Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Lori Pace
Although it can be overwhelming, being single parents is manageable. According to the United States Census Bureau, 23% are currently living in single-parent households. Single moms are responsible for being the provider and making sure their children have support when they’re not there. Finding the right place to live as a single mom is crucial.
These are the top places to live for single mothers. We will also discuss the most important aspects of finding the right place to care for your family. When you are looking for the ideal place to live with a single parent, there are many factors to consider. Fabric, a life insurance company, compiled this list using data from the United States Census Bureau. These areas were also covered in additional information so that you can make an informed decision for your family.
Top Places To Live For A Single Mom
Ann Arbor, Michigan
One of the most desirable areas in metropolitan Atlanta is this top-ranked city for single parents. Single parents have a lower unemployment rate than the national average, and 49% of single mothers hold a bachelor’s degree. Public transportation is another benefit in the region.
Ann Arbor is one of top places to raise a family and to live as a single mom. The area is also home to Michigan University. It is known for its fairs and libraries, museums, performances theaters, and other attractions. Ann Arbor offers many activities for children that will keep them busy and out of trouble.
It is worth noting that Ann Arbor’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. However, it is still more affordable to live in the metro areas than in Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor metro area currently has an average price of $1,140 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The national average childcare cost is $10,603 but the average income of a single parent is $55,350.
Lansing and East Lansing, Michigan
The cost of living in this Michigan city is 8% lower than the national average, making it a great choice for parents who are looking for affordable living. You can also earn more here than in Ann Arbor due to lower childcare costs. Single parents earn about $9,000 more than the national average.
The schools in this region have very good to excellent ratings overall. If your child is not in school, they can still learn at the MSU Museum & Impression 5 Center. MSU is also close for moms who want to earn a degree. There are also many public transportation options. Isn’t it great to live as a single mom here?
Round Rock, Texas – Best places to live as a single mom
This area is great for families who are interested in sports, especially since it is known as the “sports capital” of Texas. The schools in the Austin metro area are well-rated. It also boasts great public transportation that makes it easy to travel around.
Although the cost of living may be slightly higher than the average national average, 49% are single parents who have a Bachelor’s degree. Single parents also get paid more than the average national income. This means that it could be a good option for parents with a Bachelor’s degree. At $9,102 per year, childcare costs are significantly lower.
Asheville, North Carolina
It is an affordable area to live with housing costs that are about 7% lower than the national average. It is worth noting that the median household income of a single parent in this area is also lower than the national average. This is just $2,000 more than the national average.
Asheville’s median commute time is just 21 minutes. This is several minutes lower than other cities. The national average for child care costs is $9,254 annually. Family-friendly activities are one of Asheville’s greatest assets. There are thousands of activities available and stunning mountain scenery. The area is home to many museums, nature centers and hiking trails, as well as waterfalls.
Little Rock, Arkansas
The median household income for Little Rock single parents is $36,400, which is slightly lower than the national average. Single moms should consider the fact that many of the things they need are much cheaper. The national average cost of living is 9.9% lower than the average, and the annual childcare costs are only $6,276.
Little Rock offers transportation access, which is essential for single parents. There are many things to do in Little Rock when you have a break from work. These include the Little Rock Zoo, Museum of Discovery and Arts Center Children Theater. The area is home to many great schools and there is very little crime.
Wichita, Kansas – Why it’s one of the best places to live as a single mom
Wichita’s low cost of living is the main draw. It is 11% lower than the national average. The cost of living is very low, even though the median income is only $36,700. However, childcare costs are slightly higher at $9,955. The average commute time to work is only 19 minutes.
The Wichita region has many great communities and schools. Other attractions your child might enjoy outside of school hours are the eight public libraries and performing arts centers, large zoos, numerous nature centers and botanical gardens and museums.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is an ideal place for single parents looking to live more comfortably without sacrificing their job opportunities. Raleigh’s median income is $42,000, which is higher than the national average. The cost of living is also lower than the national average, with annual childcare costs only $9,254.
