Best towns for raising families in New England

Bloomberg Businessweek recently released its seventh annual survey of the “Best Places to Raise Your Kids,” and the results have fluctuated over the years. Using data such as school performance, crime rates, and job growth, editors determined a top pick for each of the 50 states in the nation. Here are the top choices for each state in New England this year, as well as which towns the magazine has chosen in the past.

2013: Canton, Conn.

Canton knocked off reigning champ Kensington, Conn., with Bloomberg pointing to the Farmington River as a perk for both families and kayakers alike. Canton also gets high praise for its “coolness” factor, which is attractive to families with teenagers.

2012: Kensington, Conn.

Kensington was Bloomberg’s top pick for two years not only for its proximity to Hartford (left), and its ease of commuting to Manhattan, but also thanks to its abundance of parks and country clubs.

2010: New Haven, Conn.

More than just home to Yale University, New Haven is great for families thanks to its “excellent schools and a shoreline that is popular with birdwatchers.”

2013: South Berwick, Maine

South Berwick gets the nod this year thanks to the presence of Berwick Academy, one of the oldest prep schools in the nation, and annual family events such as the annual Strawberry Festival.

2012: Thomaston, Maine

The Penobscot Bay town got the nod in 2012 because of an offseason that it classifies as “quieter but no less beautiful.”

2011: North Windham, Maine

This Windham village makes the grade thanks to its low crime rate and above-average schools. At left, snow tubing at Seacoast Snow Park.

2010: Portland, Maine

Thanks to a diverse culture and a “progressive waterfront community,” Portland was named the top pick for families in Maine in 2010

2013: New Boston, N.H.

A somewhat surprising pick, New Boston was once home to a gravity research center, but today is more known for its agricultural endeavors.

2012: South Hookset, N.H.

Bloomberg cites South Hookset’s proximity to Manchester (left), acres of open space, and fresh ponds as reasons for its Granite State selection in 2012.

2011: East Merrimack, N.H.

Bloomberg called East Merrimack “a land of cul-de-sacs amid forests and country clubs,” landing it the top spot for the Granite State in last year’s survey.

2010: Concord, N.H.

Concord made the grade in 2010 for its low crime rate and proximity to Boston (80 miles).

2013: Jamestown, R.I.

Bloomberg cites Jamestown’s quaint, New England community as reason for making its pick for Rhode Island.

2012: Bristol, R.I.

Bristol took top prize in 2012 thanks to plentiful oudoor activities, as well as thriving schools, restaurants, and stores.

2010: Cranston, R.I.

A close proximity to Providence and the presence of the historic Pawtuxet Village land Cranston as Rhode Island’s top spot. At left, Edgewoof Pet Bakery.

Part of South Kingston, these two villages get his marks for area recreation, including lakes, ponds, and the South County Bike Path. Runner-up: Bristol.

2013: Williston, Vt.

Williston’s proximity to Burlington is a factor, as are the town’s notable nature trail.

2010, 2011: North Bennington, Vt.

North Bennington is a top pick thanks to top private colleges, outdoor activities, and its tight-knit community.

2011: White River Junction, Vt.

Situated on the Vermont-New Hampshire border, this town got the magazine’s pick thanks to its rich architectural history, nearby colleges and bevy of outdoor sports.

2013: Littleton, Mass.

“Littleton is an arts-friendly town, home to Indian Hill Music, a nonprofit music education center featuring both a professional orchestra and music outreach programs, and a community theater that hosts summer activities for youth,” Bloomberg’s Daniel D’Addario writes. “But it’s not all play: Littleton Public Schools placed on the AP District Honor Roll for their results on College Board testing.”

2012: Franklin, Mass.

According to Bloomberg: “Named for Benjamin Franklin and incorporated in 1778, Franklin is an historic town just under an hour from Boston and a little more than 30 minutes from Providence, R.I. The local public school system serves more than 6,000 students in 10 different schools, and the kids can choose among many physical activities, from ice hockey to yoga. The town is also home to the nation’s first public library, which houses books originally donated by Franklin himself, as well as to Dean College, a small liberal arts institution. The city’s Franklin School of the Performing Arts attracts dance and theater students.”

2010: Quincy, Mass.

Located just 10 miles from Boston, Quincy got top billing in 2010 thanks to its historic sites and great school system. According to Bloomberg, “The district, which prides itself on a low student-teacher ratio, has 12 elementary schools, 5 middle schools and 2 high schools that teach a diverse student body, including speakers of 32 dialects.”