Characteristics of a Safe and Family-Friendly Community

It's very important, especially if you have children, to find a safe and family-friendly community to live in. Growing up, I lived in a small town that was safe and family-oriented. Just a couple blocks down the road was a small family-owned grocery store. Children could safely walk to the store and most everyone knew each other's name. Children could safely gather in the neighborhood and play ball or other games. In today's world, it's even more important to find a safe enviroment to live in and raise children. A family-friendly community can mean different things to different people, but there are some basic characteristics to look for.

In today's world, certain characteristics can still offer a sense of warmth, hospitality and security to a community. A family-friendly neighborhood should have a welcoming feel to it. Streets and sidewalks should be well-maintained and adequate lighting available. Neighbors should feel comfortable with each other and as a community, work toward common goals. Stores, a post office, the public library, parks, quality health and fitness centers and community halls should be within easy access. One priority consideration is the school your children will attend.

Schools should:

* be easily accessible to the community
* have crossing guards at intersections
* have blinking warning lights at cross-ways
* enforce speed limits and make sure signs are posted
* include parent/teacher meetings
* be pro-active in the child's development
* provide clean cafeterias, safe playgrounds, restrooms
* have events that are suitable for all family members
* have friendly and communicative faculty members
* have curriculum that meets community values and standards
* support for children with special needs
* extra curricular activities, such as sports, music, arts, crafts

Security needs to be considered. A partnership between the police and community should be encouraged. Neighborhood crime watches should be set up. Children should feel safe going to a neighbor if a parent isn't home. Fire departments and fire hydrants should be within close proximity as well as ambulance services. Each should be known for their prompt response time.

Let's not forget the work place. Jobs should be plentiful and support the needs of working parents, including flextime or work-at-home options, when needed. Optimally, the work place should provide daycare, but if not, daycare should be available within the community.

Elected officials should have the welfare of the community in mind and encourage families to become involved in issues that affect them. Meetings should be held and staff should be approachable and sensitive to the needs of families. Support and volunteer groups should also be available for varying needs.

Last, but not least - churches should be close by and meet the needs of both adults and children. Don't be afraid to visit several until you find one that feels right and is welcoming. Many have youth programs and should allow for activities and nurture a growing body, mind and spirit.

Before buying a home, take a drive around the neighborhood at various times of the day. You'll get a feel for both the tangible and intangible. A clean area is wonderful, but is there too much traffic or too much noise? Are children running around unattended? Does the area have an overall appeal that suits your whole family?

A family-friendly community has a sense of pride, sets an atmosphere of security and nurtures the people who live there. Children are cared for and valued. It's like a home within a home!