Shifting houses is stressful and at the same time a joyful change in many cases. If it involves children, however, the number of factors to look out for immediately gets magnified.
The neighbourhood that you are in will have a great impact on the child’s life depending on his or her age. Younger children will need more resources in and around the neighbourhood while slightly older children might have lesser but different kinds of requirements.
Here are some of the relevant questions you need to ask yourself when looking for a neighbourhood that’s perfect for you as well as your children.
Does the neighbourhood have good schools nearby?
Good schools (or creches and daycares, depending on the age of the child) are, of course, one of the most important requirements when looking for a new house. Having a reputed school in the vicinity not only guarantees a certain quality to the neighbourhood but it immediately becomes easier to make a decision.
Make sure you also check on what kind of transport system exists. Will your child have to be dropped to school or is there a school bus? The commuting time is also an important factor and should be checked beforehand.
Are there other children in the area?
Neighbourhoods can vastly vary in their demographic, which will also alter the atmosphere and facilities of the place accordingly.
Stroll around the area and gauge for yourself. If there are apartments and houses, keep an eye out for children’s cycles, swings, or toys. Find out if there is a playground or at least a children’s play area around?
Are there paediatricians nearby?
Young children fall sick easily and it is handy to have a paediatrician within walking distance or at least driving distance of your house.
Ask around and find out the profile of doctors in the area and how good they are.
Checking in on the neighbours
When scoping out your neighbourhood, it’s a good idea to generally walk up to people and chat with them.
Not only does it give you a sense of the kind of people in your area but it also helps them remember you for future reference if you decide on the neighbourhood.
Introducing yourselves to neighbours, especially ones with kids who are around the same age as your kids, will help you arrange for playdates or babysitting or any other requirement that might arise.
How safe is it?
One of the most critical factors that will turn the decision in favour of a neighbourhood is its level of safety.
Well-lit roads, enough activity around to keep it from being desolate and yet not noisy, and, in some cases, a police patrol are some of the factors that makes a neighbourhood attractive for a family.
Families with young children, in particular, should ensure that even during daytime, the area is safe enough in terms of people and traffic for children to play or cycle around by doing a quick check for crime rates in the neighbourhood or if it has been in the news for any negative reasons.
What are the commercial establishments and amenities nearby?
Having noisy bars and cafes drawing a young crowd that has the possibility of getting unruly is not desirable when raising a young family.
Alternatively, scope out the area for pizza joints, ice-cream shops or other family-friendly eateries. Libraries, toy shops, parks, and other kid-friendly spaces nearby make it a great neighbourhood to move to.
This article was originally published on www.thehindu.com 