Best cities to raise your military family

Searching for an ideal city to raise your military family is a challenge, mostly because you’re not given a choice of where your next PCS location will be. But, there are several small, tucked-away communities that are close to military installations that offer your children every chance to have a great education, sense of community and overall great childhood.

Businessweek’s list of the “Best Cities to Raise a Family” found that several small cities in states such as Alabama, Colorado and California not only offer good schools, a safe environment, and low cost of living, but also diversity, job growth and culture.

If your family is on the move, and you’re looking for a city near a military base, check out this list of the best places to raise your family:

Huntsville, Ala.
Population: 162,819
Closest military base: Redstone Arsenal
Median household income: $69,000

A major attraction in Huntsville is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which is best known as the place where scientists designed rockets in the 1950s. Today, it’s a large tourist attraction and offers interactive exhibits, rides and movies.

Anchorage, Alaska
Population: 281,070
Closest military base: Elmendorf Air Force Base
Median household income: $80,927

According to Businessweek, residents of Anchorage enjoy a strong economy, low crime and a healthy environment teeming with wildlife.

Gilbert, Ariz.
Population: 152,529
Closest military base: Phoenix Army Air Guard
Median household income; $89,031

Gilbert offers many activities to keep your children busy such as a skate park, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, and a large movie theater.

Springdale, Ark.
Population: 56,499
Closest Military base: US Army Department
Median household income: $53,385

Springdale is in northwest Arkansas and has its own minor-league baseball stadium, in addition to parks, a major rodeo event, and nearby hunting and fishing sites. What’s more, the Tyson Foods headquarters is in located in this city.

Arcadia, Calif.
Population: 56,394
Closest military base: US Marine Corps Base in Pasadena, Calif.
Median household income: $81,417

Arcadia is 20 miles from Los Angeles and has some of the best schools in California. Arcadia is also home to the Santa Anita Park racetrack, and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Fort Collins, Colo.
Population: 126,496
Closest military base: U.S. Army Reserve Center, and Air National Guard
Median household income: $76,172

Fort Collins has great schools, low crime, and a vibrant downtown area dubbed “Old Town.” It has miles of hiking and biking trails, 600 acres of parks and 5,000 acres of natural areas.

For the complete list of the Best Cities to raise your family, visit Businessweek’s website. And to learn more about military-friendly cities visit Military.com’s finance channel.