For a working mom, the characteristics that determine a great city may be quite different than those who are not working while raising children. Not only do these women need cities that are going to offer them professional opportunities, but also a safe and nurturing environment where their children can grow.
Recently, Forbes conducted an extensive study to determine the 20 best cities for working mothers based on factors that would directly affect the livelihood of these women and their families. And the good news for metro New Orleans moms is that New Orleans was named the #2 city on the list!
In order to determine the best cities, the study looked at the average income of women in each area, as well as the unemployment rates of women. The best cities were those where women were afforded excellent career opportunities and were earning above average yearly incomes. Other aspects were taken into consideration such as cost of living, cost of childcare, crime rates, average commute times, as well as the quality of the local school districts. For working mothers, the best cities are those that enable her to earn a respectable living, pursue a career, while providing safe and quality care for her child.
The top seven cities for working mothers include:
#7. Cleveland, Ohio
In Cleveland, Ohio, the average annual income for women is approximately $29,601, with an average commute to work of 26 minutes. Annual cost of childcare reaches just under $8,000.
#6. Birmingham, Alabama
With a population roughly half the size of Cleveland, Birmingham comes in at #6 on the list due to its very low average childcare costs of $5,350. Annual earnings for women in the city average at $27,666.
#5. Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island is an extremely safe and affordable city in which to raise a child. Women’s earnings average at a notable $32,187 and average childcare costs are extremely low at $1,140. The average expenditure per student is $15,375, but majority of the school districts perform very strongly.
#4. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati provides excellent career opportunities for working mothers, especially entrepreneurial women. The annual earnings for women equal $30,769 and cost of childcare is at an average of $7,750.
#3. Hartford, Connecticut
In Hartford, the average cost of childcare ($12,650) and expenditures per pupil ($16,528) may be higher than in other cities, but with average annual earnings for women at $36,966, excellent school systems, and only 1,639 violent crimes per 100k, this makes for a very safe and advantageous home for working women.
#2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has climbed many spots on the list with average cost of childcare dropping to $5,900, women’s annual earnings reaching $27,778, and only 2,748 violent crimes per 100k.
#1. Columbus, Ohio
Ohio once again dominates the list with its third appearance. In Columbus, many women not only have excellent careers, but play leadership roles in the business community. Average women’s annual earnings are at $32,086, and the average cost of childcare falls to $7,750.