There are a lot of things you need to consider before you move. There are even more factors to take into account when you throw children into the mix.
You don’t want to uproot your family and move to any old place. Before you start looking at real estate listings, you need to consider a few factors to make the home buying process easier.
Let’s take a closer look at three things to look at before choosing your new family neighborhood.
1. Available School Districts
Choosing the right school for your kids is of utmost importance. You want them to go to a school where they will be able to thrive.
Before choosing to look at homes in any neighborhood, check the map to see what’s nearby. Are there well-ranking public schools in the area? If you’re considering the private school route, how closeby are they?
You can use websites like GreatSchools to read reviews on both public and private schools in the neighborhood. Once you know what other parents think of the options you’re considering, you can make an informed decision for your child.
2. Crime Rates
The crime rate of a neighborhood should be a significant deciding factor if you have a family. Parents spend the first few years of their children’s lives baby-proofing the home. It would be silly to put your family in danger by moving to an area that’s ravaged by crime.
If you’re wondering how to find out if a neighborhood is safe, the internet has made it easy. Websites like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes provide you with relevant statistical data, such as crime rates, of the neighborhoods you’re considering.
If you’re still wondering if you’ve found a safe neighborhood, go on a driving or walking tour of the area. Take note of how many police and fire stations there are nearby. Look at how the neighborhood takes care of their properties. Watch for broken windows, unkempt yards, and rundown homes. While every area has homes in disarray, more than one or two may spell bad news.
3. Strong Sense of Community
As the adage goes, it takes a village to raise a child. If you hope to lean on your village under challenging times, you want to keep your eyes peeled for family-friendly neighborhoods.
When you’re driving through, look for signs of a safe, close-knit community. Watch for children playing with their friends and folks walking their dogs or exercising. These are indications that the residents of the community feel safe and comfortable where they live.
Utilize online sources to help you find the most friendly-family area in your city. Websites like BiggerEquity can give you info about new neighborhoods you should consider expanding your search to.
Check the local event listings online to see if there are a lot of kid-friendly activities and events that occur. Farmer’s markets, festivals, and fairs all help to create a sense of community among residents.
Choose the Best Family Neighborhood
Different types of neighborhoods attract different types of residents. If you want to live in a child-friendly area, you’ll need to indicate that to your realtor before starting the house-hunting process.
Using the three tips above, you’ll be able to determine the best family neighborhood for you and your children.
Be sure to check out our blog for more child-raising tips and tricks.
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