5 family-friendly neighbourhood features you should look out for

BTOs and condos are developing everywhere and it’ll be tough to choose the right one. Here are some important considerations to help you choose a family-friendly place where you can bring up your little ones.

Room to Play

Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings in the great outdoors to develop their motor and cognitive skills. However, playing should be done safely, and that may mean comfortably shaded areas for you to keep a close eye on the kids while they scoot around or thick rubber mats for the playground. Playspaces can be outside the estate as well. With Singapore’s expanding Park Connector Network (PCN) and prevalence of rental bikes, living near a park (or beach) has never been more desirable.

Education Matters

Check out how far your children’s schools are going to be from home. Children are generally predisposed to dreading school and having to travel long distances will not help. Having public libraries nearby can also assist to expand your kids’ reading repertoire.

Convenience at your doorstep

It’s always worrying when children fall sick. Look out for trustworthy general practitioners (GPs) in the neighbourhood to visit when your child has caught a cold.

For times when you have to work late, working parents may want to scout for areas which are well-known for eateries and hawker centres. However, if you opt for healthier home-cooked food to make sure the children are getting enough vegetables, living close to a supermarket will be a real help. Many supermarkets also come with a small pharmacy which can meet your over-the-counter needs.

Home Layout

With younger children, bedrooms in close proximity would enable them to call for you easily should night terrors strike. Having two or more toilets in the house also eases the morning rush when everyone’s preparing to go to work or school.

Peaceful Surroundings

Noise levels around the neighbourhood are also important to the well-being of your children, especially while sleeping or studying. Make sure that your unit isn’t near a busy road or a major construction site. If your children have to be brought out in prams, then ramps should be plentiful not just within the estate, but also along the streets outside.

Everyone needs a house to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home.