It really depends on the part of the country you're in (or interested in moving to). I grew up in North Carolina where lots of families move to raise kids. Growing up, I saw growth of epic proportions. Families would migrate in droves to the triangle area from places like Ohio, Massachusetts, and New Jersey (this is still going on and the whole region is having some pretty serious growth problems). From what I gathered back then, and looking back on it now, I would say that good schools, good climate, nice people, safe area, reasonable cost of living, good colleges in state, and a nice outdoor environment are all paramount. These are mostly the reasons that people move to areas like where I grew up ( Cary, North Carolina).