Miami Worst Place to Raise Kids, According to Poll

by Amy Hatch (Subscribe to Amy Hatch's posts) Sep 15th 2009 2:00PM

Is your town the best place to raise kids? Credit: Photodisc

Looking for a place to raise your family? Children's Health magazine says stay away from Florida.

According to MSNBC, a poll of the best and worst places to raise kids in the "Children's Best City" edition of the magazine ranks three of Florida's cities at the bottom of the heap: Miami ranks 99th out of 100, with Orlando and Tampa coming in at 98th and 94th, respectively.

The survey looked at safety, crime, education, economy and housing, and Miami was the pits in all five categories. We're guessing that the sex predator camp located under a Miami bridge didn't help much, despite the city's reputation as a sunny haven for spring-breakers.

In a surprising turn of events, Las Vegas ranks ahead of the vacation paradise, and even Mickey Mouse couldn't help Orlando make the cut.

The magazine hits the streets today, and features First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover. We wonder if she's pleased with her city's ranking: Washington, D.C. came in at a respectable No. 17.

So what city came in last? This one's easy, class: Detroit takes the dubious honor of being the worst place in which to raise a family. Maybe Miami's balmy climate gave it an edge over the snowy Rust Belt city.

Those who live in Burlington, Vt., have bragging rights today -- that New England locale is considered the No. 1 place to raise your kids.

Is your city a good place to raise a family? Why or why not?

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Comments (2)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brittany 9-15-2009 @ 5:38PM

I live in Miami, and I'd have to agree 100% with this, which is why I'm getting the heck out of here with my 3-year-old next month!

vibranthang39 9-22-2009 @ 2:52AM

I disagree with Las Vegas being the worst place to raise children. It is up to the PARENTS to make sure any child gets a good education. I lived in Indianapolis, In...and it was suppose to be a good plalce to raise children...with all the murders, and kids getting robbed on bus corners...and drug problems...it was ranked high as a good place to raise kids. Well (Carmel/Fishers)..I also lived in Carmel...not impressed...not even diversed enough for me...anyway.....my son goes to a very STRICT magnet school...so strict parents removed their kids out of the school cause it was so strict. need I say more...what kinda parents would do that? Kids need strict teachers..this school ROCKS..AND ITS FREE!

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