Small Towns With the Best School Districts in Every State

Families looking for top-notch schools in small towns will find lots to love nationwide.

Small Towns With the Best Schools in Every State

When looking for a place to settle down, families often research the quality of schools wherever they’re planning to live. And while big cities have more schooling options than small towns or suburban settings, not everyone wants to live in a dense urban environment. Luckily, the country is full of quaint communities, many of which offer the best education opportunities in their state.

To find the best small towns for education in each state, we used data from Niche. We looked for towns of fewer than 30,000 residents — with a couple exceptions — that have the best schools in their state and other desirable qualities for families, like a healthy economy and housing prices within reach for various income levels. Some of these communities are extremely exclusive while others are simply great for raising families. In short, there is something for everyone.

Homewood, Alabama

Closest big city: Birmingham

Population: 25,595

Public schools: 5 of 8 rated A+

Private schools: 2 of 4 rated A- or higher

Homewood is at or near the top of most rankings for the state of Alabama, thanks to the city’s excellent public and private schools, highly educated populace and high median household income. Over 60 percent of residents own their homes, which have higher median values than the state and national figures. Homewood tends to attract young professionals who work in nearby Birmingham and families seeking top-ranked schools and the idyllic suburban life.

Juneau, Alaska

Closest big city: Anchorage

Population: 32,330

Public schools: 5 of 15 rated B+ or higher

Private schools: 2 (unranked)

There are no roads into or out of Juneau, but it still manages to be a desirable place to live. It’s the capital of Alaska and boasts the top-ranked public schools in the state. Juneau is home to many young highly educated professionals, which pushes its income levels and housing values well above Alaska’s median figures. Nearly two-thirds of residents own their homes. Jobs can be difficult to find due to the remoteness of the state, but median household income still manages to be well above national levels.

Corona de Tucson, Arizona

Closest big city: Tucson

Population: 8,326

Public schools: 7 of 9 rated A or higher

Private schools: No data

This suburb of Tucson offers residents a rural feel and tremendous access to nature and outdoor activities. It has some of the top public schools in Arizona and is considered the best place to buy a home in the entire state. The highly educated population has good access to well-paying jobs, and a staggering 91 percent of residents own their home.

Cave Springs, Arkansas

Closest big city: Fayetteville

Population: 3,881

Public schools: 19 all rated B or higher

Private schools: No data

Of the 19 public schools in Cave Springs, 16 are rated A- or higher. Residents tend to be families with college-educated parents who have high-earning jobs, and a whopping 94 percent of the population are homeowners. Cave Springs has low crime rates and a rural feel. It is most popular with conservative families and young professionals looking for access to great schools and good jobs.

Rolling Hills, California

Closest big city: Los Angeles

Population: 1,630

Public schools: 10 of 11 rated A or higher

Private schools: No data

Located between Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, Rolling Hills is considered the best small town for families in California and has more of a rural feel despite its proximity to L.A. The town is most popular with families and retirees, and 40 percent of the population has a master’s degree or higher. Median home values, at $2 million, and income, at nearly $240,000 annually, are among the highest in the nation. Crime is virtually nonexistent in Rolling Hills.

Holly Hills, Colorado

Closest big city: Denver

Population: 2,909

Public schools: 5 of 10 rated B+ or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

This Denver suburb is most popular with retirees and working families thanks to its proximity to Denver’s economic hub. Rental properties are in short supply in Holly Hills because 93 percent of residents own their home. The city boasts some of Colorado’s top-ranked public schools and has a rural feel. Residents tend to be educated and work well-paid jobs.

Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Closest big city: Stamford

Population: 6,819

Public schools: All 6 rated A or higher

Private schools: No data

With more than 80 percent of the population owning their homes and with access to excellent public schools, Old Greenwich is one of the best small towns for families in the country. The highly educated population has easy access to the vast economy of New York City, and median home values and earnings are through the roof. Crime is a nonissue, and the city is very family friendly.

Pike Creek, Delaware

Closest big city: Wilmington

Population: 8,312

Public schools: 9 of 17 rated B- or higher

Private schools: No data

Pike Creek is ranked as the best place to live and the best place to raise a family in Delaware thanks to its close proximity to good-paying jobs in both Wilmington and Philadelphia and a high homeownership rate at 86 percent. Home values and median earnings are far above national figures. Crime is low, and the city offers a mix of suburban and rural.

