by Sara A Broers

Created on: February 01, 2009   Last Updated: February 06, 2009

Raising a family in a clean, comfortable, friendly environment should be available to everyone in the United States of America. We live in a land where we enjoy many freedoms, as well as numerous amenities on a daily basis. Maybe you are fortunate enough to have a family aquatic center within your community, as well as a children's museum. But, there are also many things that make up a family friendly community that are not visible to the general public. So, what characteristics make a family-friendly community shine?

QUALITY SCHOOLS

When families are contemplating relocating, one of the first questions that many realtors are asked is, "What are your schools like?" This may seem like a trivial topic, but in all reality our schools are the base of our communities. When students are actively participating and excelling, a community will flourish. Therefore, an influx of children and young families will move to these flourishing communities. School structures do not have to be top notch, but in all reality; most families will relocate to where the buildings provide a safe learning environment. With many older schools throughout the United States, families will choose to relocate where the environment is guaranteed to be safe. When a community shows strong support for their school, student achievement levels usually soar. Therefore, a healthy school indicates a family-friendly community.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Every family deserves to live in a secure environment. When a community actively supports the local law enforcement agency, families will continue to live within the community. Many family-friendly communities have park watch volunteer programs and neighborhood watch programs. When these programs are visible within a community, families know that they live in a community where their children will be safe. Again, when groups work together, the whole community benefits.

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Family aquatic centers have popped up all over the country the past few years, and have been well received by families of all ages. Most of us are looking for family-friendly places to entertain our kids during the heat and humidity of the summer, and the family aquatic centers have been the answer. A family-friendly community will also offer sporting events for kids and adults of all ages all year around. From softball, basketball, tennis, to archery, there is a recreational activity that will meet the needs of your family. Updated playgrounds, along with hiking and biking trails can

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