Five Tips for Finding the Perfect Family Home and Community
By: Susan Solomon Yem
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| If getting married is the most exciting thing you've ever done and having a child the most emotional, then buying a house will be the most challenging. Not only will you be putting yourselves into major debt for decades, you will be influencing the character and personality of your family for years to come. Friendships, educational opportunities, available medical care, and the chance to achieve in sports and other endeavors are only some of the areas affected by where a family chooses to live. | ||
| Some prefer the rarefied air of the country where children can explore nature firsthand, catching frogs in nearby ponds and picking wildflowers in open fields. Others consider the sophistication of the city the ultimate living experience. Close proximity to museums, theater, and cultural centers is important to them. | ||
| Do Your Homework Before you call real estate agents, do some investigating on your own. An accountant or bank loan officer can help you determine how much house you can afford. Where that house will be requires more thought and research. | ||
| Start by asking yourself these questions: By how many will your family grow while you live in this house (including live-in grandparents)? | ||
| Your answers to these questions should narrow down your options. While the cost of the property and its taxes will greatly influence your final decision, there are other important considerations. | ||
| Evaluate the Local Schools Most families believe the quality of a community's school is its greatest asset or biggest fault. Even parents of newborns or yet-to-be borns must evaluate school systems. It is only five short years until that baby is ready for formal education. | ||
| Most state departments of education publish valuable information on each of its school systems including average teachers' salaries, per pupil expenditures, results from basic skills testing, drop-out rates, and number of students going on to college. | ||
| Schedule an appointment with the superintendent of schools or one of the school principals for more information. Questions to ask should include: | ||
| Check out Safety and Security Safety is another important factor in appraising a community. How many crossing guards are on duty before and after school? What are the posted speed limits on the streets children travel the most? | ||
| A good gauge of security is the police log printed in most local newspapers. Just about every community has a weekly or daily newspaper which publishes lists of criminal activity including rowdy parties, break-ins, drunken driving, and violent crime. | ||
| The state office of Public Safety should have statistics on file which include both the crimes committed in various communities and the percentage of increase or decrease from previous years. This information is available to the public by telephoned request. | ||
| Look for Child-Friendly Neighborhoods A drive or walk around town will give you a good indication of how child-friendly the community is. How many parks and playgrounds are there? What is their condition? Are they well protected from street traffic? | ||
| What is available for older youths? Are there lots of kids hanging out on street corners? Your own children may not be this age, but if they use the parks and playgrounds, they will come into contact with these teens. | ||
| As you visit different neighborhoods, take note of the sizes of the yards and the number of children's toys, jungle gyms, basketball hoops, and bicycles in the driveways. By varying the time of day you go through town you can observe the activities of different age groups. | ||
| Peruse the local telephone directory for listings of preschools and daycare centers, as well as after-school enrichment programs such as karate, drama, dance, swimming, or arts and crafts. | ||
| Contact the local parks and recreation department for a listing of activities they run. The local chamber of commerce will tell you about special seasonal events they may sponsor such as Christmas tree lighting, Easter egg hunts, or fireworks on the Fourth of July. | ||
| Spend some time in the library. How well stocked is the children's room? In addition to books, what other materials are available? Is there a story hour for preschoolers and after school or vacation activities for older children? | ||
| Be Aware of Community Conveniences For those who choose to live off the beaten path, be aware of the trade-offs distance from civilization brings. Does the community have trash collection? Is there a recycling program? Is the water drinkable or will you need bottled water? Do you have the time and ability to provide these services yourself? | ||
| How many pediatricians practice in the town? Is there a children's dentist? How close is the nearest large healthcare facility in case of emergency? | ||
| It would be ideal if you could rent a house or apartment in the town of your choice before buying. If that is not realistic, become as familiar as you can with the environs. Subscribe to the local newspaper. Not only will you see what real estate is available, but you'll learn about the politics, social events, and community issues which are affecting the population. | ||
| Eat at the local coffee shop or fast food restaurant. It's a great place to absorb the town's atmosphere. Take the children to the park where you can introduce yourself to local families who can answer questions town officials may not. | ||
| Once you have analyzed a community with this criteria, you will be ready to make the decision on where to put down your roots. Now it is time to contact a real estate agent who will show you what is available. | ||
| Buying a house is the investment of a lifetime. Impulsive, uninformed decisions will not result in a happy home, so make a well-educated choice and find just the right home for your family. | ||
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