Single mothers are driven to do what they can to help their children and Raleigh is an ideal place for them. Forbes magazine ranked Raleigh #2 for business and careers. There are many museums, historic landmarks, and other attractions that you can visit with your family at a fraction of the cost. All of these conditions are which make Raleigh one of top places to live as a single mom.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska is a great area to raise a family. The school system doesn’t follow a neighborhood pattern. You can choose where your child will be enrolled based on their interests, not the neighborhood they live in. You can also save money on rent by paying 7% less than the national average for living expenses and having affordable childcare.
Four Fortune 500 companies also call Omaha home. It’s a great place to find a job with high pay, especially if your qualifications are strong. There are many things to do when you’re not working.
Huntsville, Alabama – What makes it one of the best places to live as a single mom
Huntsville single parents make more than the national average of $39,000 in income. The unemployment rate in Huntsville for single parents is 8.2%, which is higher than the national average of 8.2%. It’s possible to find a job if you have the means. However, affordable housing is 10% lower than the national average. This area has excellent schools, which is an important factor in raising a family. The average cost of childcare in the area is $5,858 per annum.
Another thing to think about is what activities are available when you’re not at work. Huntsville offers many hiking trails, nature preserves and museums that can be used to bond with your child(ren).
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida
The area is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is ideal for families who love to spend time outdoors. It is a great place for families. Three times, it was named the best place for happiness and overall well-being. The city is considered to be one of Florida’s safest areas and is ideal for raising a family.
Even though living costs are higher, single parents earn more than the national average of $39,000. The cost of childcare is also significantly lower at only $9,036 per year. It also has a low unemployment rate among single parents, and a large number of single parents who have a Bachelor’s degree. This makes it easier to find work in the city.
Moving Considerations for Single Mothers To Find The Best Places To Live
Median Income of a Single-Parent Household
Some women prefer to stay at home, but most single mothers don’t see this as an option. It is essential to live somewhere that pays a living wage to be able to support your children. This is especially true if you have to work more hours or take on a second position to spend as much time with them.
The Census Bureau reported that the 2022 median household income was $93,654. The median household income of a single mother, however, is only $45,097. As we made our selections, we looked at how these stats compare to the area’s median income.
Consider any relevant work that you can do for your income when you are looking at the median income. Some mothers have degrees. Some mothers may transfer from their current company or be qualified for a higher pay rate. You may consider expanding your search to other areas if cost is not a major factor.
Housing Costs and Overall Cost of Living
Single mothers are often looking to rent an apartment or a house in a new place. A 2-bedroom apartment might be the most practical and cost-effective depending on how many children you have. As we created this list, we calculated the average price of a 2-bedroom apartment. If you have pets, it is important to factor in any additional costs such as a pet fee. Some landlords may charge slightly more rent per month than others.
Single moms may also be able to get homeownership. Single parents can get a variety of loans. This loan might be best for you if you have good credit and a high median income. Mothers who are considering purchasing should look at the average cost of homeownership as well as the available loans.
Cost of Childcare/Programs To Live As A Single Mom
It’s essential to ensure your children are safe while you work. If you have multiple children or work irregular hours, childcare can be costly. It is important to determine how much childcare costs will come out of your annual income.
Some cities/states have the resources to handle single parents’ needs better than others. We also considered the average cost for childcare and the availability of programs that may help you with your childcare costs, if applicable.
The national average childcare cost is $11,986 per year for infants and $101,158 for toddlers, but the average state childcare costs vary from $5,436 in Mississippi to $20.913 in Massachusetts.
Commute and Transportation
It can be difficult to coordinate transportation for any family, and even more so if you do it all alone. Good public transportation infrastructure will make your life easier as a single parent. Even if your vehicle is a car, there are times when public transportation may be more convenient or easier. You can also save money on gas and prepare for any unexpected problems that may arise with your vehicle.
Another thing to think about is how close your workplace will be to you. Each minute you spend driving to work is another minute you’re spending away from your family. For example, if your job is 45 miles away, you will have an extra 90 minutes to spend with your family. This list was compiled based on the accessibility of public transport and the commute time for each area.
Personal Resources and Support To Live As A Single Mom
Some single parents may find it helpful to look at the resources they have in addition to the ones mentioned. It might be beneficial to find somewhere where you have the support of family members and friends who are close to your children. You might end up moving somewhere else that isn’t on the list.
Consider living in the same area as your family if you decide to go this route. However, it is important to take the time and research factors such as the median income and childcare costs.