Nocatee, Florida

Closest big city: Jacksonville

Population: 13,266

Public schools: 9 of 12 rated B- or higher

Private schools: 2 (unranked)

With excellent schools and tremendous access to jobs, Nocatee is one of the best places to live in Florida and the most family-friendly. Median earnings for the city’s well-educated population are more than double the national figure, and home values are twice as much as the rest of the country. Homeownership is at 82 percent, and the sparse suburban feel attracts many families.

Decatur, Georgia

Closest big city: Atlanta

Population: 23,054

Public schools: All 8 rated A or higher

Private schools: 8 (1 rated A, 7 unranked)

Decatur offers the ideal suburban life for families. Atlanta is close enough to offer a diverse job market, yet far enough away to feel like you’re in a small town. The schools are incredibly good, and two-thirds of residents are homeowners. Crime rates are average to higher than national standards. Residents tend to be well educated and younger.

Mililani, Hawaii

Closest big city: Honolulu

Population: 27,926

Public schools: 23 of 43 rated B- or higher

Private schools: 1 of 2 rated B+

The ideal tropical family life can easily be found in this suburb of Honolulu, which has a ton of economic and ethnic diversity as well as the best-rated public schools on any of Hawaii’s islands. Median income is nearly $100,000 a year, although housing is more than three times as costly as the national average. Still, three-quarters of residents own their home.

Dalton Gardens, Idaho

Closest big city: Spokane, Washington

Population: 2,765

Public schools: 4 of 5 rated B or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

The quintessential small-town life awaits in Dalton Gardens, which has some of Idaho’s top-rated public schools and is close enough to a big city to offer economic opportunities in many sectors. Some 93 percent of residents own their homes, and the population tends to be conservative retirees and young families, who will love the access to outdoor activities and lightly traveled streets.

Long Grove, Illinois

Closest big city: Chicago

Population: 7,978

Public schools: 30 of 32 rated B or higher

Private schools: 3 (unranked)

It’s hard to find a more perfect place for families than this Chicago suburb, which has the best public schools in Illinois and is considered among the top five best places to raise a family in America. Despite its close proximity to Chicago, Long Grove feels like the rural suburbs, and there’s plenty of opportunity to get outside. Median household income is almost four times the national average, and while housing is expensive, the homeownership rate is 99 percent.

Zionsville, Indiana

Closest big city: Indianapolis

Population: 26,209

Public schools: 21 of 34 rated A- or higher

Private schools: 4 (unranked)

Zionsville is one of the best places to live in Indiana, offering families superb public schools, a low crime rate and a good mix of rural-suburban appeal. Homes are affordable for such a highly ranked small town, and 81 percent of residents are homeowners. Access to jobs and earnings relative to the region’s cost of living are excellent.

Mount Vernon, Iowa

Closest big city: Cedar Rapids

Population: 4,454

Public schools: All 6 rated B- or higher

Private schools: No data

The lucky few who call Mount Vernon home enjoy Iowa’s top schools in a town that is considered the best in the state for families. There’s plenty to do for the whole family, and crime is low, while the city also attracts young professionals. Jobs are plentiful, and wages are well above the national median. Homes are affordable, and nearly three-quarters of residents own theirs.

Prairie Village, Kansas

Closest big city: Kansas City

Population: 22,048

Public schools: 12 of 17 rated B+ or higher

Private schools: 1 of 5 rated A

Families looking for excellent schools, homeownership opportunities, activities for everyone and good job prospects will be hard-pressed to find a more ideal location than Prairie Village. While it’s located within the Greater Kansas City Metro area, it has quite a tight-knit community with local shops and restaurants. Crime is low while wages are above average and housing costs are low, with 78 percent of residents owning their own home. The population leans conservative and is a healthy mix of families, young professionals and retirees.

Anchorage, Kentucky

Closest big city: Louisville

Population: 2,281

Public schools: 18 of 38 rated B- or higher

Private schools: No data

Anchorage is a wealthy suburb of Louisville that’s popular with families thanks to its incredible public schools and family-friendly vibes that offer something for everyone. The population is well-educated, too — 83 percent of residents boast a bachelor’s degree or higher — and the crime rate is low. Housing is expensive, but 93 percent of residents own their home.

Destrehan, Louisiana

Closest big city: New Orleans

Population: 10,933

Public schools: All 6 rated A- or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

This suburb of New Orleans is among the state’s best places for families thanks to its incredible schools, excellent employment opportunities and high median household income compared to the area’s housing prices and cost of living. Young families and professionals comprise most of the population, and 83 percent of residents are homeowners.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Closest big city: Portland

Population: 9,279

Public schools: All 3 rated A or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

The small-town beach life awaits in Cape Elizabeth, which is a superb choice for Maine families because of its incredible school system, access to high-paying jobs, low crime rate and affordable homes. A full 87 percent of residents own their homes, and median earnings are well above the national average. And while the population is not so diverse, it’s highly educated.

