When you've decided to start a family, you'll most likely find yourself wanting to live in a family-friendly neighborhood. Choosing the right community for your growing family can be more complicated than you realize. The seasoned real estate experts at EXIT Realty Nexus in Coon Rapids, MN, offer their expertise with five things you should look for before you buy a house to start a family.

5 Things You Should Look for In a Neighborhood When Starting a Family

School District

An important part of choosing the right neighborhood for you family is the rating of the school district. You should research the ratings provided by the local and state government agencies as well as how other parents feel about the school. Also, note the size of the classes, how much one-on-one time is available, and specialty areas of study like music and computer classes.

Safety

You also need to check out the crime rate of the area. It's nearly impossible to avoid all incidents of crime, but look for a neighborhood where the crime is non-violent and not consistent. When couples look at specific locations, they often overlook items like sidewalks and crosswalks. Such elements make it easier and safer to get to family activities on foot.

Family Activities

Before you buy a house, look for family activities in the neighborhood like parks or biking and walking trails. Also look for activities nearby that will be enjoyable for all ages like yogurt shops, pottery stores, and toy stores.

Travel Level

Monitor the amount of traffic in the area. More secluded neighborhoods that aren't directly on or near a busy road typically have slower drivers, and most of the traffic will be from individuals that live in that area, so they'll drive more cautiously.

Other Families

Another sign of a family-friendly neighborhood is other families living there. The entire area doesn't need only to be filled with young families, but family-friendly neighborhoods are often chosen by that particular demographic of young families because the location meets the factors listed above.

Before you decide to buy a house for the purpose of starting a family, contact the real estate professionals at EXIT Realty Nexus. Based in Coon Rapids, these experts serve the Greater Minneapolis area, and their years of experience ensure they know the signs of a great neighborhood that fits your needs. Call them today to schedule an appointment at (763) 757-3948, or begin your new home search with their online real estate listings.