While it is a lot to take on, being a single parent is 100% manageable. In fact, the most recent statistics on single-parent households from the United States Census Bureau shows that 23% of children today are living in a single-parent household.
In addition to being a provider, single moms have the responsibility of being sure there is support to take care of their children when they can’t be there, and finding the right location is key.
Here are the best places for a single mom to live. We’ll also share the most important factors for finding the best possible place to take care of your family.
The 10 Best Places for a Single Mom to Live
There are a lot of factors to consider as you look for the best place to live as a single parent.
This list was compiled by the life insurance company Fabric, using data from the United States Census Bureau. We also included extra facts about these areas, so you can make the best possible decision for your family.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
This top-ranking city for single parents is one of the best metropolitan areas to live in. The unemployment rate for single parents is below the national average and 49% of single mothers have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Another benefit is the public transportation in the area.
From the perspective of raising a family, Ann Arbor has great access to high-ranking schools. Additionally, nearby Michigan University adds to the culture of the area. It is also known for its fairs, libraries, museums, performance theaters, and more. There are plenty of things for a child to do and stay out of trouble.
Something to note is that the cost of living for Ann Arbor is a little higher than the national average, however, it is more affordable to live in the metropolitan areas than in the city of Ann Arbor. Currently, the average cost of a 2-bedroom apartment in the Ann Arbor metro area is $1,140. However, childcare costs are lower than the national average at $10,603 and the median single-parent income is over the national average at $55,350.
Lansing and East Lansing, Michigan
This Michigan city is ideal for parents looking for more affordable living, with a cost of living 8% below the national average. Like Ann Arbor, there are lower childcare costs and you can earn more here, too. The wage for single parents is about $9,000 higher than the national average. Furthermore, Lansing was ranked one of the most affordable places to live in America in 2022 and East Lansing was rated #53 as the most desirable place to live across the United States.
Overall, the schools in this area have good to very good ratings. There was also a bond passed in 2017 that let East Lansing schools spend over $93,000 to renovate six different schools. When your child isn’t in school, he or she can learn more at the MSU Museum and Impression 5 Center and MSU isn’t too far away for mothers who are looking to get a degree. To top it all off, there is plenty of public transportation.
Round Rock, Texas
This is a great choice for sports-oriented families, particularly because this town is referred to as the “sports capital of Texas.” Sports are a great way to keep kids busy outside of school and to encourage them to be social and make friends. Additionally, the schools in this Austin metropolitan area are highly rated. This also has great public transportation, which makes it easier to get around.
While the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, 49% of single parents hold a Bachelor’s degree and single parents get paid higher than the national average, with a median income of $45,800, so it may be a good choice for parents with a Bachelor’s degree. The cost of childcare is also significantly lower at an annual cost of $9,102.
Asheville, North Carolina
This is a great affordable place to live, with housing costs about 7% below the national average. Something to consider, however, is that the median household income for a single parent is also not as high in this area. It’s only a little more than $2,000 above the national average.
Asheville has a median commute time of just 21 minutes, which is several minutes less than the cities mentioned before. Childcare costs are a little below the national average at around $9,254 per year.
One of the major benefits of the city of Asheville is all the activities available for families. It has thousands of acres of activities and beautiful mountain scenery. There are also plenty of museums, nature centers, hiking paths, and waterfalls to visit in the area.
Little Rock, Arkansas
For single parents in Little Rock, the median household income is slightly below the national average at $36,400. However, the costs of many things that single moms need to consider are also significantly lower. The overall cost of living is 9% below the national average and annual costs of childcare are just $6,276.
Little Rock has access to transportation, which is a must when you are a single parent. Additionally, there are plenty of things to do when you do get a break from work, including Arts Center Children Theater, Museum of Discovery, and the Little Rock Zoo. There are also a lot of great schools in the area and the rate of crime is low.
Wichita, Kansas
The major attraction of Wichita is its incredibly low cost of living, which is an impressive 11% less than the national average. Even with the median income being only $36,700, the cost of living is significantly low and the cost of childcare is a little below average at $9,955. This city also has plenty of transportation and the average commute time is just 19 minutes.
There are several great communities around the Wichita area and the schools are highly rated. Some other attractions that your child might want to check out outside of school hours include the eight public libraries, performing arts centers, a large zoo, various nature centers and botanical gardens, museums, and more.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is a great place for single parents who want to live more affordably, without sacrificing job opportunities. The mean income for a single parent in Raleigh is above the national average at $42,000. It also features a cost of living that is 4% below the national average and annual childcare costs of just $9,254.
Many single mothers are motivated to do their best to provide and Raleigh is a great city for that. It has been ranked #2 by Forbes magazine for careers and business. Additionally, there are plenty of museums, historical landmarks, and other sights that you can enjoy with your family for little to no cost.
Omaha, Nebraska
The Omaha, Nebraska area is a great place to raise a family. Something unique about the school system is that it doesn’t go by neighborhood- you can choose where to enroll your child based on their interests rather than the neighborhood that they live in. Additionally, you save money on rent with living costs that are 7% below the national average and affordable childcare.
