LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Lafayette has been named one of the 50 Best Places to Live for Families in 2024 by financial magazine Fortune.
The ranking is part of Fortune Well, Fortune’s health and wellness hub that provides tips and insights for working professionals to help them thrive both in their careers and personal lives.
Fortune launched its third annual ranking July 23, highlighting the cities and towns across America that best support the unique needs of multigenerational families. The list includes cities renowned for their great schools, highly recommended hospitals, affordable housing, resources for older adults and a strong sense of community.
In its summary of factors the study took into account, it was noted that Lafayette’s population has grown by nearly 10% over the past three years.
"It’s easy to see why, given its affordable cost of living — it has the lowest median housing price of any city on this list, at $210,217 — and strong health care system," the study reads. "There are 10 hospitals within 10 miles, per Healthgrades, and 20-plus above-average nursing homes within the area."
Of course, the importance of the city's food culture was not lost in the study.
"Living in Lafayette is like going on a constant culinary tour," the study reads. "Restaurants in the area serve up some of the best Cajun-Creole cuisine, making the foodie scene noteworthy for everything from jambalaya to boudin."
Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet shared her excitement about the city’s recent acknowledgement in a news release.
"Visitors have always been fascinated with how infectious our quality of life and sense of community are," Boulet said. "It all comes out of our strong family structure. Raising our children in the strong traditions of cooking, singing, playing and working is something we share as a community.”
Other named cities include Franklin, Tennessee; Frisco, Texas; San Jose, California; Wake Forest, North Carolina; Bentonville, Arkansas; and more.
This year's list showcases a city in each state where multigenerational families are most likely to thrive, according to Fortune senior reporter Alexa Mikhail.
“The 50 Fortune Best Places to Live for Families list is based on a robust data set to help our readers find places to settle down with ample resources to support their families for the future,” said Mikhail. “Where we live plays a critical role in determining the strength of our community ties, which most heavily impacts our well-being, happiness, and health at work and at home. It’s why a list like this is critical.”
Jennifer Fields, Fortune Well editor, noted the increase in multigenerational families.
“As a growing number of people find themselves in the sandwich generation—squeezed between caring for kids and aging parents—they are increasingly looking for communities that support the needs of caregivers and multigenerational families," Fields said. "In our research, the cities that rose to the top were those that had a range of resources and amenities that appeal to their oldest and youngest residents.”
Fortune collaborated with several key data partners—including CVS Health, Caring.com, Healthgrades, Ineedana.com, Sharecare, and WitLytic—to provide information for nearly 200 data categories. Fortune also independently evaluated over 2,000 cities, towns, suburbs, exurbs, villages, and townships with approximately 20,000 residents or more in all 50 states. This analysis ensured a broad array of places that offer essential resources from healthcare to education, as well as a sense of community.
Lafayette Economic Development Authority’s President and CEO, Mandi Mitchell, said the ranking is well deserved.
“This recognition highlights the community attributes that make Lafayette a premier location to live and work," Mitchell said. "We are pleased that creative collaborations between Lafayette Travel, One Acadiana, Lafayette Consolidated Government, and Lafayette Economic Development Authority in telling our story are bearing fruit.”
Read the complete rankings here.
