TAMPA, FL — Three Florida cities have been ranked among the best cities in the United States for families, according to a new study examining access to family-friendly attractions, affordability, education, safety and overall quality of life.
The study, conducted by Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, ranked Tampa No. 4 nationally with an overall score of 61.29.
Tampa's ranking placed the city ahead of Columbus, Ohio, and behind Virginia Beach, Virginia; El Paso, Texas; and Raleigh, North Carolina.
Miami and Jacksonville also earned spots among the nation's top 15 cities for families, giving Florida three cities near the top of the rankings.
Miami came in at No. 11 nationally, with 171.02 family-friendly restaurants per 100,000 residents, along with six amusement parks and nine zoos and aquariums. The study also identified 34 parks per 100,000 residents, while the city's median household income stood at $66,337.
Jacksonville followed at No. 13 nationally, with 53.29 family-friendly restaurants and 42 parks per 100,000 residents. The city also recorded one amusement park and two zoos and aquariums, while its median household income was $72,389.
While Miami surpassed Tampa in its concentration of family-friendly restaurants and recreational attractions, Tampa ultimately earned the higher overall ranking based on the study's broader measures of affordability, education, safety and quality of life.
Tampa stood out particularly for its abundance of family-friendly dining options, recording 147.75 family restaurants per 100,000 residents — the highest rate among the study's five highest-ranked cities.
The city also scored well for its access to recreational attractions, with researchers identifying six zoos and aquariums, along with five water and amusement parks.
Researchers said the rankings were designed to highlight cities where families can balance work and home life while enjoying accessible outdoor spaces, entertainment and opportunities to spend time together.
The study examined a range of factors, including family amenities, affordability, education, safety and quality of life.
Virginia Beach claimed the top spot nationally with a score of 64.77, followed closely by El Paso at 64.69. Raleigh ranked third with 63.08, while Columbus rounded out the top five with 59.29.
Natalie Buchwald, a spokesperson for Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, said access to recreational spaces and affordable activities can play an important role in strengthening family relationships.
"Having accessible places where families can spend time together can support stronger relationships and give children opportunities to play, explore and interact with others," Buchwald said.
She added that parks, community spaces and inexpensive outings can help parents establish family routines despite busy work schedules.
"Parents do not need expensive attractions to create meaningful experiences with their children," Buchwald said. "Regular trips to a local park, outdoor play and time together away from daily responsibilities can all contribute to a positive family routine."
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