South Kensington, Maryland

Closest big city: Washington, D.C.

Population: 8,769

Public schools: 16 of 23 rated B or higher

Private schools: 2 (unranked)

It doesn’t get much better than South Kensington when it comes to small-town Maryland. The city is close to the economic and cultural center of the nation’s capital but far enough away to feel suburban. Families will love the excellent public schools and access to high-paying jobs, which makes the high median home prices more tolerable. But even with the cost of housing, 90 percent of residents own their homes. The highly educated population is also diverse.

Lexington, Massachusetts

Closest big city: Boston

Population: 33,480

Public schools: 10 of 12 rated A or higher

Private schools: 2 of 5 rated A+

The historic town of Lexington is one of Massachusetts’ best cities for families and one of the top places to call home in the country. Its schools are unmatched in a state with incredible public and private institutions. Job opportunities abound thanks to the close proximity to Boston, while median wages and housing costs are far above national standards. Lexington is also safe and diverse.

Okemos, Michigan

Closest big city: Lansing

Population: 23,912

Public schools: 18 of 19 rated B or higher

Private schools: 4 (unranked)

Families will find plenty to love about Okemos, from its top-notch schools to the plentiful job opportunities and affordable housing. It’s widely considered the best place to raise a family in the state. The population is diverse and full of young professionals, and nearly three-quarters of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. More than two-thirds of residents own their home.

Shorewood, Minnesota

Closest big city: Minneapolis

Population: 7,752

Public schools: 14 of 15 rated A or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

There isn’t a school in Shorewood that could be considered anything less than excellent. Add that to the plentiful and high-wage jobs and approachable housing prices, and you have a small town just perfect for raising a family. Although not super-diverse, the population is well educated and younger. Homeownership is almost a guarantee, with 94 percent of residents on the property tax rolls.

Madison, Mississippi

Closest big city: Jackson

Population: 25,522

Public schools: 12 of 14 rated A- or higher

Private schools: 2 of 3 rated A- or higher

Madison is the envy of many other small towns across America. It’s schools are nothing short of excellent, while housing costs are low and job opportunities with excellent wage potential abound. The town has a rural feel and 93 percent homeownership rate. Crime is low, and the population is fairly diverse, with a high percentage of college-educated residents.

Glendale, Missouri

Closest big city: St. Louis

Population: 5,888

Public schools: 9 of 11 rated A or higher

Private schools: No data

There is no better small town in Missouri for raising a family than Glendale. It’s schools are second to none, and family bread-winners will find unmatched job and wage potential. The population is not exceptionally diverse, but it’s highly educated. Housing prices are reasonable, especially when considering median earnings, and crime is virtually nonexistent.

Four Corners, Montana

Closest big city: Bozeman

Population: 4,336

Public schools: 8 of 9 rated B- or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

Four Corners tops the charts for Montana when it comes to places in which to buy a home, raise a family and send your kids to school. On top of that, there are plenty of job opportunities, and wages are well above the national median. Housing is within reach, as 83 percent of residents are homeowners. Diversity is solid, and more than half the population has a four-year college degree.

Chadron, Nebraska

Closest big city: N/A

Population: 5,654

Public schools: 3 of 4 rated A- or higher

Private schools: No data

Way up in the northwest corner of Nebraska far from any big city is Chadron, where the state’s best schools reside and the cost of living is below the national standard. Homes are cheap compared to other parts of the state, and the local economy is robust, with great job prospects and decent median wages. Crime is low, and the population is diverse and well-educated. Rent and homeownership is about 50-50.

Verdi, Nevada

Closest big city: Reno

Population: 1,368

Public schools: 12 of 18 rated B- or higher

Private schools: No data

Families love Verdi for its excellent schools — the best in Nevada — and outdoor expanses offering plenty of room to roam. Home prices are high compared to the national median, yet 77 percent of residents own their property. The area is most popular with conservative young families who can find good-paying jobs in nearby Reno.

Hanover, New Hampshire

Closest big city: N/A

Population: 11,512

Public schools: All 5 rated A or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

Hanover is the best small town to live in the state thanks to its superb school system and access to high-paying jobs, which helps to offset the high costs of housing and living. Although bitterly cold for a good chunk of the year, families will love the outdoor opportunities of a town surrounded by wildlands and wildlife. The population is well-educated and diverse, and there is virtually no crime.

