Moving can be a tough change for parents, but it can often be just as hard on the kids who come along for the ride. With young children to care for, parents have an entire new list of considerations to make during a move, which childless movers don’t even have to think about. A move to Denver can be dramatic, but it can also be exciting with the Rocky Mountains right within reach and plenty of parks and outdoor fun sprinkled throughout the city. To address some of the most important aspects of moving with children, review the following questions to ask before considering each home.
· Is the neighborhood safe?
Obviously, both adults and children want to live in a safe area, but for children, the stakes are much higher. While searching for a new home, make sure to research crime rates in the area and compare them with those of other regions. Of course, it’s unlikely that you’ll find an area completely void of all crime, but a low rate tends to mean the area is safer for children.
If safety is a major concern, consider looking through the many gated communities around the city that provide authorized entrance and equip each home with its own advanced security system. As an added bonus, a safer neighborhood could even save you money on auto insurance and home insurance as well.
· What are the local schools like?
Every public school in the country is subjected to federal evaluation and rating at least once per year. While searching for the right home, make sure to conduct in-depth research regarding the quality of surrounding schools. For example: If you’re searching for Denver apartments, do your homework to find top-rated schools like Bromwell Elementary School, Carson Elementary School, Challenge School, Cory Elementary School and D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School.
Although researching ratings can give you a pretty good idea of what the school is like, it’s also recommended that you actually visit each school in person to get a more in-depth understanding of the quality of the staff, the building and the programs at each facility.
· How spacious is the home itself?
Children need room to grow, and a one-bedroom apartment might not be enough for their needs. Consider your budget and create a range of acceptable-to-ideal setups. For example, a five bedroom, four bath might be ideal for your family of five, but a three bedroom, two bath wouldn’t be so bad if enough of your other home criteria were met.
While prioritizing the amount of space you would need, make sure to also prioritize how this space should be allotted. For example, if you like having the whole family together for dinner, a spacious dining room may be more important than a fancy living room. Alternatively, if working from home gets tough with noisy tots running around, a separate office might be a necessary compromise to an extra bedroom.
· Is it a family community?
Being around other families who share your values and lifestyle can help the whole family unit become better integrated into a new area. Look for areas with a strong focus on family and community, and make sure there are plenty of outlets for you to get involved. For example, you can look into becoming a part of fundraising and event planning activities for the local community center or get the kids involved in community sports teams. Of course, it never hurts to put yourself out there with a good old-fashioned plate of brownies on move-in day to introduce yourself to your new neighbors.
Every family has different needs and priorities when it comes to finding a home, so make sure to create your list according to these unique preferences. For example, if sending your daughters to a great school is more important than giving each of them their own bedroom, then be willing to compromise for this aspect on your list. Your dream home may not exist in reality, but with Denver real estate, you can come pretty dang close.
