Westfield, Carmel Ranked Best Places to Raise ‘Free-Range Kids’

Remember when kids could bike to the creek, disappear until dinner, and grow up with a little dirt under their nails? In an age of helicopter parenting and screen overload, many families are longing for places where childhood still feels like childhood. 

We Buy Houses In Denver, a local home buyer company, surveyed 3,004 parents asking their opinions on where are the best towns to raise free-range kids. Think safe streets, community trust, backyard adventures, and a slower pace of life. 

Indiana parents’ top 3 choices were: Westfield, Zionsville and Carmel
What Does “Free-Range Parenting” Really Mean?
We Buy Houses In Denver asked parents across the country how they define free-range parenting, and the majority weren’t thinking about total independence.

In fact, 66 percent said it’s all about “independence with boundaries” – letting kids explore, but with some safety rails still in place.

Meanwhile:

• 18% described it as playing outside unsupervised.
• 10% said it meant minimal screen time.
• Only 6% equated it with walking to school alone.

So while the image of a totally free-roaming child still exists, most modern parents are leaning toward thoughtful freedom, not total hands-off.

When Is It OK to Let Kids Roam?
On the question of age, opinions vary – but most parents feel the sweet spot for unsupervised play is somewhere between 9 and 11.

• 6% believe kids under 6 should be allowed to play outside alone.
• 24% are comfortable starting between the ages of 6–8.
• 38% chose ages 9–11.
• 32% said not until age 12 or older.

This split shows that while parents are warming up to independence, there’s still a cautious line, often tied to neighborhood safety.

Safety, Screens, and What Parents Really Want
A full 76% of parents said they feel their current neighborhood is safe enough to let kids roam. But that leaves 24% who aren’t convinced – and likely wish for a stronger sense of trust and security in their communities. When asked what they wish their child had more of in their day-to-day life, the most common responses were:

• 33% – Less screen exposure.
• 27% – More time in nature.
• 18% – A stronger sense of community.
• 12% -Real-world independence.
• 9% – More unstructured play.

Would You Relocate for a More Wholesome Upbringing?
Two-thirds of parents said they would consider moving to a town known for being kid-friendly and outdoorsy. Only 34% said they’d prefer to stay where they are – a strong signal that lifestyle is trumping location for many young families.

And finally, the generational gap couldn’t be clearer:

• 83% of parents said they had more freedom growing up than kids today.
• Just 17% think the current generation has it better.

“In a world where parenting often feels like managing screen time and scheduling playdates, these towns remind us that childhood doesn’t need to be over-engineered to be magical. Whether it’s riding bikes until sunset, building forts, or simply feeling safe to roam, these communities are bringing back what it means to grow up free,” says Shaun Martin, owner of We Buy Houses In Denver. “Families today aren’t just chasing affordability, they’re chasing a feeling, and these places deliver it.”