafe looked at the 100 largest cities in the United States and ranked them based on factors like affordability, childcare, education, health care, safety, transportation options, and walkability (among others). The end result determined the best cities in the country for families with kids, and it may not surprise you to learn that more than half of the winners are in the South.

In first place was none other than beautiful Lexington, Kentucky. If you’ve never been to the Horse Capital of the World, it’s time to plan a visit. (We’ve got a whole guide to get you started.) In addition to breezy Bluegrass hills and a bustling downtown, Lexington scored at number one thanks to its affordability. Home costs are lower than in many other parts of the country (average around $307,000 for a three-bedroom home), as are grocery bills. This allows parents a bit more financial breathing room. Lexington also scored high on health care, with one of the best ratios of pediatricians to children—meaning shorter wait times and easier access to doctor’s appointments.

In addition to their value on education—more than half of city residents hold a bachelor’s degree, which is well above the national average—and a strong public school system, Lexington has over 150 acres of parkland for families to explore the outdoors. All in all, it’s a city that blends urban accessibility with rural Southern charm in a winning balancing act. 

Second on StorageCafe’s list of Best Cities to Raise Kids is the creative and outdoorsy Durham, North Carolina. Durham’s work-life balance is well above the national average, with more than 20% of residents working remotely. This flexibility shows up where it matters for families, like school pick-ups, activities, and appointments. Unlike most of the country, Durham’s share of households with children has actually grown over the past decades—one of only six cities on the list to see an increase. 

Other Southern cities on the list include Winston-Salem, North Carolina (#4); St. Louis, Missouri (#5); Richmond, Virginia (#6); and Atlanta, Georgia (#9).

“The cities rising in this ranking aren’t necessarily the cheapest—they’re the ones that have stopped forcing families to choose between good schools, reliable childcare, manageable commutes and enough living space,” said Emilia Man, research analyst at StorageCafe. “These places benefit from family friendly infrastructure, from access to quality housing to safe, engaged communities that help children thrive. Self storage also plays a practical role in keeping homes livable, giving families space for everything from Lego collections to bikes and sports equipment that might otherwise crowd everyday living areas. Altogether, these cities offer a strong starting point for families searching for kid-friendly places to put down roots.”

Two other Southern highlights from the data found Frisco, Texas, as the most affordable childcare in the country, and Memphis, Tennessee, as the cheapest place for self-storage so families have room to grow without clutter. 

The stats prove that many Southern cities are closing the gap for parenthood, consistently outperforming the rest of the country on those non-negotiables that make neighborhoods safer, kids happier, and parents feel more supported. Plant your roots in one, and you just may be able to enjoy a few more family vacations to create memories for the next generation.