It’s no secret to the people of this city that with all the open-space and recreational opportunities available, Somerville provides an ideal environment for families to live, play and stay healthy and happy.

But it it’s also nice when this is recognized by outside parties, those who compare what cities across the country offer to their residents in the way of family-friendly amenities.

One such act of recognition was recently revealed, as the City of Somerville was named the number one family-friendly city in America by Opendoor.

Opendoor’s 2023 Family-Friendly Cities celebrates communities across the U.S. that offer outdoor spaces and parks. This year’s reflects families’ desire for community, simpler living, and an opportunity to build a network of like-minded families.

From outdoor movie nights and summer camps to pumpkin patches, farmers’ markets and splash pads, outdoor programming encourages communities to come together and be active.

For many families, access to outdoor spaces is a major factor when deciding where to put down roots. Spending time outside improves your health, and can help kids’ learning, behavior and mental well-being.

Opendoor Technologies Inc. is an online company that buys and sells residential real estate and publishes is list of family-friendly cities annually.

Kudos to the city’s schools, Parks and Recreation Department, and privately operated facilities for helping to make Somerville the ideal community for families that is certainly is.