The largest city on the Mississippi River, Memphis is loved for its music scene, its barbecue, and its many medical and educational facilities. It’s also a popular place for couples who want to raise their children in a city with a low cost of living, ample educational options, and dozens of family-friendly activities.

For expectant parents, Memphis offers a treasure trove of midwives, childbirth educators, labor and postpartum doulas, lactation specialists, placenta and encapsulators. The Bluff City is also home to numerous breastfeeding support groups, parents groups, parenting classes, and mommy and me classes.

As children get older, families appreciate the abundance of educational programs, such as arts programs, dance and music lessons, and performing arts camps. Love spending time outdoors? Memphis is home to one of the best zoos in the country, botanical gardens, dozens of parks, hiking trails, and more than 80 playgrounds.