Planning to move into the great state of Massachusetts is a great decision to make. However, you still need to consider several factors in choosing the perfect Massachusetts neighborhood to settle in. Price and livability aren't the only factors in your criteria. It's just as important to find a place that supports the growth and success of your children.

A child-friendly neighborhood is hard to come by simply because no community is perfect. Any area has its fair share of crime and environmental hazards, but this shouldn't stop you from hunting for a neighborhood that will benefit your children.

Whether or not you are newly married and looking for your first home, knowing how to find a child-friendly neighborhood will ensure that your child grows physically, emotionally, and socially healthy. These valuable tips will help you throughout the process:

 

1. Find the right town

The first thing you will need is to come up with a shortlist of towns or cities in Massachusetts that rank high in terms of child-friendliness. There are websites that showcase lists of healthy places for raising children, but neighborhoods like Wayland and Lexington consistently rank high on any list. Delve deeper by talking to residents and asking them about the frequency of violent crime and natural disasters in the community.

 

2. Get the help of a realtor

At most times, first-hand accounts from people you know are misleading. If you want a more objective take on the child-friendliness of a certain neighborhood, reach out to a local real estate professional. With their expertise, they can suggest listings in neighborhoods that match your needs. Tell your realtor about your background as a family as well as the goals you have for your kids so they can provide you with a list of ideal neighborhoods in terms.

 

3. Determine the best schools

You wouldn't want your child to stay in a neighborhood that doesn't have a high-performing school district. Quality education should be a major factor in your choice of a child-friendly neighborhood, so consider a school district with a high passing rate, high test scores, and optimal class sizes. In addition to schools, you should also check whether the neighborhood has learning centers where your child could improve certain skills and talents. If you want your child to take up piano lessons, Boston has centers such as South Shore Piano School which offers quality piano lessons for children of all ages.

 

4. Look for the best amenities

To get a more accurate idea of a neighborhood's child-friendliness, drive around town and list down the amenities you can see. It's a big plus if you could find lots of green spaces with playgrounds and sports facilities for kids. You might also want to check for daycare centers with good reviews from other parents living in the area. Other amenities you might want to look for may include water parks, theaters, arcades, and child-oriented restaurants.

 

While there is no perfect neighborhood for raising a family, it's still possible to find one that's ideal for the kids. You just need to ask for help and do your homework in picking an environment that will have a positive impact on your child.