Parenting Magazine has released its latest list of the “Best Cities for Families.” As a result of some changes to the way the list is compiled, Arlington has dropped all the way from No. 1 to No. 70.
Replacing Arlington at No. 1 is our neighbor, the District of Columbia. Parenting says the District was chosen as the best city in the country to raise kids based on “the quality of schools, affordable homes, low crime rates, jobs, and parkland.” Needless to say, some are questioning the methodology that allowed D.C. to top a list based on schools, affordability and crime.
Last year, when Arlington was the top-ranked city, Parenting said it was due to the county’s “fabulous schools, great home values, and an attractive unemployment rate.” This year, the District won praise for its cultural attractions.
“The history, the government, the breathtaking architecture and inspiring monuments—you don’t have to be a child to get an amazing education in this city,” the magazine wrote, adding that “family dinner nights are easy at quirky local favorites like Matchbox restaurants or Busboys & Poets.”