Picking the right neighborhood to move to with your family is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The neighborhood you choose will impact your daily life and determine the community, amenities, schools, safety, commute, and overall lifestyle you’ll experience. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to pick and move to the best neighborhood for you and your family.
Research Neighborhoods Thoroughly
The first step is doing thorough research on neighborhoods in the desired city or area. There are many factors to look into when researching potential neighborhoods:
- School district ratings – Research the quality of elementary, middle and high schools. Look at test scores, rankings, teacher-to-student ratios, after-school programs and more.
- Home values – Look up real estate values in different neighborhoods to understand pricing and affordability. Make sure it aligns with your budget.
- Crime rates – Look into crime statistics to get a sense of safety and security. Check rates for both property and violent crime.
- Amenities – Research things like parks, trails, recreation centers, shopping, restaurants and entertainment options within each neighborhood.
- Commute – Check commute times to your workplace, spouse’s workplace, and kids’ schools from each neighborhood. Look into public transit options too.
- Demographics – Understand the types of families living in the neighborhood, average age range, and income levels.
- Growth – Check if the area is growing, established or declining. Growing neighborhoods often have new construction.
- Walkability/bikeability – Research how pedestrian and bike friendly each neighborhood is overall.
Use online tools like Niche.com, GreatSchools.org and AreaVibes to compare data across multiple neighborhoods in one area. Local parent Facebook groups can also provide insight.
Tour the Neighborhoods In-Person
Once you narrow down some top options based on research, tour each neighborhood in person. Visit at different times – during weekday commutes, weekends, evenings – to get a well-rounded perspective. As you tour each neighborhood, look for:
- Overall upkeep – Are homes, streets, sidewalks, yards well maintained?
- Street safety – Is traffic relatively calm? Are crosswalks and lighting adequate?
- Community feel – Do you see people out walking, kids playing, neighbors interacting?
- Noise levels – Is the area quiet and peaceful or noisy? Listen for sources like traffic and airports.
- Access to amenities – Can you walk/bike to parks, trails, stores, restaurants?
- School exteriors – Do the grounds and facilities look well-kept?
Pay attention to your overall impressions as you walk or drive through. Picture your family living there. Try chatting with locals to learn more insights.
Consider Lifestyle and Priorities
Consider your family’s lifestyle needs and priorities as you evaluate options. Key factors to think through:
- Schools – If schools are a top priority, pick a neighborhood zoned for high-performing, well-funded schools. Avoid neighborhoods with struggling schools if education is very important to you.
- Outdoor spaces – If you want trails, parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers nearby, ensure the neighborhood provides easy access.
- Safety – If low crime rates and safety are critical, rule out neighborhoods with higher rates and poor lighting/visibility. Pick areas with active community watch groups.
- Community – If you prefer lots of family-friendly events, activities and community spirit, seek neighborhoods that offer that social environment.
- Convenience – If walkability, short commutes, and quick access to amenities are key, narrow options to neighborhoods that fit that lifestyle.
- Budget – If affordability is essential, avoid more expensive neighborhoods further from the urban core in favor of reasonably priced options.
Rank these lifestyle factors by level of importance before finalizing a neighborhood choice. Compromise on lower priority preferences if needed to match your most critical needs.
Narrow Down and Choose
After thorough research and tours, narrow down the options. Weigh pros and cons of the top 2-3 neighborhoods that best fit your priorities. Key steps for making a final decision:
- Compare schools, crime, prices, commute times, walkability, and amenities side-by-side.
- Discuss pros and cons as a family to get input from everyone. Does one neighborhood stand out?
- If undecided, re-tour top neighborhoods to help decide based on gut feelings and impressions.
- If needed, make a sacrifice on a lower priority (like size of home) in favor of most critical priority (like school district).
- Avoid choosing based on Focus only on logic by weighing objective data gathered during research.
- Trust your instincts! The right neighborhood should feel comfortable, safe, and a good fit.
Moving can be exciting yet stressful. Take time to thoroughly research options, visit in person, involve your family, and thoughtfully evaluate priorities. Choosing the optimal neighborhood helps set your family up for success in their new community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Picking a Neighborhood
How long should you live in a neighborhood before deciding to move there?
Ideally, rent in a neighborhood for 6-12 months before committing to buy. This allows you to experience all seasons and get a true feel for the pros and cons. If renting first isn’t feasible, tour the neighborhood thoroughly at varied times and ask locals about highs and lows before purchasing.
What should you know about a neighborhood before moving?
Research crime rates, school ratings/options, typical home values, commute times, walkability, noise levels, access to amenities, and overall maintenance and upkeep. Tour the area in-person to observe first-hand. Talk to residents to learn insider perspectives.
How do you find the best area to live in a new city?
Thoroughly study neighborhood ratings on Niche.com and AreaVibes. Search online parent forums and Facebook groups for that city to find insider tips. Once narrowed down, visit top contenders in-person. Meet neighbors, go to parks, eat at restaurants, and get a feel for each area.
What are the 5 most important things when looking for a home?
The top 5 factors are typically: 1) Location – neighborhood, commute, amenities, 2) Schools – ratings, distance, offerings, 3) Home features – size, layout, yard, condition, 4) Budget – purchase price and estimated maintenance costs, 5) Overall feel – does it check all your boxes for livability and lifestyle?
Should I rent or buy in a new city?
Renting first when relocating allows you to learn the metro area before purchasing. Consider renting for at least 6-12 months. Once you know which neighborhoods suit your lifestyle best, you can look for homes to buy there. Renting first provides flexibility.
How long does it take to adjust to a new neighborhood?
It typically takes 6-12 months to fully adjust to a new community. As you learn the area, make local friends, find favorite spots, establish routines, and become comfortable over time, the neighborhood will start to feel like home. Give it a year before deciding if the area is a fit long term.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal neighborhood for your family is a major decision when relocating. Take time to thoroughly research potential options, visit top contenders in person, discuss as a family, and carefully weigh benefits against drawbacks. Consider your family’s lifestyle needs, priorities and budget to find the community that best matches your goals for the move. Trust your instincts once you narrow down the options after systematically comparing critical factors side-by-side. Moving to a neighborhood well-suited for your family can help make the transition to a new city or town smooth, positive and successful.