How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood for Your Kids *

*This is a collaborative post.

Although moving into a new house is stressful, it’s a very joyous moment as you get to change the environment, probably move to a better, more functional home, and live near essential amenities.

If you have children, every decision you make has to involve them. You have to check whether the neighbourhood can accommodate their needs and at the same time make sure you have a spacious home and a comfortable place everyone will love. Here are tips to consider when shopping for a kids’ friendly home and neighbourhood

Good Schools

Your children will have different needs depending on their age. The younger ones might need daycare facilities while older children need reputable schools, making it an essential consideration before deciding on the ideal neighbourhood.

Choosing a residential neighbourhood that prioritises young families’ needs, such as K Avenue, can be a better option. You’ll find a variety of schools and activities that cater for children of all ages. As you check the schools in the neighbourhood, also look into the transport system.

Will you have to drop the children at the various schools or there’s a school bus? What is the commuting time?

If you have older kids, consider a neighbourhood that supports their hobbies. If your child plays the piano or attends dancing lessons, can you easily find a facility they can join once you move in?

Safety

Safety is probably the most critical factor when choosing a favourable neighbourhood. Does the location have well-lit roads, enough activity and a stable security system? For instance, a community with an active police patrol tends to be safer than one without.

Even when you’d want a neighbourhood with more activity, you still don’t want to move into a noisy and crowded place. You would still like your children to enjoy outdoor time with minimal traffic. You’d want to know they are safe when playing or riding their bikes on the streets, even when unsupervised. Make sure to check the crime rates in the area and any bad reports before moving in.

Does the Neighborhood Have Other Children?

A community with more children tends to have more recreational facilities to cater to the young ones growing needs. You’ll find playgrounds, swings and shops that cater to the children’s needs. To find out if a neighbourhood has many children stroll around and check whether there are many apartments and houses. Also, check the street for children activities and facilities.

Medical Facilities

Every parent understands the need to have a handy paediatrician because young children fall sick easily. You might have an emergency at night, and when you don’t know who to call, it can get out of hand. Check around for paediatrician facilities, talk to the neighbours and find several doctors’ profiles. Find out if they are professional, experienced and reliable. Who can you call at night when your baby has a fever?

If you have a special needs child check whether the community accommodates his needs.  You might need a specialised paediatrician or a special needs school. Having all your needs met in the neighbourhood makes it less stressful, convenient and cheaper.

The Amenities Within

Living in a neighbourhood with family-friendly amenities makes it convenient. Check whether there are libraries, toy shops, parks and kid-friendly spaces such as theme parks. Also, check the grocery stores within and the eateries.

You don’t want to drive miles away when you run out of groceries. Also, you’d like your kids to have fun activities within. It’s more convenient when you don’t have to drive miles away to locate an ice cream or toy shop.

Make sure the commercial establishments have a family-friendly environment and discourage noisy bars and cafes. Such draw an unruly crowd which is not a desirable environment for a young family.

Your Neighbors

Because you’d want to be neighbours with people who share your values, checking the kind of neighbours you’ll have is critical. Walk around and talk to the people to get to know them better.

You’ll get to find out those who have kids around your age, making it easier to arrange for babysitting or playdates. You will also make new friends who will guide you on how things run around the neighbourhood.

Most importantly, it will not be a big challenge for your children to make new friends because you’ve already established a bond you can build on when you relocate.

If you have older children, ask them the type of house or neighbourhood they would want to relocate to. If possible, check different locations and take note of their concerns or needs. When you involve the kids in the decision making, they will find it easier to transition into the new life.