4 Signs of a Family-Friendly Neighborhood

During the homebuying process, it’s easy to devote all your attention to your new home’s features like countertops, windows, and landscaping. But if you’ve got a family, you’ll also want a neighborhood that meets everyone’s needs.

A family-friendly neighborhood is made up of three key components – safety, convenience, and community. Watch for these four telltale signs:

Safety Measures in Place

The best giveaway of a family-friendly neighborhood is its safety features, especially for children. You might spot “children at play” signs or well-posted stop and speed limit signs throughout the neighborhood. And in some cases, perhaps even neighborhood watch signs.

Beyond physical signs, a family-friendly neighborhood will have stroller and wheelchair-accessible sidewalks, paths, and well-lit streetlights for when the sun goes down.

Amenities for Children

Another indicator of a family-friendly neighborhood is amenities for children either close by, or in the best case, within walking distance. A well-kept playground, park, field, or court that all the neighborhood kids can enjoy won’t just keep your child active, but it’ll also keep them happy after making the big move. Plus, the amenities will give your child the opportunity to meet new friends and let you get acquainted with other local parents.

Nearby Family Necessities

Having grocery stores, schools, or daycares close by is not only convenient but also a sign that your new neighborhood is family friendly. Easy access to these resources means your new neighborhood is vibrant and full of active families. Remember, those features were built near your neighborhood for a reason.

Community Engagement

A family-friendly neighborhood features homeowners who are engaged with each other and feel pride in their community’s upkeep, activities, and support. Kids play outside together, and neighbors help each other with outdoor projects. You might even see signs or posters for yard sales or community get-togethers. These examples are a sure-fire sign of a community of people who care.

Your real estate agent will be your best resource for finding family-friendly neighborhoods. Tell them what you’re looking for, and then we’ll help you make those homebuying dreams come true!