California

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California

Arcadia

Nearest city: Los Angeles
Population: 56,394
Median household income: $81,417

Arcadia, about 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, has some of the best schools in California. It is also home to Santa Anita Park racetrack and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Peacocks now live in the neighborhood near the arboretum where they walk on lawns or cross the street and, for some, are a bit of a nuisance.

Runners-up:
Diamond Bar
Monterey Park

Click here to see the 2010 version of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids