Searching Through Seattle Home Rentals or Homes for Your Family
The combination of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, entertainment, shopping, and restaurants makes Seattle an excellent location for families of all sizes. Its strong economy translates into numerous job opportunities in both the private and public sectors.
However, Seattle has many different areas and districts, and choosing the right place to live as a family requires considering various factors. Whether you are searching through apartments, houses, or condos, in this article, we will focus on security considerations you should make before choosing a neighborhood and the perfect new home to live in with your family in Seattle.
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Are There Enough Family Amenities?
When choosing where you’re going to raise your children, you should assess the availability of family amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and recreational activities. All these are essential in allowing your children to explore their surroundings and interact with other kids.
While family amenities can significantly impact your quality of life and that of your children, you should also remember that they may play a role in pushing up property values, and HOA does. Therefore, you should also ask yourself how much more you can and are willing to pay for these extra benefits.
Schools And Facilities for Extracurricular Activities
Another thing you should scan for when choosing a new area where to live with your family is the availability of quality schools and facilities for extracurricular activities. Good schools are essential in providing your children with the best education possible, and access to quality programs and clubs allows them to explore their interests outside of school. Moreover, organized activities such as sports, music lessons, or art classes can be a great way to foster self-confidence and creativity in kids.
What Level of Safety Are You Looking For?
We all want our children and dear ones always to be safe. However, the level of security can change significantly from district to district, so you should look for area-specific crime rates when evaluating all possibilities. Another important choice is whether you want to live in a gated community.
Gated communities provide an increased level of safety thanks to measures such as security guards, access control systems, parking garage security cameras, and so on. However, living in these environments also means that HOA fees and extra safety measures can increase your monthly costs significantly.
What’s Your Desired Level of Privacy?
Whether you opt for a gated community or not, you should also determine the level of privacy you are looking for. Do you and your family prefer to feel secluded on your large property or desire a community with other families? Are you looking for a neighborhood with not too much traffic?
How frequently do you want to see other people while enjoying your days in the backyard? Are you looking for a district or gated community where many social activities and events are often organized, or do you prefer to have complete control of your social life and decide by yourself who you want to see and when? Answers to these questions will help you understand what kind of neighborhood best suits you and your family.
What About Getting Around?
When searching for your perfect Seattle home, it’s crucial to consider each property’s proximity to work, school, amenities, and public transportation links as necessary. Living close by to work, or at least the public transport system, can save oodles of time and money in commuting expenses – time and money you could be investing in your quality of life and family.
Seattle is blessed with a well-connected transportation system, including buses, light rail, and ferries, so getting around the city is nice and easy; so good in fact, that opting for a place to hang your hat nearby public transport options can mean that having a car at all isn’t the end of the world – and a preference for some, given the simplicity of not having to sit in traffic, find parking, etc.
That said, properties closer to major transport hubs or the city center typically attract price tags that will make you gulp – of course, your budget and preferences will determine which way you go.
If you want to stick to your wheels, there are pros and cons to Seattle’s driving experience. The Emerald City is renowned for its scenic beauty, and driving around can provide lots of opportunities for taking in glorious views of mountains, lakes, and more.
The city’s narrow, winding roads can feel a little hairy to drive around if you’re not used to it, especially in heavy rain or snow, and peak traffic hours are chock-a-block. Many Seattleites opt for biking, walking, and public transport, but ultimately, there are plenty of options.
Seattle Home Rentals: Final Thoughts
On the whole, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best neighborhood in which to raise your kids. If you are looking for properties with immediate availability, make sure to let your Realtor know. Additionally, make sure you consider all the criteria we listed to maximize the chance you’ll find the place that is right for you and your family in your home search.
