Best Place to Raise Your Kids: Missouri
Blue Springs
Nearest city: Kansas City, Mo.
Population: 49,853
Median family income: $77,984
Runners-up: Lee's Summit, Joplin
Blue Springs, located on Interstate 70 less than 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Kan., has a low cost of living, nationally-recognized schools, parks, hiking trails, and a central location.