Omaha is also home to four major Fortune 500 companies. For this reason, it’s considered one of the best places to look for a high-paying job, especially if you are qualified. When you aren’t working, there’s plenty to do including one of the largest zoos and watching the College Baseball World Series.
Huntsville, Alabama
On average, single parents in Huntsville make above the national mean for income at $39,000. While the unemployment rate for single parents in this area is higher than the nation’s average at 8.2%. If you can secure a job, however, it’s easy to take advantage of the affordable housing that is 10% below the average across the United States. Even with the affordable living area, this has great schools- which is a major factor when you’re trying to raise a family. Childcare is also affordable, with a mean cost of $5,858 per year.
Something else to consider is the availability of things to do when you are home from work. Huntsville has plenty of hiking trails, nature preserves, museums, and more that offer an affordable way to bond with your child(ren).
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida
This area is situated in the Gulf of Mexico, making it perfect for families that love spending time in the sun and water. The environment is perfect for families and the city was even named the best place to live for overall well-being and happiness three different times. It is also considered one of the safest places to live in Florida and the relaxing environment is perfect for raising a family.
Even though the cost of living is higher here, the average income for single parents is also above the national average at $39,000. Additionally, the cost of childcare is significantly lower at just $9,036 annually. This city also boasts a low rate of unemployment among single parents and a high amount of single parents with Bachelor’s degrees, so it’s easier to find work there.
Moving Considerations for Single Mothers
Median Income of a Single-Parent Household
While some women choose to be stay-at-home moms, most single mothers find this isn’t an option. Living somewhere that provides a living wage is important in being able to provide for your children, especially because having to work longer hours or take on a second job means you’re spending significantly less time with your children.
According to the Census Bureau, the median household income of 2022 was $93,654. However, the median household income for a single mother is just $45,097. We looked at how these stats compared to the median income of an area as we made our choices.
As you look at median income, consider anything relevant to work for you. Some mothers already have degrees. Others may transfer from their existing company or are qualified for a higher rate of pay. If cost isn’t as much of a factor, you may want to broaden your search to other locations.
Housing Costs and Overall Cost of Living
Many single mothers moving to a new city are looking to rent a house or an apartment.
Depending on the number of kids that you have, something like a 2-bedroom apartment may be most practical and affordable. Therefore, we looked at the average cost of a 2-bedroom apartment as we compiled this list. You’ll also want to consider any extra costs (like a pet fee) if your family includes pets. It’s not uncommon for some landlords to charge a slightly higher rent cost per month (mine was $25 extra at my last apartment).
Some single moms might also be on the road to homeownership. There are a lot of loans available that cater to single parents. If you do have good credit and a good median income, then this might be the best choice. Mothers considering buying should consider the average cost of homeownership and loans available.
In addition to housing, we took a look at the average cost of living in the area and how it compared to the nation’s averages. This includes things like gas prices, the cost of food, utilities, and more.
Cost of Childcare/Programs
To do your best at work, it’s important to know that your children are in safe hands while they’re out of school. Childcare can be expensive, especially if you have more than one child or work a job with uncommon or varying hours. You’ll want to know how much you will be paying out of your annual income for childcare.
Some cities/states are better equipped to deal with the needs of a single parent. We considered the average cost of childcare, as well as the availability of programs that might help with childcare costs if you qualify.
While the national average for childcare is around $11,986 for infants and $10,158 for toddlers each year, states range from annual averages of $5,436 in Mississippi to $20,913 in Massachusetts.
Commute and Transportation
Coordinating transportation can be a struggle for any family and it’s even harder when you’re doing it alone.
As a single parent, your life will be significantly easier if there is good public transportation infrastructure. Even if you have a vehicle, there may be times where it’s easier or more convenient to take public transportation. This also saves you money on gas costs and helps you prepare for unexpected problems with your vehicle.
Something else to consider is how close you’ll be to your workplace. Every minute that you spend commuting is another minute that you have to spend away from your family. If your job is 45 minutes away, for example, then there is an additional 90 minutes on top of the time that you’ve worked that you have to be away from your family. We considered the availability of public transportation and the average commute time in an area as we compiled this list.
Personal Resources and Support
In addition to the factors mentioned above, some single parents might find it best to consider the resources that they already have. If you have family and friends that are a support system and who are close to your kids, then it might be beneficial to locate somewhere that you have those resources. This means you may end up living somewhere that hasn’t been mentioned on the list.
If you do choose this route, consider living near the area of family, but also take the time to research things like median income, childcare costs, and other factors mentioned above.
Final Word
Being a single parent is challenging. With the right support and resources, this struggle does get easier.
As you choose the best place for a single mom to live, be sure to factor in your own lifestyle, too. Think about the resources you already have and what matters most to you. Consider what employment is available for someone with your skills, whether you want to rent or buy a house, and other things that apply to your situation.
By doing this, you’ll narrow down your choices until you find the perfect place to raise your family.
