Signs of a family-friendly neighbourhood

Signs of a family-friendly neighbourhood

Are you looking to find the right starter home for your family? Or maybe you need more space to accommodate a growing family? Whether your needs involve more bedrooms or more yard space, there are a variety of things to consider when looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood to call home.

Signs of a family-friendly neighbourhood

Safety is a priority

Knowing the crime rates of an area you are considering moving into is extremely important. It’s important to have an idea of what your potential new neighbourhood is like before putting an offer in on a home. Is there a history of robberies, drugs or gang activity nearby? If you are a parent, you never want to put your children in harm’s way. And as they get older, you want to feel safe as they explore the neighbourhood.

There are other potential safety hazards to look at as well. Is the home located near a busy street or intersection? Do commuters use the neighbourhood as a shortcut? Are there sidewalks? Are you going to be able to take a walk through the neighbourhood safely or take the dog for a walk? What are the businesses around the area like? Are there a lot of bars or industrial areas nearby? These are all things you should consider when researching an area or neighbourhood that you are interested in.

Educational resources

Evaluate the public schools in your prospective neighbourhood. While rankings aren’t everything, they are important. Make sure the public schools have good reputations. Although would-be buyers often evaluate the schools in their new area, they sometimes forget to investigate other educational resources. For example, how many daycares exist in the neighbourhood and what ages can enrol there? Also, check whether the daycare’s enrollment is at maximum or minimum capacity. This will help you gauge whether families with young children are moving into or away from the area.

Family amenities

Take a drive through the neighbourhood, especially after school and on the weekends, and look for parks or other open play areas. Are there retail and grocery shops nearby? Make sure to check out the local restaurants, movie theatre and any other amenities you may be interested in before you make any long-term housing decision. Don’t hesitate to check out the local park and chat with some of your potential new neighbours. Ask them what they like about the neighbourhood, and maybe even what they don’t like so much. These conversations could end up giving you the most valuable information.

Social opportunities

To find the best neighbourhood for you and your kids, scope it out before you buy your home. Do drive-bys. Talk to neighbours. Ask your real estate agent or the neighbourhood spokesperson if any children your kids’ ages live nearby. If families aren’t already living in your prospective neighbourhood, you may want to look at other housing options to ensure that your kids will love your new neighbours and make lots of friends.

See if your new neighbourhood offers child-centric activities throughout the year. If the area lacks opportunities made with kids in mind, you may want to check out other neighbourhoods before purchasing your new home. Some of the best opportunities to look for include children’s library programs, afterschool programs and summer camps.

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