Key Takeaways
- The best cities for single moms offer a combination of affordability, job opportunities, quality education, and community support.
- Cities like Huntsville, Wichita, Ann Arbor, and Raleigh provide a mix of low cost of living, strong job markets, top-rated schools, and thriving arts and culture scenes.
- Single mothers should consider their family’s specific needs and goals when choosing the best city to live in, as the city with the most single parents might not be the perfect fit.
- Research, networking, and exploring local resources are essential to finding the ideal location for single-parent families to thrive.
Are you a single mom looking for the perfect place to raise your kids?
As a single mom, finding the best city to call home can be challenging, especially considering factors like cost of living, median income, housing costs, and child care.
You may already know that your location can significantly influence your lifestyle. Finding a suitable place for your family’s living standards can prove challenging but more difficult with the single-parent household per-parent budget in mind.
To get this right, we sought a safe, affordable city with a good quality education for you and your child, a healthcare environment, and a healthy work-life balance.
Mom of 3 and Psychology graduate, Maureen Lezama, shares, “These factors contribute to the overall development of a child, allowing them to thrive in environments where they are supported not just by immediate family members but the community as a whole.”
So please grab a cup of coffee or your favorite tea. Let’s dive into our list of top cities that provide the support, opportunities, and environment every single mother deserves.
Here are the Best Places to Live as a Single Mom:
McAllen, Texas
Generally, single mothers are more likely to buy homes than rent. It eliminates the possibility that an unplanned landlord will disturb your tighter budget by increasing rent or settling down the sale of your property, forcing you to leave. Sometimes, the decision to acquire a home with one budget is challenging.
In McAllen, Texas, the housing costs are favorable for solo mothers. The median home price in the area is $253,112, significantly lower than the national average of $365,616. This makes purchasing a home more attainable for single mommas. The median monthly rent in McAllen is $753.– which is also lower than the national average.
These affordable residence options, combined with the city’s lower overall cost of living, make McAllen an attractive place for single mothers to find comfortable and budget-friendly homes for their families.
Aside from attracting home prices, you can expect an impressive number of schools, educational programs, and a meager crime rate.
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama, stands out as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for single mothers, and there are several reasons for this.
First and foremost, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation’s partnership with the national Best Place for Working Parents® program showcases the city’s commitment to supporting family-friendly policies in local businesses.
This partnership helps companies identify and implement practices that benefit working parents, which is especially important for single parents trying to balance their careers and family life.
Moreover, research has shown that parent-friendly policies directly impact employee retention, productivity, and engagement. With 83% of millennials willing to leave their current job for a more supportive work environment, Huntsville’s dedication to promoting such policies makes it an attractive location for single mothers seeking a stable job.
Additionally, childcare is a significant concern for single moms. Huntsville recognizes this issue and works to provide access to quality childcare options. The city’s focus on creating a safe, clean, and learning-oriented environment for children ensures that single mothers can have peace of mind while at work, knowing their children are well cared for.
Berkeley, California
Berkeley, California, has become a top US city for single mothers. With 119,607 residents and a median age of 32.1, the city is vibrant, diverse, and youthful, catering to single mothers. Berkeley is a great place for single mommas to raise their kids:
With 10.0% of married households, Berkeley, California, is ideal for solo moms. Single parents can network and find support here. Despite a 19.3% childless rate, Berkeley has many family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and recreational facilities where single moms can raise their children in safe and engaging environments while making lasting connections with other local families.
The city offers top-rated schools like the University of California, Berkeley, and daycare and after-school programs that help single mothers balance work and household. Berkeley’s supportive community for single moms emphasizes diversity, tolerance, and social justice. The city provides single parents with financial aid, housing, and career counseling.
These characteristics promote the parenting and professional success of single mothers.
Barrington, Rhode Island
According to Niche, the best place to live in Rhode Island is Barrington, a suburb of Providence. It offers a warm and welcoming environment for single parents with top-notch public schools, secure child care, low levels of terrorism, and a thriving job market.
A warm and engaged community exists in this liberal rural town of 17,201 people. High homeownership rates, a high-quality educational system, a family-friendly environment, various accommodations options, and Barrington’s proximity to Providence are some of the city’s main draws for single mothers.
