Top Ten Towns In Which To Raise A Family

Big cities can be fun and exciting, but they're not always the best places for family living.

If you're looking for a family-friendly place and pace, this month's issue of Family Circle magazine lists America's "Ten Best Towns for Families."

On The Early Show Wednesday, Family Circle's editor in chief, Linda Fears, went through the selections, and even suggested ways to get more of a small town feel — in a big city!

The magazine's criteria when picking the towns included suburban charm combined with big-city opportunities, affordable housing, good jobs, top-rated schools, wide open spaces and — a lot less stress.

Fears says many of us want fewer crowds and hassles, less concrete, more serenity and nature, and neighbors we can count on. Family Circle singled out small cities where living costs, commute times and crime rates are low, and educational and the cultural scene are way above average.

The 10 are:

Castle Rock, Colo.
Kennesaw, Ga.
Cooper City, Fla.
Diamond Bar, Calif.
Morton Grove, Ill.
Madison, Miss.
Franklin, Mass.
Cedar Park, Texas
Derby, Kans.
Chanhassen, Minn.

To read the Family Circle article, click here.

To see the Early Show segment,