Features to Look for in a Family-Friendly Neighborhood

If you’re looking to make a move with your young family or looking for a great place to put down some roots and start a family, then there are a few things you should look for when scoping out homes and communities that will cater to your family-driven lifestyle needs.  When searching for a new family-friendly neighborhood, the home buying process can take on a whole new search criteria. As it’s no longer just about you, it’s not enough to just look for a great house in an “acceptable” location; once kids are in the picture, you need the whole package.  

So, what exactly should be on your radar when diving into the home buying process?  Here are a few key features you should look for when choosing the perfect home and neighborhood to raise your growing family:  

• Child Friendly Amenities – Real estate is all about location, location, location.  And, a great neighborhood and community will provide easy access to all sorts of amenities, especially those that are kid-friendly.  Of course, finding the perfect kid haven can take some time and effort. So, take the time to drive around areas of interest, and look for things like parks, playgrounds, walking trails, community centers, etc.  
• Outdoor Activity – As you drive around looking at neighborhoods, take a look at the action happening outside.  Are there lots of kids playing? Are there families in the parks or on the playgrounds? Take a look around at several different times of day to get a feel for the hustle and bustle of the area.  Look for school buses, toys in yards, even the ages of the kids you see wandering. After all, you want to make sure your young kids are going to have playmates and can grow with others their age throughout their developmental years. 
• Community Essentials – Proximity to necessities like schools, day cares, grocery stores, healthcare, etc. will likely also play a factor in your search for a family friendly community.  Take time to consider what your daily life would look like in an area of interest. You might even include places of interest like dining options and entertainment.  
• Friendly & Social Neighbors – A great way to get a feel for an area is to hit the pavement and socialize with those within a given community.  Don’t be afraid to say hello and start a few conversations. Ask parents what they love most about their neighborhood and even what they may not like.  People are always excited to talk about the places they love. You should also take this opportunity to ask about kid-friendly amenities in the area, schools, community gatherings, parenting groups, or anything else you’d like to learn more about.  
• Safety – A safe environment is hugely important when choosing an area to raise your family.  Aside from checking things like crime rates, you’ll want to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous areas like nearby railroads and heavy traffic, especially if you’re going to have little ones in your yard.  You also want to look for well-lit streets and safe parking areas.  

The best way to search for your new home and family-friendly community is to see it from ground level.  Whenever possible, go out and spend a day exploring the areas that interest you. Talk to the locals, walk around the town, and find out what daily life would actually be like in your new neighborhood for you and your family.