Raising kids is a full-time job, but it can be a lot easier by moving into the best home for your family and you! When you’re living in a kid-friendly house and neighbourhood, it can make all the difference.

There are a lot of things to consider, like specific features in the house, the safety of your neighbourhood and the quality of nearby schools and kids’ activities.

But when you nail down what you need, you’ll be able to find the perfect home for you and your little ones. 

Here are our top tips for finding the best family home for raising kids:

Consider your timeline 

Whether you buy a home before or after you have kids, there are pros and cons for each option: 

Before

Pros:

• Without any little ones running around, it can make house-hunting and moving so much easier. 
• Being a parent to a newborn is incredibly time-consuming! By having a kid-friendly home ready to go, you’ll be saving a lot of time and energy. 

Cons: 

• It may be difficult to anticipate the amount of space you need.
• Some parents may not know their parenting style until after they have kids. This can make it harder to choose specific features in their house and neighbourhood.

After

Pros:

• Knowing your own parenting style and the interests of your children can give you a better understanding of the type of house and neighbourhood you want to live in. This includes features in a home, nearby schools that fit your children’s learning styles, local stores and more.
• When your family is complete, you’ll know exactly how much space you need in your home. 

Cons: 

• Before you find your kid-friendly home, you may be raising your kids in a house and neighbourhood that isn’t kid-friendly, which can come with challenges. You may lack space in your house or live in a neighbourhood where necessary places like grocery stores and clinics aren’t close by. 
• Searching for houses and going through the moving process can be much more time-consuming when you have to also take care of kids. 

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but planning your decision ahead of time can give you the best home-buying experience.

Finalize your budget beforehand

Being a parent takes up enough time of its own – you don’t want to spend more time looking at homes that don’t work for you.

By knowing your budget earlier on, your search for the right home can go a lot smoother!

Focus on the features

Do you need more storage space because you have a big family? Will you want a space just for the kids inside? Will your kids share a room now, but want individual space as they get older? Are you looking for a large yard for the kids to play in? A sturdy fence for safety? Space for a swing set?

These are all things to consider when buying and moving into the best family home. 

Our recommendation is to list out everything you think you’ll need before you start your home-buying journey. That way you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for. 

What to consider:

• Extra storage
• Large front and/or back yard
• Laundry machine 
• Number of bathtubs 
• Fencing 
• Number of rooms 
• Stairs or no stairs
• Main bedroom on the same floor as kids rooms
• Extra play space for the kids

Each family has their own preference, but understanding what you need can help you in your search for the perfect home.

Location, location, location

The neighbourhood you live in is just as important as the house you live in. 

Factors you should consider:

• Safety – this is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right area to raise your kids. Doing some research beforehand and talking to local people within prospective neighbourhoods can help you narrow down your search. Try searching for local community groups on Facebook to see what’s happening in the neighbourhood.
• Schools – not only is learning important, but a child’s school can shape them into who they are. Learn more about the schools in your prospective neighbourhood through their websites, speaking to education administrators and parents. By doing so, you’ll be able to find the schools that work best for your kids.
• Kid-friendly activities – a neighbourhood that has activities and entertainment for kids can truly take the load off of parents. Consider finding a neighbourhood that has local parks, recreation centres and extracurricular activities. It’ll keep the kids busy and give the parents time to relax!
• Convenience – are there grocery stores, clinics, childcare and schools close to your house? Having these necessary places nearby can make life so much easier!

Are you planning on moving soon and need a hand?

Contact us today and our team of professional movers can give you an estimate for when you are moving into your next family home! 

To learn more about moving to Vancouver, take a look at our guide for the 5 best neighbourhoods in Vancouver for raising a family.