When 51-year-old Pazit Aviv takes her dog for a walk in her Silver Spring, Maryland neighborhood, a simple stroll often turns into a longer journey. Her friendly chats with neighbors are a testament to the close-knit community she has called home for a decade. “I know every single person in a three-street radius,” says Aviv, who has raised two children in this suburb of Washington, D.C. Silver Spring, which has earned the top spot on this year’s Fortune Best Places to Live for Families list, offers the perfect blend of city amenities and suburban charm. With its thriving arts scene, excellent restaurants, and high-performing schools, it’s no wonder Aviv plans to stay here well into her golden years. “We share meals, organize meal trains for new parents or those who are unwell,” she adds, highlighting the community’s strong support network.

A truly great place to live is one that supports families not just in the present but for the long haul. As more Americans find themselves caring for both children and aging parents, the need for communities that cater to multigenerational families has never been more critical.

This trend isn’t limited to older adults. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly one in five Gen X homebuyers purchased homes designed for multigenerational living last year. Additionally, first-time homebuyers from the Millennial and Gen Z generations are increasingly looking to settle in homes for at least a decade, reflecting a desire for stability and a sense of belonging.

Jon Jon Wesolowski, an urbanist and housing advocate, notes this shift. “Older people want to age in place, and younger generations like Gen Z are seeking a sense of home,” he says. “We’re seeing more people willing to adapt their homes to meet their needs as they age rather than move elsewhere.”

This year’s ranking of the best places to live evaluated over 2,000 cities across nearly 200 data categories, including livability, financial health, resources for aging adults, education, and wellness. The top communities are those that provide sustainability for both their youngest and oldest residents, often found in fast-growing suburbs and edge cities that creatively enhance residents’ well-being.

The Appeal of Small Cities

According to the Census Bureau, some of the fastest-growing areas in the country are edge cities or exurbs—communities that fill a gap for those priced out of major metropolitan areas. These areas, often characterized by a central square or public park, offer a balance that many find appealing. “People want to live somewhere affordable where they don’t have to work all the time, but also have access to social connections and activities,” Wesolowski explains.

Smaller cities, like Chantilly, Virginia (ranked No. 3), and Morristown, New Jersey (ranked No. 9), often prioritize community and social well-being more than their urban counterparts. “There’s something comforting about the known limits of a small space; you’re more likely to know your neighbors,” says Michael Rickles, a sociologist and vice president of research at Sharecare.

Aging in Place

The number of hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities in a city plays a role in its ranking as a best place to live, but equally important are factors like social isolation risk, access to groceries, and walkability. Susann Crawford, a senior vice president at Caring.com, emphasizes that aging-friendly cities offer amenities that enhance residents’ quality of life and extend their health span.

Silver Spring Village exemplifies how a city can support the well-being of older adults. For an annual fee of $200, the nonprofit organizes social outings and provides hands-on support, like medical note-taking and transportation to the grocery store. “Our focus is on sustaining a robust network of neighbors helping neighbors,” says Doug Gaddis, executive director of Silver Spring Village.

More than 300 communities nationwide use this ‘village’ model, with nearly 30 in Montgomery County, where Silver Spring is located. “It’s not professionals stepping in; it’s your neighbors,” Gaddis adds.

What Makes a City “Well”?

Experts agree that all generations are increasingly attracted to cities that support their health beyond traditional healthcare models. Sharecare’s Community Well-Being Index, which Fortune incorporated into its analysis, takes into account social determinants of health, such as access to transportation, green spaces, parks, libraries, and community.

Young people, in particular, are drawn to communities that are accessible and offer a sense of autonomy. “They aren’t focused on having a yard or a white picket fence,” Wesolowski says. “They want walkability and the ability to meet their needs within a 15- to 20-minute walk from home.”

For Aviv, the most comforting aspect of her hometown is knowing that she can rely on her neighbors for support. “I can’t think of a more connected, meaningful way of living for me and my family,” she reflects.

In today’s world, where loneliness is increasingly recognized as a public health issue, the importance of social infrastructure cannot be overstated. As Aviv puts it, “Social infrastructure is not frivolous.”

This emphasis on community, connection, and well-being is what makes the cities on Fortune’s list the best places to live—not just for now, but for the long term.