These elements help create a nurturing environment that benefits single mothers and their families.
Little Rock, Arkansas
As we move south, we come to Little Rock, Arkansas, a great place for solo moms because it is cheap and full of opportunities. If a salary of $35,400 a year makes you happy, you might want to look into this town.
The main thing that brings solo moms to the city is cheap childcare. You might have spent $112,797 on children in many places in the United States. Here in Little Rock, that would be about $676 a year.
Solo-parent families can do well in Little Rock because the cost of living is low, and the job industry is vital. The city’s focus on education and the many things families can do together make it a great place to raise kids.
Also, the South’s warm welcome makes everyone feel at home.
Manchester, New Hampshire
It’s challenging to find a place to stay for a family without draining your resources, especially at the rate at which house prices spiral. If buying clothes and groceries for a young household or paying off a mortgage is convenient, consider Manchester, New Hampshire.
The average American household spends less than 23.8% of the median household income on housing expenses. The median wage is above average, and healthcare and childcare are excellent.
Manchester, New Hampshire, with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Manchester offers single moms a high-quality lifestyle with affordable residences, excellent schools for their children, and low crime rates.
The city’s growing job opportunities and convenient location near major metropolitan areas make it an attractive option for single parents. With its beautiful parks and vibrant cultural scene, Manchester is an alluring place to call home.
Wichita, Kansas
Living on a limited budget can be challenging, particularly if you have kids. However, the cost of living in Wichita, Kansas, is 11% cheaper than the national average, making it affordable. It’s an excellent destination for families because housing and daycare costs are reasonable.
A median income of $36,700 is attractive for single parents. In addition, the typical commute only takes 19 minutes, giving you more time to spend with your family.
Single moms will like this busy city because it has affordable housing and many job opportunities. Wichita is one of the best cities, an excellent place for children to grow and learn because it puts a lot of emphasis on education and has a lot of activities for families.
Single-parent families often choose the city because it is friendly and has a strong community.
Asheville, North Carolina
Having kids in Asheville, North Carolina, doesn’t mean you must stop thinking about your future career. Only 1.4% of single parents were unemployed, and the median income of those who worked was a very reasonable $37,800.
Since the average commute takes 21 minutes, getting to work has never been easier. Children can stay home and save money, and the city’s many fun things to do will keep the entire household busy.
The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains surround Asheville, and it has a lively arts scene, many job opportunities, and great schools for single moms. Even though the cost of living is a little higher than the national average, the city’s unique charm and friendly people more than make up for it. Asheville is a great place to raise a child because of its many outdoor activities and events.
Washington D.C. District of Colombia
In contrast to most other US states, Washington has a lot of exciting and appealing things for single moms, like great job opportunities and pay gaps. Paid time off for mothers and strict childcare rules ensure children are safe from abuse. Although the crime in each neighborhood differs, you should be able to find many places that offer cheap housing and a very usual way of life.
Washington, D.C., has much to offer you as a single mom regarding education for your child and culture. Even though the cost of living is high, the strong job market and high median income help make up for it. In the District of Columbia, there are a lot of programs and resources to help single parents, and the city’s world-class museums and historic sites offer families a lot of educational things to do together.
East Lansing, Michigan
In 2017, East Lansing spent $97.7 million remodeling and restarting six elementary schools. It has been lost, and the schools in the city are excellent. If you want your child to learn a lot and have a good time, take them to places like the MSU museum and the Impression 5 Science Center. When you add the low cost of living and high wages, the area seems like a great place for single moms.
Michigan is a lively college town with many resources and chances for single moms. East Lansing is also one of the best cities and a great place to raise a family because it puts a lot of emphasis on academic excellence, has cheap housing, and has a wide range of jobs. There’s always something fun to do in the city, thanks to its thriving arts and culture scene and many family-friendly events. Also, East Lansing feels like home because of the friendly people who live there.
Round Rock, Texas
Next on the list is the Lone Star State of Round Rock, Texas, a great place for single moms because it’s affordable and full of opportunities.
