10 Best Towns for Families: 2010

In our yearly roundup of perfect places to raise kids, we salute these communities for their affordable homes, green spaces, blue-ribbon schools, and giving spirit.
Edmond, Oklahoma
Courtesy of Edmond, Marketing and Public Relations Department
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Edmond, Oklahoma

Population: 82,530
Median Income: $69,759
Median Home Price: $177,000
Households with Children: 38%
Student/Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Great Schools Rating: 9

When Kristy Payne moved here from Southern California 16 years ago, it was mainly to be close to her older sister. "But once I arrived, it was love at first sight," she says. With abundant parks, miles of walking and jogging trails, and a lake teeming with bass and bluegill, this Oklahoma City suburb has plenty of scenic charm. That's no accident: Edmond offers free programs on preserving the environment, and sponsors an annual Arbor Day fair with seedling giveaways as well as arts and crafts for the kids. "Even Aaron, our 4-year-old, knows what it means to be green," says Kristy, 37, a real estate agent.

But what she and husband Randy, 41, a police officer and SWAT team member, appreciate most is Edmond's volunteer spirit. Their son Austin, 16, and daughter, Madison, 14, both pitch in at a nonprofit group that provides clothes and furniture to the needy. Kristy helps throw birthday parties for children living in shelters, and Randy takes part in the Shop with a Cop program, helping to solicit donations and then escorting underprivileged kids to Walmart so they can buy Christmas presents for themselves and their families. "There's a real need to give back among all the people here," says Kristy, who's also a foster mom to a 6-month-old girl. "Small-town life doesn't get any better than this."

Good Deeds: The three local high schools have raised nearly a million dollars for charity so far this year. Students at Edmond Memorial brought in $528,000 to help kids with cancer by selling brownies and bracelets.

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dsdlin wrote:

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8/27/2010 08:20:10 PM Report Abuse
anonymous wrote:

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8/14/2010 06:13:45 PM Report Abuse
myrleneb wrote:

I moved to La Verne in 1989 and love it here. Our Old Town area is wonderful and I am fortunate enough to own a home in this lovely area. As to gangs mentioned above - never seen it - I haven't locked my back door in 6 YEARS! Halloween in Old Town brings over 1,000 trick or treaters - I usually run out of candy! The 4th celebration is the best - our annual parade is totally Americana! Thanks for the nod, Family Circle!

7/24/2010 11:17:05 PM Report Abuse
Cssims wrote:

Edmond is a lovely college town where the University of Central Oklahoma, my alma mater, is located. Wonderful restaurants, activities, great families. I am happy to be able to visit and do business in Edmond.

7/21/2010 09:26:23 PM Report Abuse
snakejake wrote:

Edmond is a great place to live if¿. You don¿t mind living in an area that smells like you are walking around with an empty bag of dog food on your head! The place STINKS of dog food. There is a Purina Dog food plant just to the south of Edmond and the wind blows out of the south 90% of the time! Check the ESPN article on it. # 2. There is a rail road track that runs right through town clogs up traffic and is very loud!

7/21/2010 03:12:36 PM Report Abuse
smb78 wrote:

tthomas148, do a little math. According to the CIA factbook, the entire US is 79.96% white, so it's not that hard to imagine that most of the towns are going to be mostly white. It's not a racist thing. Minorities are called that because they are, well, the minority.

7/13/2010 06:34:55 AM Report Abuse
lovelv wrote:

We all love La Verne! Ask anyone who lives in La Verne and they will probably tell you they will never move out of La Verne or if they dont live here they wish they could. We all love the small town feel where we always know someone everywhere. From the Target to the park we all run into eachother. I wouldn't trade it for anything!Too bad our secret is out. Ana E.

7/13/2010 01:49:23 AM Report Abuse
Greyghost wrote:

WE moved to Boise, ID 9 years ago was like moving back in time 30 years. We used the ten best places to live too, mistake being $, politics, & religion decides which is best, not reality, or quality of life. Teachers & police molesting kids would be what I look at first if considering ID. One Bois epolcie office just retired, 30 years of patrolling schools, molesting kids, four charges dropped, will be out in a year & a half.

7/11/2010 09:13:54 AM Report Abuse
verna3298236 wrote:

I was disappointed that the author of this article did not highlight the wonderful bike/walking trails that are in Edwardsville. We are so fortunate that the trails are paved and mostly postioned is wooded/scenic areas. Also, it is so nice living in a small town that is only a 25 min. drive to the city of St. louis.

7/9/2010 04:21:19 PM Report Abuse
CeceliaAmoriggi wrote:

I live in Bristol. It's pretty, but housing is far from AFFORDABLE. Taxes are unbelievably high. The schools are a local joke given the amount spent on them with respect to salaries, etc -- and the test scores and drop out rates (they don't talk about that). It's very WHITE and VANILLA -- when you see someone of color it's usually one of the college students. Those same college students drove rentals through the roof, by the way.

7/8/2010 10:52:30 AM Report Abuse
kpayne191 wrote:

Thank you Family Circle So Honored to have been voted #1 City Love this town and glad everyone gets to see what a great place to live, article was great!

7/7/2010 10:35:59 PM Report Abuse
iloveedmond wrote:

Being born and raised in Edmond, I agree 100% with Edmond being rated #1. I love the people, the schools, the parks, the spirit, and everything Edmond has to offer! I was very sad to see that someone above thought that just b/c Edmond has a mostly caucasian make-up that it would be voted highly because of that. We have a very diverse community and I the citizens of Edmond are the reason our town is so amazing! Whether they are white or any other race!

7/7/2010 04:22:50 PM Report Abuse
edmondhomes wrote:

Edmond is a great place to live. As a Realtor, I have the opportunity to meet people who are moving from all over the country. They are always impressed with the combination of available ammenities and small town charm here in Edmond. It's a joy for me to give them a tour and tell them all about the area! I can't imagine living anywhere else. Thanks for noticing us Family Circle!!

7/7/2010 03:45:26 PM Report Abuse
tthomas148 wrote:

8 of these towns are more than 80% white. And all are more than 60%. It seems like "Good Neighbors" is still being used as code for white people.

7/7/2010 02:27:02 PM Report Abuse
exedmond wrote:

Edmond has a great small town feel for families, but with big city amenities! My family and I lived in Edmond for more than 10-years. The schools are excellent and Edmond is one of the safest cities due to a responsive and visible police department.

7/7/2010 10:47:19 AM Report Abuse
edfranx5 wrote:

Thank you Family Circle! On one hand I think it is great that everyone across America gets to see what we all know, love and enjoy everyday about Hampton Township, PA, but on the other hand, I want it to stay our "best kept secret", too! :)

7/7/2010 07:13:43 AM Report Abuse
kandylynn22 wrote:

I grew up here & after living in many different towns there is a drug problem in everytown.I am not sure as far as home invasions are concerned are happening. Hamptons education is immaculate reason for me moving back. I graduated with all my students I grew up with none being kicked out for behavior. Diversity I do agree we are middle white class but raised with dignity and respect not racisim. Our community park is outstanding and so is our athletic opportunities. Im proud to say I live here.

7/6/2010 05:28:48 PM Report Abuse
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