Scouting for Safe Neighborhoods

Ways to Find Child-Friendly Places to Live(January 30, 2006) --

If you're in search of a child-friendly neighborhood, you can surf the Web or speak with your real estate professional, local law enforcement agencies, and the school system to get the information you need to make a purchase decision.

In addition to looking at the quality of the school system, consider such factors as the home's proximity to the school, student-teacher ratios, and test scores.

Also, look for playgrounds, community centers, churches, libraries, public transit, and a variety of retailers. Real estate professionals often recommend driving to the prospective home from work during rush hour to gauge the length of the commute, which is important for buyers who want to spend as much time as possible with their families. Asking existing residents about the neighborhood might also be useful.

Source: Washington Times, Carisa Chappell (01/30/06)