Round Rock is also a great way to help children with autism who need help to stay happy. This is a great place to go for fun and for kids who want to get away from their devices and get involved in the world-famous sports scene of the town. When you have all your friends around to enjoy the great jobs the city offers, you might not even spend the same great median income of $488,500.
With its low cost of living, strong job sector, and excellent schools for you and your child, Round Rock is a great place to raise your children. All ages can enjoy the city’s many parks and family-friendly events, and the close-knit community is a welcoming and helpful place for single-parent households.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is a great place for single parents. This means the strong job markets can support a single parent’s excellent median earnings of $39.515, but the costs are 7% less than in the US. Only 4% of people are out of work, the average commute takes 20 minutes, and kids can get into schools for free.
Omaha, Nebraska, has a low cost of living and a strong job industry with many different kinds of jobs. Omaha is great for single moms because it has cheap housing and good schools. There’s always something to do in this busy town, which has a lot of things to see and do, like a famous zoo and many parent-child events. The friendly people of Omaha make it an excellent place for solo-parent families to live.
Austin, Texas
Even though Austin is now cheaper than most places in Texas, it is still cheap enough for single moms to live there. With the economy growing and a low cost of living, there are plenty of jobs, and your child can go to top schools for various careers. As you might think from the capital of Texas, there are a lot of facilities, things to do, museums, libraries, and attractions.
Austin is a great place for single moms who want to live in a lively and diverse place. Austin is excellent for one-parent households because it has a strong employment sector, cheap housing, and good schools. The city’s famous live music scene and wide range of outdoor activities ensure never dull moments. Also, Austin, Texas, is a great place to live because its people are friendly and welcome everyone.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Find a place like Raleigh with high standards and low prices. This is the kind of place where families can have fun that doesn’t cost much. Care for children can easily be changed for the same amount of money. The costs of living and child care are about the same. Even better, the median wage for single-parent households is 13.2 percent higher than the average pay for all households.
Single moms can enjoy a low cost of living in Raleigh, a lively city. Raleigh is excellent for single moms because of its good employment market, reasonable housing, and good schools. The city’s rich cultural scene, including world-class museums and community events, always ensures something to do. With its friendly people and focus on work-life balance, Raleigh is a great place for single moms to establish a home.
Orlando, Florida
Next up is sunny Orlando, Florida, a place with more to offer single moms than just amusement parks and fun. Sunshine State has a lot more to offer than just lovely weather. In Florida, classes for kids are cheap and easy to find. Orlando is the best choice if you want to choose a place to live in your home. Your family never gets bored because there are so many things to do.
Orlando is great for solo-parent families to settle down because it has a growing job market, cheap housing, and a solid educational commitment. The city has many family-friendly sites and events, so there is always something fun to do. The city’s diverse and welcoming community is a good place for all families.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Another list as one of the best cities for a single parent is Fort Wayne, a great place for single moms to live. You can easily afford housing choices, and your child can choose from the latest gadgets and accessories at a lower price than if you spent 18% of your salary on housing.
The city is both affordable and full of opportunities for single moms. Fort Wayne is an excellent place for single-parent families because it has a low cost of living, a broad job market, and top-rated schools. The town always has something to do because of its long past, lively arts scene, and many family-friendly events. The friendly people who live in Fort Wayne also make it a good place for all families.
Naples, Florida
There are many reasons for single moms to choose Naples, Florida. The state pays an average of $9,058 a year for childcare, and property prices are low enough to keep housing costs at less than 27% of income. Also, Naples has been called one of the safest towns in Florida.
Single moms can live well in the beautiful coastal city of Naples because it has a strong job market and some of the best schools in the country. Families can do many things there because of its beautiful beaches, green parks, and lively arts scene. The close-knit community in Naples makes it an excellent place to raise a family because it is friendly and helpful.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
MeetFabric.com says Ann Arbor is one of the ten best places for single parents in the US. A recent estimate shows that high incomes were caused by low unemployment rates (2.3%), low costs for childcare on the part of the state, and a higher median annual income.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a charming college town with many resources and chances for single moms. This midwestern city is excellent for single mothers and raising families because it has high-quality schools, cheap housing, and many jobs.