Upper Montclair, New Jersey

Closest big city: New York City

Population: 11,744

Public schools: All 11 rated A- or higher

Private schools: 1 of 3 rated A

If your family can afford the high cost of living and housing prices, there is no better small town in New Jersey to call home. Every public school in the area is highly ranked, and the close proximity to New York City’s economic hub means high-paying jobs are plentiful, and public transit options abound. Residents are highly educated, and 80 percent own their homes.

Los Alamos, New Mexico

Closest big city: Santa Fe

Population: 12,373

Public schools: 5 of 7 rated A or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

Los Alamos was once a secret military town that is now infamous as the creation site of the world’s first atomic bomb. It’s also a lot different today than in the 1940s. With highly ranked public schools and excellent job and income prospects, families can find a lot to love. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, and crime is low for the highly educated population.

Jericho, New York

Closest big city: New York City

Population: 13,827

Public schools: All 18 rated B- or higher

Private schools: No data

Located east of the country’s top cultural and economic hub, there are plenty of job opportunities within a reasonable commute, and the town’s median household income is triple the national rate. Jericho is ideal for families, boasting a sparse suburban feel and the state’s best schools. Housing is expensive, but 84 percent of residents own property. The population is diverse and well-educated.

Morissville, North Carolina

Closest big city: Raleigh

Population: 25,007

Public schools: 28 of 38 rated B- or higher

Private schools: 5 (unranked)

This suburb of Raleigh is considered the best place to live in North Carolina. It’s full of high-quality schools and many job opportunities that attract a diverse mix of young families and professionals who tend to be college graduates commanding high earnings. Home prices are moderate, although fewer than 50 percent of residents own property. There is no shortage of outdoor activities.

West Fargo, North Dakota

Closest big city: Fargo

Population: 34,419

Public schools: 14 of 15 rated B or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

West Fargo is among the best places to live in this sparsely populated state thanks to its terrific schools and homeownership opportunities for families. Job prospects are among the best in North Dakota, with median household income well above the national rate and housing prices within reach for many. Crime is low, and the population is fairly diverse.

Glenwillow, Ohio

Closest big city: Cleveland

Population: 1,034

Public schools: 5 of 6 rated A- or higher

Private schools: No data

Unlike most of the best small towns in the U.S. for schools and families, this Cleveland suburb has low housing costs and a robust job market with high-wage positions. Glenwillow’s diverse community also sends their children to the best schools in Ohio. Homeownership is a staggering 86 percent of residents, and nearly 45 percent of folks have a four-year degree or higher.

Jenks, Oklahoma

Closest big city: Tulsa

Population: 21,793

Public schools: All 13 rated B- or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

Jenks has some of the best schools in Oklahoma and is considered the state’s finest suburb. It’s located on the outskirts of downtown Tulsa but feels rural. Violent crime is low, but some property crimes trend closer to national averages. Household income is far above the national median while job prospects are excellent. The population is diverse, and 79 percent of residents own their homes, which are affordable for most.

West Linn, Oregon

Closest big city: Portland

Population: 26,511

Public schools: 13 of 14 rated A or higher

Private schools: 5 (unranked)

This Portland suburb is great for families seeking access to the outdoors and amazing schools, while being close enough to the economic and cultural hub of the state to access good jobs. That means household median income is high while housing prices are within reach for many — 79 percent of the diverse population are homeowners. Crime is low, and West Linn has a sparse suburban feel.

Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania

Closest big city: Philadelphia

Population: 4,714

Public schools: All 4 rated A+

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

Families in this Philly suburb are treated to the best schools in the state, which all score perfect marks. And due to its close proximity to the big city, residents can easily commute to high-paying jobs and afford homes that are priced well above the national median. More than three-quarters of folks own their home, and the population is diverse and well-educated.

Barrington, Rhode Island

Closest big city: Providence

Population: 16,178

Public schools: All 6 rated A- or higher

Private schools: 2 of 5 rated A or higher

Rhode Island’s best schools can be found in this town just south of Providence, where job prospects are healthy and median earnings are much higher than the national rate. The city has a low crime rate and plenty to do outdoors. Housing prices are more than double the national median, yet 89 percent of residents own their property.

