It’s important to keep your family’s best interests in mind when moving house, but seeking out a family friendly suburb in an unknown area can be a challenge.
Here are a few tips for what to look for when you’re in search for the right area for your family.
1. Nurseries and schools
You may have a baby or toddler now, but these years pass quickly and it’s important to start looking at schools early on.
A family-friendly suburb will have plenty of preschools, schools, and nursery facilities to choose from.
A high volume of schools shows you that there are plenty of other families in the area, which will make it easier for your children to make friends.
As you look at schools in the area, take their reputation, philosophy, and ease of entry into consideration. Will you be able to enrol your child in the school you want?
2. Public transport
Public transport links are always a welcome quality in any suburb.
Not only does public transport give you an easier commute, but it also helps ensure that your older child has the means to get around town without always relying on mum and dad for a ride.
3. Shopping facilities
Does the suburb have a good mix of both independent local shops and large, convenient supermarkets?
You’ll want to be able to stock up the pantry without having to drive all the way across town to do so. Larger shopping centres are also a welcome site, providing a getaway for families on rainy days.
A prevalence of small, independent shops is also a sign that the suburb has a strong sense of community, which is beneficial for families.
4. Crime rates
Safety is of particular importance to most families. You won’t want to send your child off to a football game on public transportation in an unsafe area, after all.
You can easily gather information about the suburbs you’re considering by consulting local police websites, community blogs, or news articles about the area.
These should give you some idea of the role that crime plays.
5. Community facilities
Shopping and schools are important, but you also want to find a suburb with a variety of community services as well.
These could include parks and recreation facilities to keep children occupied, as well as libraries, playgrounds, and sports clubs.
- Is there a local hospital?
- Will you have a number of health centres to choose from or will you have to travel far and wide to see a doctor when your child is ill?
Look at community bulletin boards to see if there are regular events to foster a sense of community.
Town fairs and farmer’s markets give families an opportunity to get to know each other.
In the end, the right family friendly suburb will depend on your family’s particular needs.
Yet these are all signs to be on the lookout for as you compare different regions, indicating that the suburb in question could be a good fit.
