Known for its small, picturesque towns and friendly residents, practically every city in Mississippi is an ideal place to raise a family; however, some cities are considered more suitable for the task than others. Nerd Wallet conducted a study that took into account factors such as the quality of the school systems, monthly home costs, and the local economy. Taking that information into account, the following ten cities were deemed the best cities in Mississippi to raise a family.

10. Ocean Springs

From a thriving art scene to an amazing array of restaurants, Ocean Springs has a lot going on, including a great educational system that boasts an extremely low high school dropout rate.

9. Southaven

Even though this DeSoto County city has upward of 50,000 residents, it has one of the lowest high school drop-out rates in Mississippi, which may have something to do with the Southaven School District servicing the largest number of gifted students in the entire state. The school district is also serious when it comes to technology and, as such, has computers in every classroom, no matter the grade level.

8. Grenada

Home to Grenada Lake, fun is a part of daily life for residents of this town. From swimming and jet-skiing to boating and fishing, the gorgeous lake has something for everyone. Aside from water sports, Grenada residents can also putt the day away thanks to the city being home to the Dogwoods Golf Course, which has been named one of the best in the state by Golf Digest.

7. Pearl

Families in Pearl will never be at a loss when it comes to things to do. Over 2,000 residents participate in baseball, softball, and soccer at the community’s Center City Multiplex. Additionally, the Ross Barnett Reservoir, which is perfect for an array of water activities, is located nearby.

6. Brandon

Between recreational and educational opportunities, Brandon is a family’s dream town. The city offers youth baseball, softball, and flag and tackle football in addition to other recreational opportunities, such as a table tennis league, youth day camp, and the bi-annual event Ready, Set, Run. As far as quality education goes, Brandon can offer that too. Brandon students have continuously scored exceptionally well on standardized tests and have repeatedly achieved some of the highest ACT scores in the state.

5. Olive Branch

When it comes to the pros of this city, there is no shortage. Olive Branch has won numerous "Keep Mississippi Beautiful" and "Urban Forestry" awards as well as being named the 6th smartest city in the state.

4. Long Beach

This coastal community is home to one of the state’s top-performing high schools as well as the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Campus, so it should come as no surprise that Long Beach ranked among the state’s smartest cities. It also is home to one of the oldest oak trees in Mississippi.

3. Hernando

Aside from being one of the fastest-growing cities in Mississippi, Hernando is also one of the healthiest. In 2010, the city was the first in the state to be designated a "Healthiest Hometown" by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Additionally, Hernando is an "Excel by 5" community. The program aims to equip children with the cognitive, social, and emotional skills necessary for success and has been proven to increase high school graduation rates.

2. Madison

Madison has the lowest crime rate in the entire state – a factor that is attributed to the city being named one of the "Top Ten Cities to Raise a Family" by Family Circle Magazine. It has also been called the happiest and healthiest city.

1. Petal

Known as the "Friendly City," Petal is located just outside of Hattiesburg. The city's school district has been ranked one of the top in the nation, which is an important factor for those living in Mississippi. Additionally, Petal is home to a YMCA, which offers fun for the entire family.

While these areas were voted the best cities in MS to raise a family, there are always some charming small towns that fly under the radar. Which Mississippi cities would you add to this list?