Ever heard the saying “location is everything”?
Well, it’s true– and especially so for home buying. Finding the ideal family-friendly neighborhood is a priority for many prospective homebuyers. The house itself is important, but finding a good community surrounding your new home is invaluable.
There are a few different ways you can identify a family-friendly neighborhood for your new home. With some guidance from expert industry insights, we’ll give you the information you need to make an informed decision and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for your family.
Safety and low crime rates
When you close your eyes and imagine the ideal family-friendly neighborhood, you’re probably envisioning a place without crime, where your kids and family will be safe. Researching local crime rates and checking with local law enforcement to gauge the safety of an area can be a great way to determine an area’s safety before you make a financial commitment.
Look for neighborhoods with low crime rates and a strong police presence, which can help to provide peace of mind for your family.
Good schools and educational opportunities
Access to quality education is essential for families. Investigate the local school district, checking for public and private schools with good ratings. Proximity to educational facilities, extracurricular activities, and learning resources can greatly enhance your child’s educational journey.
Playgrounds and recreational facilities
Family-friendly neighborhoods often feature a variety of parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. These spaces offer opportunities for children to play, socialize, and stay active. Plus, having plenty of available activities and a place to go can help kids stay active, engaged, and out of trouble.
Consider the accessibility and quality of such facilities in your potential neighborhood.
Low traffic and quiet streets
A family-friendly neighborhood should offer a safe environment for children to play and explore– and while we don’t recommend letting your children play in the street in any neighborhood, finding a place with low traffic, calm streets, and low speed limits can make a big difference.
Traffic-calming measures, like speed bumps and sidewalks, can enhance safety and create a peaceful, walkable atmosphere.
Kid-friendly events and activities
Community events and activities that are designed for children can contribute to a family-friendly atmosphere. Look for neighborhoods that host kid-friendly events like parades, festivals, and recreational programs. These events are an opportunity for your whole family to have fun together!
Healthcare facilities and services
Close proximity to healthcare facilities, pediatricians, and emergency services is especially important for families. If anything happens, you’ll never regret finding a neighborhood where you can quickly and easily access medical care.
Availability of family homes
Of course, even the nicest neighborhood in the world isn’t going to work if there aren’t any available family-sized homes!
If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly neighborhood, we’d recommend checking out the regularly-updated listings on our website. Check if your desired neighborhood offers housing options that perfectly meet your family’s needs– or use our advanced property search tool to find a place that’s just right for you.