Parents magazine searched the US for communities offering affordable homes, good schools, friendly neighborhoods and a commitment to the environment. The result? A list of the 10 Best Towns for Families: 2008. Here are five of them. Is your town on the list?

1. South Burlington, Vermont

• Population — 17,367
• Median home price — $237,500
• Households with children — 29%
• Student-to-teach ratio — 14:1
• Residents who recycle — 52%
• Perfect for — outdoor enthusiasts: hunting, bicycling, gardening, skiiing, and beaches

2. Oro Valley, Arizona

• Population — 36,704
• Median home price — $330,000
• Households with children — 31%
• Student-to-teacher ratio — 21:1
• Residents who recycle — 55%
• Perfect for — volunteers: community centers, litter control, senior helpers at school

3. Brunswick, Ohio

• Population — 38,051
• Median home price — $159,500
• Households with children — 43%
• Student/teacher ratio — 18:1
• Residents who recycle — 49%
• Perfect for — community service folks: youth groups, local citizen groups, down-home town leaders

4. Shoreview, Minnesota

• Population — 24,921
• Median home price — $250,569
• Households with children — 42%
• Student/teacher ratio — 19:1
• Residents who recycle — 51%
• Perfect for — water lovers: wetlands, lakes, indoor water park, and a commitment to pristine waters

5. Wheeling, Illinois

• Population: 33,786
• Median home price — $216,000
• Households with children — 35%
• Student/teacher ratio — 16:1
• Residents who recycle — 47%
• Perfect for — diversity: families from China, India, Korea, Russia and beyond

Rounding out the top five are

• Rocklin, California
• Webster Groves, Missouri
• Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
• Royal Palm Beach, Florida
• Ankeny, Iowa

Tell us: What makes your hometown great for families?

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• Rediscovering your hometown
  
• Best Florida beaches
  
• Best cities for 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

Do you want to have a positive impact on your community while instilling good values in your children?

Volunteer. Volunteering as a family introduces children how to give back … and it’s fun!

The USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network helps you find service projects in your area. You can also contact local volunteer centers, libraries, churches, community and senior centers, police and fire stations, and park services.

Here are some terrific volunteer ideas for your family:

• Join a Habitat for Humanity build. Your family can help another family’s home ownership dream come true.
• Even more exciting for kids is KaBOOM! Your family can take part in a one-day playground build that will serve local children for years to come.
• Participate in a reading program - you and your children can read books to seniors and younger children. Visit the National Endowment for the Humanities We the People Bookshelf for reading suggestions.
• Collect food for your local food bank. Through your church, scouts, or on your own, your family can help keep the shelves well-stocked.

Volunteering as a family will bring you closer together. The opportunities are endless, and you’ll be surprised by what you can do to help your community.

Read more:

• Selecting volunteer projects for your child
• Teaching charity to our children