More from the analysis ...

... But, let's not sugarcoat it: Being a working mom in America can be tough. Between the rising cost of childcare, long commute times and the ongoing juggle of "being everywhere at once," it's clear that some places are more working-mom-friendly than others. So, which places are making life a little easier for moms trying to have it all (or at least most of it)?

To find the best metros for working moms, we analyzed data across three key categories " education; work and health and environment. Metrics included the share of employed moms; work-from-home and self-employment rates; commute times; income; and access to employer-based healthcare. We also looked at childcare availability and affordability; school quality; cost of living; and access to pediatricians and clean air. Additionally, we split the metros into three population brackets " large, mid-sized and small. ...

From Albany, NY, to Hartford, CT, the Northeast is packed with metro areas that score high on metrics like childcare access, female employment and flexible work options. These metros often benefit from strong healthcare infrastructure, education systems and relatively compact geographies, which means shorter commutes and more time at home.

The Midwest also makes a strong showing with top metros like Minneapolis, Des Moines, IA, and Ann Arbor, MI. While the region may not always get the same attention as the coasts, it shines when it comes to affordability, community support and work-life balance. ...