“Family is where life begins and love never ends” is a sentiment that is so true. The ideal living space is a family’s setting for life and for love; a place where children feel secure, where joy is shared, and memories are made. This guide offers insights tailored to families seeking a great apartment in an ideal neighborhood.
Housing needs are as varied as the families themselves. Maybe you have one or more preschoolers. Daycare is a necessity for some families, but not for others. School-age children inspire a careful review of the schools they’ll be attending. Or, you might be planning to start a family while living in your next apartment home.
While needs certainly vary, there are some common denominators – a need for generous amounts of living space and storage among them. In-unit washers and dryers are always a valuable amenity when available. Spacious common areas and amenity-rich clubhouses serve many family needs.
Seeking an Apartment as a Parent: Key Factors to Consider
Here are some ideas that will make apartment hunting easier and more informed for parents. A great family apartment offers generous amenities, safety, and proximity to schools. As you search for a new place to live, also consider what your household will look like in a few years. For example, do you have a teen who will be graduating from high school and heading to college?
Family-Friendly Amenities
Families value spacious living areas with great natural light and excellent ventilation. An in-unit washer/dryer is ideal. Families with children see their clothes-washing needs rise exponentially. Open concept living areas make it easier to keep an eye on the kids. Limit stressing over spills with a carpet-free living space.
Children need room to run, play, and explore. Is there a designated play area? Is any playground equipment well-maintained and up-to-date? Some communities offer clubhouses replete with a children’s playroom, resident game room, and more.
Pet-friendly housing is a big plus when the kids join in a chorus of “Can we get a dog? Please?!”
Concierge services can help you focus on the needs of your little one. A concierge might help with certain errands, pet needs, and more. Look for neighborhood amenities like child-friendly parks, libraries, shops, and stores. Nearby grocery stores and dry cleaning are real time savers. Readily available public transportation is a real plus for many families. Check out bus routes and proximity to transit stations. Proximity to an urgent care clinic delivers peace-of-mind.
Space Considerations
When it comes to children, it is almost always better to have too much space rather than too little. Give careful thought to the kitchen/dining area. Is there ample space for navigating around a high chair, for example? Is the dining table a viable place for doing homework? A pantry or extra cabinet space is a plus when you’re stocking up for all those family meals.
Parents often debate the number and size of bedrooms. Offer siblings more private space by using a bookcase as a divider in a shared bedroom. A spare bedroom with a walk-in closet compounds available space. It also multiplies the options for both studying and playing.
Infants and young children come with high chairs, strollers, toys, and more toys. Older children have their share of gaming and sports equipment. Therefore, look for apartments with ample built-in storage.
Noise Levels
Look for modern construction with good acoustics. Sound that carries from room to room or unit to unit is distracting. Since excess street noise may startle sleeping children, consider quiet neighborhoods or higher floors of apartment towers.
Safety
Parents instinctively evaluate housing in terms of child safety. Ideally, you want to live and move somewhere where all family members can truly relax and flourish. The safety of your apartment home, the common areas, and the neighborhood are all important. Evaluate locks and other security measures governing access to buildings and common areas. Consider the design and condition of playground equipment.
Living spaces without stairs address a common safety concern. Favor a ground-level apartment over a multi-level townhome, for example. Select a first-floor unit with a patio over an upper-floor unit with a balcony.
Where will you be loading and unloading your kids from your vehicle? An apartment community with private parking speaks to such needs. Seek out communities in well-lit areas with good visibility, marked crosswalks, and well-maintained sidewalks.
Drive through the neighborhood during both daytime and nighttime. Do you see children playing outside? Are their ages consistent with the age of your kids? Are there issues with litter, graffiti, or loitering? To learn more, strike up a conversation or two at a nearby park, coffee shop, or other local business.
Proximity to Schools and Daycare
Check out the K-12 ratings at usnews.com, greatschools.org, or niche.com. It is always wise to think ahead to which schools your children will go to in the years to come. While the grade school might be right around the corner, the middle school might be some distance away.
Child care is of utmost importance to many families. The non-profit Child Care Aware of America is a source of information. Enter an address to identify a local child care resource and referral organization (CCR&R). As you contemplate your next move, visit local daycare centers and check out their reviews.
Use online mapping tools like Google Maps and Apple Maps to take a virtual tour of the neighborhood. Identify area parks, schools, hospitals, and restaurants. Use the “street view” to get a better feeling for the neighborhood.
Luxury Apartment Living from Draper and Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a family-run, full-service real estate firm founded in 1893. We offer amenity-rich, family-friendly luxury apartments in Illinois, Arizona, Texas, Missouri, and Colorado. Many communities offer child-friendly features like in-unit washers and dryers, parking garages, private playgrounds, and concierge services. You’ll also find spacious common areas and well-equipped clubhouses at many D&K properties.
Use our property guide to look for D&K luxury apartment communities by city or zip.
