As a growing family, you’re likely going to find yourself looking for a new home. This can lead to a lot of questions about what, where and why. In this blog, we summarize some important factors that should be considered when choosing a family home.
When it comes to your home, you’re going to want to make sure that it has a suitable play space for your children. Ideally, this would be an indoor space for toys and an outdoor space to run around.
During the hunting phase, you’re going to need to compare and contrast many home layouts. Ideally, you want your children’s rooms to be closeby to yours in case they need you at nighttime. An open-concept kitchen is also a useful feature, as it can be a great space for conversation in the mornings and evenings.
As a growing family, you’re bound to have countless unavoidable messes. This is why it’s ideal to find a home with durable flooring. Don’t let this be a be-all-end-all factor though, as carpeting can always be removed or cleaned for a price.
If you’re moving to a new neighbourhood, you should try to look for a home that’s somewhat close to a couple of schools. That way, you’re a short drive away in case your little ones need you to pick them up or drop them off in a pinch. You also wouldn’t want to create a longer than necessary bus ride for them in the mornings and evenings, as school can be quite tiring for some kids as it stands.
Living close to the school will also likely place you closer to other families with kids the same age as yours. This can be a great way for you and your children to get out and meet potentially life-long friends, opening the door to other extra-curricular activities like organized sports and summer camps.
Nearby parks are a useful amenity to look for in a new neighbourhood. Not only are they a great spot for family walks, picnics and other outdoor activities, but many neighbourhood parks also feature playgrounds which can pose as another great way for you and your kids to meet new people. Parks can also become an excellent outlet if your family chooses to adopt an animal with exercise needs, like a dog.
A bigger family means more groceries, appointments, practices, get-togethers… you name it. This is why it’s important to have businesses, services and other amenities within somewhat close proximity, as it’ll shorten your daily drive and eventually give your kids somewhere to hang out when they’re older.
Make sure that you choose a neighbourhood where it’s safe for your children to play, eventually unsupervised as they get older.
Which of these neighbourhoods is right for you?
Check out some of Ottawa’s amazing communities on our website to learn more about their local amenities to help narrow your search. From there, you’ll be able to view listings, average prices and more.
No matter the home you choose, you’re sure to make lasting memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. If you don’t know where to start, we have countless agents with extensive knowledge of the Ottawa area. Don’t hesitate to reach out!