Characteristics of a Family Friendly City

In 1997, the National League of Cities surveyed 300 local government officials and community leaders from 90 cities and towns across the United States. According to the respondents, the characteristics of a family friendly city (in order of importance) are:

1. Education 
2. Community Safety 
3. Recreation 
4. Citizen Involvement 
5. General Climate 
6. Physical environment 
7. Diversity 
8. Employment 
9. Quality of neighborhoods 
10. Housing affordability 
11. Good government 
12. Cultural opportunities 
13. Economic growth 
14. Public works 
15. Supports for Children/Families

Education, Community Safety and Recreation were the areas most cited as characteristics of a family-friendly city.

In 1995, the National League of Cities conducted an in-depth survey of key individuals in 780 cities across the United States. In the results of that survey, child care topped the list of needs, regardless of the population of the city. In smaller cities, (less than 100,000 population), family stability was second. Community safety and education were also cited often.

The survey also looked at the most pressing needs of families by family income and City size.

1. The most pressing needs for low-income families are housing, employment, and child care.

2. For middle-class families, child care, including before- and after-school care, as well as affordable housing, are concerns along with family stability and education.

3. Among high-income families, family stability, community safety, and public schooling are the top concerns overall.

The survey also looked at the needs of single- and two-parent families. They are quite similar. Understandably, child care is seen as the most pressing concern for single-parent families, but the issues of family stability, employment, parent education, housing, and child care are the most often cited concerns for both groups.

Page last updated October 18, 2002