Tega Cay, South Carolina

Closest big city: Charlotte, North Carolina

Population: 9,954

Public schools: All 4 rated A or higher

Private schools: 1 (unranked)

Excellent schools and high-wage jobs are available to residents of this lakefront peninsula town south of Charlotte and the North Carolina border. Housing costs are attainable for much of the population, with 93 percent of residents owning their property. Crime is low, and the diverse population tends to be college graduates with at least a four-year degree.

Brandon, South Dakota

Closest big city: Sioux Falls

Population: 9,867

Public schools: All 5 rated A

Private schools: No data

Nearly three-quarters of the working-class residents of this suburb own their homes, and it helps that housing prices are right in line with the national median and that the crime rate is low. Brandon residents also have access to good-paying jobs and plenty of outdoor spaces to roam around. The city’s schools are by far the best in South Dakota.

Nolensville, Tennessee

Closest big city: Nashville

Population: 7,656

Public schools: All 8 rated A- or higher

Private schools: No data

Nolensville is a rural, family-oriented community that’s diverse and well-educated. The schools are among the best in the state, and the homeownership rate is 93 percent. Housing prices and the cost of living are high, but residents can commute to the economic hub of Nashville, contributing to Nolensville’s high median household income.

Rollingwood, Texas

Closest big city: Austin

Population: 1,569

Public schools: 11 of 19 rated A- or higher

Private schools: No data

The schools in Austin’s suburbs are considered the best among small towns in Texas, and Rollingwood stands out for its high marks. The town attracts wealthier families, with a median household income of $190,795. Home values are among the highest in the nation, but 93 percent of residents own their property. Crime is low, and Rollingwood offers plenty of excursion opportunities.

Fruit Heights, Utah

Closest big city: Salt Lake City

Population: 6,100

Public schools: 8 of 9 rated B or higher

Private schools: No data

Utah’s best schools can be found in Fruit Heights, which is one of many attractions for families seeking rural solitude. There is great access to the outdoors and many parks around the area. The median household income is high, and housing prices are within reach for many.

Charlotte, Vermont

Closest big city: Burlington

Population: 3,839

Public schools: 2 of 3 rated A

Private schools: No data

Charlotte boasts the best schools in Vermont in a community with a high median household income and high housing prices. The town has a rural feel, but the economic hub of Burlington is within commuting distance, offering plenty of job opportunities. Families will find many outdoor recreational opportunities right in their backyard.

Broadlands, Virginia

Closest big city: Washington, D.C.

Population: 13,704

Public schools: All 9 rated A- or higher

Private schools: 2 (unranked)

There’s a lot going on for families in this quaint suburb of the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., is close enough to commute and offers an economic and cultural destination to residents of Broadlands, where 84 percent of folks own their property. The schools are nothing short of excellent. Home prices and the cost of living are high compared to national averages, but median household income is nearly $180,000 a year.

Yarrow Point, Washington

Closest big city: Seattle

Population: 1,168

Public schools: 7 of 9 rated A- or higher

Private schools: No data

The quality of Yarrow Point schools is unmatched in Washington State, although the lakefront community west of Seattle is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Median home values sit at $2 million, which is high even for households earning four times the national median annual income. The population is highly educated but not as diverse as nearby Seattle. Crime is low, and outdoor activities abound.

Star City, West Virginia

Closest big city: Morgantown

Population: 2,196

Public schools: 3 of 4 rated A- or higher

Private schools: No data

Families come to Star City for its affordable housing, good jobs and the best schools in West Virginia. Home values and median household income are below the national standard, but the area’s economy is healthy, and there are opportunities to buy property. In addition to the standout schools, Star City is considered the best place to live in the state and the best city for young professionals.

Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Closest big city: Milwaukee

Population: 6,172

Public schools: 10 of 11 rated B+ or higher

Private schools: 2 (unranked)

Elm Grove is an ideal small town for families. The schools are incredible — the best in Wisconsin — while the economy is healthy and earnings are high relative to the cost of living and housing prices. A whopping 93 percent of residents own their home. Milwaukee is close enough for commuters or weekend cultural excursions. Crime is low, and the diverse population is well-educated.

Sheridan, Wyoming

Closest big city: N/A

Population: 17,825

Public schools: All 9 rated B or higher

Private schools: 2 (unranked)

If it’s wide-open expanses, seclusion, homeownership and exceptional schools your family seeks, Sheridan is hard to beat. This working-class community in northern Wyoming might be far from any big city, but it has a good economy and reasonably priced housing. The schools are the best in the state, and crime is low. Many residents rent, but 60 percent own their property.