Choosing where to move is always a tough decision, especially if you’re raising kids. When you’re touring prospective neighborhoods, consider the following factors.
Some neighborhoods may have everything you could ever want but are way beyond your budget. Determine affordability through Zillow, Trulia or Redfin, whose websites list median home prices, transportation costs and property tax information. Bankrate offers an online tool that uses your income to calculate the cost of living in different neighborhoods.
Quality of school system
Check the web ratings of school districts from Niche or GreatSchools, which aggregate reviews of schools from both official rankings and from parents who have children attending.
Access to grocery stores
Food deserts are unfortunately common in many parts of the United States; healthy groceries are either unaffordable or too far away. Access to affordable groceries near you makes cooking more convenient and can be better for your family’s health.
Safety and crime statistics
Safety is paramount when raising children. Local police departments often host online crime maps showing what areas have the most crime, which can be helpful for making decisions about which neighborhoods are safest for families.
Walkability
Being able to walk to nearby stores and businesses can make life a lot easier, as well as provide a good source of exercise. Make sure your prospective neighborhood has proper sidewalks, as using these is safer than walking in the street.
Access to community resources
Having public institutions like hospitals, libraries, community centers and more in the vicinity is helpful. Medical resources are especially important in case something unexpected happens. Check to see where a potential neighborhood’s closest hospitals or doctors’ offices are.
Outdoor spaces
Some areas either aren’t safe for outdoor play or have no playgrounds or parks nearby. If kids can play outside, they’ll spend a lot less time on screens. If you have a dog, consider access to a dog park or other outdoor space where they can run and play.
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