If I need to stay in a certain area for family reasons,

[wannaphdnHistory]

should I put that in my SOP? My instinct says no, but I just want to see what everyone else says.

[dzk]

I would say no. Though I hope your family reasons will be disappearing before you finish your PhD, because you will almost certainly need to relocate to find a job.

[jasper.milvain]

No, don't include it. It has no bearing on your abilities as a researcher, which are what the adcoms are interested in. Good luck, both with the apps and with family.

[socialcomm]

Don't put it in your SOP, but from personal experience, it certainly does make things more difficult (not being able to apply just anywhere).

[Serric]

I would agree with everybody above in that you shouldn't put it in your Statement of Purpose. What I would probably do, however, is try to create as best a fit as you can with the schools you plan on applying to, put these strengths and connections on paper, and give them as part of the packet to the professors who will be recommending you: it should help 'target' the LoR, and might help your chances.

Best of luck to you!