Lifetime Moms

Forbes just released their first annual list of the Best Cities for Working Mothers and New York, N.Y. tops the list. In order to establish the rankings Forbes started with the 50 largest cities in the U.S. and ranked them according to security, medical care, education, job growth, job opportunities, child care and cost of living.

1. New York, N.Y.
   With lots of outdoor space, stellar public and private education programs and high income. New York ranked first on the list and is a great place for launching or cementing a successful career.
2. Austin, Texas
   Another city with lots of outdoor space with year-round recreation and education. Professional moms have their pick of career paths, including academics, government or big tech outfits. The cost of living is still considered a bit high for its median income, the quality life is refreshing.
3. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
   Excellent quality health care puts Minneapolis on the list but they have great schools that parents adore. Unemployment ranks far below the national average and working moms can find jobs that compensate them well.
4. Milwaukee, Wisc.
   Employed moms will find lots of child care relief for their little ones in Milwaukee. Even though manufacturing and agricultural remain important to the city’s economy, IT and health care industries are flourishing in the metro areas.
5. Portland, Ore.
   Safe, clean and healthy--that sums up this Northwestern city. Busy moms will love Portland’s excellent health care system and city schools. With the lowest violent-crimes rate of the cities on our list, Portland also manages to maintain a small-town feel despite its population of more than 2 million.
6. Cincinnati, Ohio
   Cincinnati sits on the banks of the lazy Ohio River and has an almost Southern feel with a low cost of living, abundant health care options and lots of daycare services.
7. San Jose, CA
   If you are a techie or have the entrepreneur spirit, Silicon Valley just might be the place for you. Even though San Jose is one of the most expensive on the list, it offers incomes that match. Unemployment is high in the city but it’s safe and has great schools and medical care.
8. Pittsburgh, Pa.
   Pittsburgh is becoming known for its family-centered high quality of life and it’s friendliness to working mothers. You will find good salaries and low unemployment rates.
9. Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
   Seattle-Tacoma is known for its outdoor beauty, low crime and great schools. They also have excellent health care making it even more appealing for moms. The cost of living is a little bit higher but general salaries seem to compensate accordingly.
10. Denver, Colo.
    With an unemployment rate below the national average, low cost of living and a wide range of preschool options it’s no surprise that Denver is on the list. With an endless variety of outdoor activities the mile-high city will keep busy moms and their kids happy.

For the complete list of cities, visit Forbes.com. Are you living in one of the best cities for working mothers? If not, would you considering moving to one of the cities on the list?