Our Raleigh-Cary metro has secured a place among the top 10 cities in the nation for middle class families according to a recent study published by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy.
To determine where families would like to settle down, the Center reviewed a number of factors including affordability, career opportunities, income growth and daily commutes. Not surprisingly, mid-sized cities with an appealing cost of living and good job options rose to the top of the list.
According to an article by Real Clear Politics that reported on the Center’s study: “The desire for affordable, single-family homes is driving this trend. Over 80 percent of married couples live in such housing, compared to barely 50 percent of households of unrelated individuals and single. The choice to move to the suburbs also reflects the preference for a safer setting.”
The Center’s research concluded that our metro area ranked well among nearly all of the variables it reviewed. Most notably referenced in the report were the Triangle’s growing concentration of tech and STEM-related jobs, its high-level of family friendliness and good quality of life. Downtown revitalization efforts and public amenities also garnered attention.
Other U.S. metros that ranked on the Center’s list of the best cities for middle class families include:
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Madison, Wisc.
- Albany, N.Y.
- Austin, Texas
- Raleigh
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
- Hartford, Conn.
- Washington, D.C.
- Omaha, Neb.
- Ogden, Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Kansas City, Mo.
If you are among the many seeking affordable city living with promising job opportunities, it’s time to try out the Triangle.
