
One of the most significant decisions you can make as a parent is where you raise your children. The community you live in determines what schools they attend, the friends they meet, what their interests are, and eventually, who they become as adults. For those with children of any age or couples planning for a future that includes little ones, the neighborhood you call home should be kid-friendly. The exciting experience of finding the right new home for your family can quickly become stressful when considering the underlying factors that should be considered. So, how do you know if your new community is great for kids? We’ve gathered a short list of four things every kid-friendly neighborhood should have when buying a new house.
School Ratings
Every parent desires for their kids to have the absolute best in education no matter the age. Selecting the right daycare, elementary school, and especially college are incredibly important. When searching for your dream house, make sure to research the school systems surrounding the communities you’re looking to move to so you can see how well they perform. Check for academic ratings, retention rates, graduation rates, and available extracurricular activities. Will your daughter receive the same intellectual stimulation in her honors and AP classes in the new school? And will your son continue to thrive playing for the school soccer team? It is vital to make sure that your children have a comfortable transition wherever you decide to move. It would also be helpful to read reviews from other parents with children attending the neighboring schools to get a different perspective on the pros and cons of the school district.
Convenience
A new home with convenience to your everyday needs is a must-have for families. Living in a rural area may be ideal for some, but who wants to drive an hour away for a gallon of milk? Take into consideration the availability of grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and gas stations. Hospitals and medical offices like the family dentist and pediatrician should also be a short distance away in an emergency. Does your new home allow for ease of access to local highways and freeways, making commuting to and from work easier? These are all great things to consider about when making this long time investment.
Community Amenities
Children of all ages always need something to do other than play video games or make Tik Tok videos. You’ll want to look into what your neighborhood has to offer both onsite and offsite. Several newly built communities feature amenities like clubhouses and community centers with swimming pools, basketball courts, tennis courts, parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas. You can also look out for fun community events in your new town, such as music festivals, movies at the park, holiday events, and more. These are great ways to get better acquainted with your new neighbors as well.
Attractions and Recreation
Along with being close to community amenities, living in a new home with access to places like movie theaters, museums, skating rinks, and amusement parks are also a must-have. You can search for nearby national parks where your family can enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing. Many communities are near local beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun’s rays, building sandcastles, and splashing in the salty waves. Create unforgettable memories filled with fresh buttery popcorn and steamy hot dogs with all of the fixings at a local baseball game, or spend your afternoons touring the city while visiting its national monuments.
Moving to a new city or town is an adjustment and takes work, but it’s always helpful to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. You can start by surfing through NewHomesDirectory.com and explore new home neighborhoods that may appeal to you. You can search the local event calendars, read the local news and reviews, and even plan a visit in person to see if a community is a right fit for you and your family. If the area of your choice meets this criterion, then you’ve found yourself the perfect kid-friendly neighborhood!