Thanks to the adoption of remote working, more families are buying homes in towns further away from main cities to take advantage of better real estate opportunities. For example, many Canadian families in Toronto are moving to Pickering.
The town is rapidly becoming an attractive alternative to a larger city because of its small-town atmosphere, vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful location, and a strong economy. When working with a good realtor in Pickering, families can find excellent homes in nice, family-friendly neighborhoods.
So, what makes a neighborhood family-friendly?
#1 High-Quality Schools
It’s essential for families to choose neighborhoods that have excellent public schools, especially if the area follows a catchment system. In a catchment system, school attendance is determined by the home address. In other words, students must attend public schools in their geographical area.
Homeowners should research the quality of the schools in a neighborhood, including the student-teacher ratio, the facilities, student test scores, and any special programs the school may offer.
A good education is key to a bright future and can provide students with access to more job opportunities down the road. Additionally, good schools can add value to a home, making them excellent investments.
#2 Parks and Recreation
Family-friendly neighborhoods should have excellent parks and must offer recreational activities where people can enjoy sports, walking, or jogging.
The best parks are large, feature lakes, and offer various amenities like picnic tables, splash pads, bike paths, and even recreation centers where families can come together for lessons and more.
Outdoor facilities in family-friendly neighborhoods can include basketball and tennis courts where kids can enjoy physical activity and develop relationships with others in the community.
In addition, having a library nearby is always a plus. Here, families can spend quality quiet time reading and learning.
#3 Housing Options
Every family has different needs in terms of price, size, rooms, and features. For example, some families need small townhouses, while others need bigger properties with lawns, patios, yards, and many rooms. A good town for families should offer several housing types.
#4 Local Businesses
Good family-friendly neighborhoods are usually surrounded by thriving local businesses. They also have the right type of businesses. Instead of inappropriate establishments, they have shopping centres, eateries, and banks. Not only is having good businesses in close proximity convenient, but it can mean job opportunities for young and old people alike.
#5 Low Traffic Volumes and Walkability
When looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, parents should pay attention to low-traffic volume and walkability. Low-traffic volumes ensure that children safely walk and play in the neighborhood. In addition, roads must be outfitted with signs, markings, and other safety measures so car speeds are contained
#6 Public Transportation
Public transportation can provide easy access to grocery stores, schools, medical facilities, and recreation facilities. It may make commuting to work or school easier and faster too. Having a major highway is also useful for people who need to travel a long distance to work. A family-friendly neighborhood is good for the needs of the whole family. People living in such neighborhoods usually enjoy secure and happy lives.