Top 3 Neighborhoods to Raise a family on Oahu, Hawaii (2024)
Those who were lucky enough to be raised on the beautiful island of Oahu will say that they would not have liked it any other way. It is no surprise since we are spoiled with the clean air, safe neighborhoods, and kind people. All while being surrounded by nature.
But curious to know which neighborhood is best when it comes specifically to raising a family? Niche, a website dedicated to connecting colleges and schools with students and families, came out with a new study on the best places to raise a family in Hawaii based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities and more. Here were their finding for the TOP 3 Neighborhoods to raise a family.
3. KAILUA (Kailua Town)
In third is Kailua with their overall Niche grade being an A-. Located on the Windward side of the island, it is popular amongst those who want to get away from the bustling city and be close to the beautiful beaches. You will find the top beaches in the world, Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach, within arms reach.
The median home value is $1,208,600 in Kailua while rent is $2,842. Median household income for those living in Kailua was $138,363. They report Kailua has a population of 37,586. Living in Kailua offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Kailua there are a lot of restaurants and parks.
Here are what some residents had to say:
“I like that the town is small, but still contains everything I could ever want. I enjoy the proximity to the beach and the neighboring towns, Kaneohe and Waimanalo. I like how there are niche neighborhoods, but there are also lots of mixing and mingling in downtown Kailua.”
“I loved growing up in Kailua, near the beach. I spent a lot of time outside playing with friend, swimming in the ocean, and riding bikes in the street. Things were much more simple during those times. Walking down to the beach, picking flowers and fresh fruits from the trees, hitching rides to watch the surf. Kailua has undergone a lot of development in the past 20 years. It's a good thing but also a bad thing. Because of tourism and gentrification, Kailua residents are forced to move out while more wealthy people move in. I would love to see more affordable housing in my area, so that we don't have to be forced out of our hometowns.”
In second is Mililani Mauka with their overall Niche grade being a B. Mililani is located in the Central region of Oahu. the “Mauka” refers to the mountain side. So Mililani Mauka is a subarea located on the mountain side of Mililani. Mililani Mauka relatively a quiet and safe neighborhood since most of the homes are within a community and are governed by an HOA. Neighborhoods are clean and homes are well maintained. There is a large population of young professionals as well because of the afoordable options of townhomes and condos.
Mililani Mauka is a suburb of Honolulu with a population of 21,546. The Median home price is currently $852,800 and median rent is $2,447. The media household income was $132,043 for this area.
Here are what some residents had to say:
“I was born and raised in Hawaii and spent my entire life living in mililani. While although it is quiet and nice to live in, its far from town and commuting everyday is becoming more of a hassle”
“Mililani Mauka is a beautiful town that is safe for families. All the public schools are some of the best in the state. There are also lots of job opportunities throughout the town. Mililani is clean, friendly, and a great place to live.”
Maunawili Falls Hike
Coming in first is Maunawili with their overall Niche grade being an A-. Maunawili is also located on the Windward side and is technically in Kailua but setback more into the mountains. The periodical rainfall on the windward side gifts this area with lush, green landscape with beautiful Kailua beaches as it’s backdrop. Residents here enjoy more of the country lifestyle, tending to their healthy garden of flowers and fruits.
They report Maunawili has a population of 1,977. Living in Maunawili offers residents a rural feel since most of the properties here come are on 10,000 sqft of land (which is very hard to find in Hawaii). The large lots sizes can be a factor for their hefty price tag. Median home prices here are $1,285,800 and rent is $3,501. Median household income for these residents were $169,375.
Here are what some of the residents had to say:
“A picturesque neighborhood, safe and cozy with neighbors who wave at you. Lots of families with small children and activities like Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween gatherings and Hay rides during the holidays. Very peaceful and it rains almost every night regardless of the season, keeping your yard lush and green year-round. Even though its very wet and green, there are not many mosquitos or roaches. That is a huge bonus! WE love it here”
“I love it here in Maunawili! Perfectly situated just off the Pali and close to Like Like and H3, makes getting into town pretty easy, and just outside of Kailua. Quiet and peaceful, you can really relax and not feel the stress of the crowds in town. And one of the “coolest” things about the neighborhood is that it is consistently 5-7 Degrees (F) cooler here than it is in town or even in Kailua town by the beach. Getting greeted every morning by Konahuanui (look up what it means, worth the time to google) is just awe inspiring! We are truly blessed to live here, paradise within paradise.”
So that wraps up the BEST neighborhoods for raising a family on Oahu in 2024. What did you think about the results? Do you agree with Niche’s findings? Or is there a hidden gem of Oahu that Niche doesn’t know about? Leave us a comment and share you thoughts. Or share this post to someone you know who needs to relocate with their family!