There’s always something fun to do in the metropolis, thanks to its rich arts and culture scene and many family-friendly events. The friendly and helpful people in Ann Arbor make it feel like home.
What city has the most single mothers?
Here is a list of the top 10 metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of female-headed family households in the United States in 2019, according to Statista:
- Brownsville-Harlingen, TX – 22.08%
- McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX – 21.65%
- Laredo, TX – 20.31%
- Florence, SC – 19.77%
- Alexandria, LA – 19.59%
- El Paso, TX – 19.26%
- El Centro, CA – 19.12%
- Albany, GA – 19.1%
- Merced, CA – 18.97%
- Lake Charles, LA – 18.94%
These percentages show which metro areas have the most solo moms leading families. This can help lawmakers and organizations focus on giving these communities the support and resources they need.
What is the history of housing when researching the best states for single mothers?
Single parents comprise over half of the households with fewer than 18 children. Single-parent homes increased by 30% after several years. It’s identical to the best single-parent research. This article details these states, but the history of single-mother housing may be related to social, economic, and governmental changes.
As single-parent households increased, states and municipalities created programs to help them find affordable homes. Federal and state regulations help solo moms get housing subsidies, tax credits, and affordable house loans. Single mothers can now live in locations with more significant resources, education, and jobs because of this help.
The focus has turned to establish a more inclusive and friendly environment for single parents, increasing their quality of life and that of their children. This effort has helped build housing initiatives and policies for single parents by raising awareness of single parents and their unique concerns.
How do single moms survive financially?
Single moms can stay financially stable if they make a reasonable budget, look for cheap housing, and use resources like help with childcare and job training programs.
Talking to other single parents and joining local support groups can also give you valuable tips, connections, and mental support to help you deal with money problems.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to where single moms should live. Each city on our list has its own unique mix of things like cost of living, jobs, schooling, and support for the community. As you look at these choices, think about what your family’s needs, wants, and goals are so you can find the best place to live.
Remember that it’s not just about the place with the most single moms; it’s about where your family will have the best chance to do well.
Keep looking into it, stay optimistic, and have faith that you’ll find the right place for you and your kids.
References:
U.S. News: McAllen, Texas | https://realestate.usnews.com/places/texas/mcallen
Huntsville Business Journal: Huntsville Ranks Among the Best Cities for Working Parents | https://huntsvillebusinessjournal.com/lead/2023/02/20/huntsville-ranks-among-the-best-cities-for-working-parents/
HomeSnacks: The 10 Best Cities For Singles In California For 2023 | https://www.homesnacks.com/best-cities-for-singles-in-california/
University of California Berekely: https://www.berkeley.edu/
Berekely International Office: Childcare, Schools and Parenting Resources | https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/families/childcare_schools
CA.GOV: California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) | https://www.cdss.ca.gov/calworks#:~:text=If%20a%20family%20has%20little,food%20and%20other%20necessary%20expenses.
Niche: Barrington, Rhode Island | https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/barrington-bristol-ri/
Michigan State University: MSU Museum | https://museum.msu.edu/
Wikipedia: Sports in Texas | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_in_Texas
Omaha Zoo: https://www.omahazoo.com/
Austine Chamber: Gross domestic product by metro & county | https://www.austinchamber.com/blog/02-28-2023-gross-domestic-product#:~:text=Austin’s%20economy%20grew%20by%2010.5,largest%20metros%20saw%20positive%20growth
Raleigh, North Carolina Government: Careers, Jobs, and Volunteering | https://raleighnc.gov/services/careers-jobs-and-volunteering
Fox 4: Naples ranked as #2 safest city in Florida by crime website | https://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/naples-ranked-as-2-safest-city-in-florida-by-crime-website
Fabric by Gerber Life: 10 Best Cities in America for Single Parents | https://meetfabric.com/blog/best-cities-for-single-parents
Visit the USA.com: Ann Arbor, Michigan | https://www.visittheusa.com/destination/ann-arbor
STATISTA: Top 50 metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of female-headed family households in the United States in 2019 | https://www.statista.com/statistics/432802/us-metropolitan-areas-with-the-highest-percentage-of-single-moms/
