With kids in the picture, house-hunting is more than finding a nice-looking home. A great place in a neighborhood that doesn’t offer safety, playgrounds, or quality schools is useless for families. Only months after accommodating, you’ll feel the urge to call your favorite movers in Charlotte, NC.
Sadly, this is the case for many. Demographic trends show that more and more people are moving into cities, making urban childhoods the new norm. Yet, cities are polluted, car-dominated, and not so well suited for large families and their younger members.
Here’s a short guide on how to determine whether your neighborhood or town is child-friendly.
What’s a Child-Friendly Neighborhood?
First, let’s outline what a child-friendly city is.
Child-friendly cities or neighborhoods are those that provide features capable of improving children’s well-being and quality of life. The goal is for younger generations to survive, thrive, and enjoy their childhoods to the fullest.
This is more than adding playgrounds: It’s about ensuring children’s everyday freedoms while promoting their safety and helping them develop discipline.
Child-friendly urban design isn’t beneficial only to children or their families. It also helps build healthier, more sustainable cities because it aims to make public spaces more accessible, engaging, and welcoming.
So, how can you find out if a neighborhood meets these criteria?
1. Kid-friendly Amenities
A good sign of child-friendly neighborhoods is that they offer many amenities designed for children. This involves nearby parks, cute murals, properly signaled streets, and playful designs for public structures like bus stops and benches.
Drive around town and look for these. You can also look for play equipment inside houses, such as basketball hoops, swing sets, and trampolines. Of course, kids playing outside is another sign that you’re in a neighborhood where they’ll integrate easily.
If you see people at the parks or playgrounds, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation and ask them what they think about living in that neighborhood. They’ll probably advise you if there’s anything they don’t like.
2. Proximity to Necessities Like Hospitals and Schools
Living in a neighborhood close to your basic necessities is key, from having a hospital within driving distance to kids being within walking distance of their schools.
Many parents are willing to live farther away from their office if it means their children can be close to a good school. In fact, many decide it’s time to move because of that.
If that’s your case, websites like GreatSchools can help you find ratings on nearby schools and determine whether a neighborhood is ideal.
3. A Safe Environment for Kids
Safety is extremely important in any neighborhood, especially when children are present. Is the home near any dangerous railroad tracks or highways? Is there a lot of traffic? Are there many bars in the area?
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of your child playing outside in a neighborhood, then it’s probably not a great place for them to live.
4. Public Activities Aimed for Children
As we mentioned before, child-friendly neighborhoods help children thrive. Because of that, it’s important that the neighborhood you live in offers activities your kids can enjoy all year.
This could be public library programs, after-school activities, or summer camps. These activities offer children opportunities to learn, socialize with others, and have fun.
Learn About Kid-Friendly Neighborhoods from the Best Movers in Charlotte, NC
Parents want the best for their children, be it better schools, after-school activities, or being able to walk around the town safely. However, the benefits of child-friendly neighborhoods go beyond kids: they offer more welcoming and enjoyable spaces for your entire family.
If you have already found your perfect town and need help finding a qualified mover to get there, give us a call!