10 Best U.S. Suburbs to Live in for Affordable Housing, Top-rated Schools, and Excellent Job Opportunities

There's more to these American suburbs than white picket fences and large backyards.

Suburbs are a quintessentially American concept. Developed post-World War II outside large cities to provide affordable housing for the country’s middle class, suburbs are now integral to large metropolitan areas. Today, half of all Americans live in suburbs of different densities, driven by rising costs in cities plus a desire for more space and a laid-back lifestyle. Because of that shift, suburbs are now more racially diverse than ever, offering a wide range of amenities like excellent restaurants, shops, and entertainment, but also top-rated public schools, medical centers, and recreational facilities.

And while some suburbs have managed to remain beacons of middle-class America, drawing new residents with affordable housing, in others, access to top-notch amenities comes with proportioned real estate values.

Here, we rounded up the best U.S. suburbs to live in based on feedback from expert realtors and recent livability rankings.

Johns Creek, Georgia

Johns Creek, a rapidly growing suburb north of Atlanta, consistently ranks as one of the area's best and wealthiest communities, with a median household income of more than $130,000. With low crime rates, excellent schools, and access to many outdoor activities (it's close to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area), this city of about 82,000 residents is a top choice for families in the Atlanta region.

Jessica Weston, senior vice president and managing broker at Harry Norman, Realtors, explained that one of its most highly anticipated new developments, Town Center, will have 192 acres of residential and business facilities promoting "wellness and sustainable living, further enhancing Johns Creek's already impressive lifestyle offerings."

According to Zillow, the median home value in Johns Creek is $704,470.

Cinco Ranch, Texas

As the third-best suburban community in the country, Cinco Ranch has plenty in store for its residents.

"The amenities alone make living in Cinco Ranch one of the best lifestyles to be found in the greater Houston area," Rebecca Turner, a realtor at Greenwood King Properties, said, adding that the community's resort-style facilities include three lakes, 11 pools, more than 70 playgrounds, and 231 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Families with teenage children are drawn to the area for its A+-rated high schools.

"Cinco Ranch, like most of Houston, continues to appreciate at a fast clip," added Turner. "Unlike other areas of Texas and the country, which have had to deal with a real estate reset and falling prices after the COVID-19-influenced boom, Cinco Ranch continues to be a desirable neighborhood where home values and equity are rising at a healthy rate."

The current median home value is $543,996, and homes go to pending status in just six days.

Okemos, Michigan

Located east of Michigan's capital, Okemos has been recognized multiple times as one of the top 10 suburban communities in the country and the best in Michigan for its public schools, diversity, job opportunities, affordable housing (the median home value is $367,266), and parks.

The town of about 26,000 residents has an impressive number of attractions, too, including the Meridian Historical Village, which consists of seven 19th-century historic buildings; Harris Nature Center; and many parks. The town is also just a few miles from Michigan State University in East Lansing.

North Bethesda, Maryland

"I grew up in North Bethesda and moved back here to raise my children in the same neighborhood where I was brought up ... Between the wonderful school system, plethora of amenities, and robust recreational facilities, residents have so much at their fingertips, so much to choose from," Meaghan Miller, an agent at Long & Foster Real Estate, said of North Bethesda, a Montgomery County census-designated area that is now one of the most sought-after communities in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The community also has many restaurants, farmers markets, and cultural institutions such as The Music Center at Strathmore, transforming it into a destination in its own right.

Nationally, North Bethesda is ranked the seventh-best suburb to live in and one of the best places to raise a family in America, according to Niche.com. However, real estate prices are higher than the national average, reflecting the town's popularity and the region's high cost of living. In May 2024, the median sale price was $570,000.

Coppell, Texas

With beautiful parks, top-rated public schools, restaurants, independent boutiques, and coffee shops, Coppell attracts many families and those seeking a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle close to the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area.

"It's conveniently located within a short distance to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and makes a wonderful location for those who travel for business and pleasure," said Deb Borrell, executive vice president of relocation at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Coppell also ranked as the second-best place to live in Texas (after Cinco Ranch) and the third-best place for public schools in the Lone Star State.

The current median home price in Coppell is $643,116, according to Zillow. However, Borrell pointed out that the community offers a range of housing options at various price points.

Brookline, Massachusetts

This Boston suburb may be steeped in political history (it's the birthplace of John F. Kennedy), but it's also a desirable place to live thanks to its proximity to some of Boston's most renowned landmarks, like the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and Fenway Park, as well world-class medical facilities and universities.

"After years of a very strong seller's market, the Brookline housing market is becoming more balanced as inventory for single-family homes and condos continues to grow," said Dave Costello, managing director at Advisors Living, noting that as new homes arrive on the market, buyers have more choice than in years past.

However, real estate doesn't come cheap here. Brookline's median home price is $1.16 million, and more than 45 percent of listings sell for above asking price.

Brentwood, Missouri

Located just 10 miles from bustling St. Louis, Brentwood is not only the 10th-best suburb to live in America, but it's also one of the top choices for young professionals and families in the state. It offers great schools, fantastic playgrounds, and tranquil neighborhoods. But one of its main draws is the affordable housing — Brentwood's median home price of $265,681 is well below the national average.

"There are condominium communities with swimming pools and athletic facilities. Beautiful brick-front homes are set back from quiet, tree-lined streets," Janet Horlacher, owner and principal broker at Janet McAfee Real Estate, said, noting that high demand is also due to the quality of life and proximity to business centers.

"I think if you asked Brentwood residents what they like best about their area, they would say location, location, location," she added.

Carmel, Indiana

The Midwest is certainly having a moment. The region is not only home to some of the most desirable retirement communities in the U.S., but newcomers will also find the best suburb in the country here, according to Niche.com.

Carmel, a scenic city about 30 minutes outside of Indianapolis, offers excellent entertainment and cultural events to its 100,000-plus residents, a nationally acclaimed parks system, and a robust job market (the town is home to more than 125 corporate headquarters).

Plus, there's more good news for prospective homebuyers here. "Active listings are starting to increase after a significant period of low inventory," said Claire Belby, senior vice president at F.C. Tucker Company. "The area boasts lots of housing options with a good variety of production and custom builders, and a good mix of new construction to residential resale."

And while the median real estate price can easily surpass the $1 million mark in other suburban areas with similar amenities, the current home value in Carmel is $538,792.

Short Pump, Virginia

This Virginia suburb, not far from Richmond, got its name from a tavern in the 1800s. Here, under the rickety old double porch of the rambling frame structure was a short-handled pump. In the days when the tavern was a stagecoach stop between Richmond and Charlottesville, the drivers would often say, "I'll see you at Short Pump," as the historical marker in the city reads.

Nowadays, Short Pump draws both young professionals and families thanks to a blend of excellent schools, diversity, outstanding health care facilities, entertainment, and some of the best shopping in Virginia.

"The area is also conveniently located near the I-95 and I-64 corridors, providing efficient access to Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and beyond," said Richard Bower, an associate broker at Joyner Fine Properties.

With new listings up 20 percent and median home values hovering around the $500,000 mark, Bower explained that Short Pump offers diverse housing options for every budget and lifestyle.

Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania

This Philadelphia suburb has been ranked among the best places to live in America for the fourth year in a row. Established in the 1970s, it is now home to just over 5,000 residents who enjoy access to top-rated schools, affordable real estate, and family-friendly amenities.

The town is close to Valley Forge National Historical Park, a sprawling recreational and educational destination that provides many opportunities for staying active.

Chesterbrook's housing market is also a major draw, with median home prices around $502,000.

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