Moving is never easy, especially when it involves moving to a different country – and with a family. Aside from finding a new home and jobs, you are likely looking for a family friendly community in your new location, which can prove even more difficult than the moving itself.
While moving to a new country presents additional complications for finding the perfect community for you and your family, if you are willing to put in a little time and effort, you’ll be able to find a community that works for all of you. These tips can help you find a comfortable community that is accepting and supportive for your family.
Scope Out the Schools
The number one indicator of a family friendly community is the state of the school system. Your first step toward finding the right community for your family is to do a little digging to evaluate the schools in possible “new neighborhoods.” Try calling and emailing potential schools to request specific needs or desires for your kids. If the feedback is positive, that’s a good sign that you and your family will be happy in the new community.
Do Your Research
While finding a good community isn’t easy, it is possible. You’ll just have to put in some effort. After contacting potential schools, do a little internet research and consider participating in a few online community forums. There are a number of different online resources that offer information regarding community satisfaction, school ratings, etc. Read up on potential communities, but remember that just because one person doesn’t like the community doesn’t mean your family won’t.
Plan a Visit
When it comes to moving your family, you likely already know the “feel” you are looking for. You cannot get a feel for a new place without visiting, so if at all possible, plan a trip to the new place before purchasing a home or establishing your family. Try to make connections with potential schools, visit local restaurants, even consider going to the area parks and other venues. If these places are friendly and inviting, the area is probably a good place for families.
Meet the Locals (and the Government Officials)
No one knows the community like the locals, so while you are visiting, do a little local reconnaissance. Talk to the kids in the community, restaurant goers, house-of-worship attenders, and anyone else who has a vested interest in the community. Also, reach out to the local officials, like the Mayor. Ask for these officials to “sell you” on their community.
Explore the Resources
Make a checklist of your family’s community-based needs as well as your moving needs. Do a little research to see what needs different communities meet and where you can easily make moving connections. Think about libraries, specific health needs, religious or other community venues your family regularly attends. Also try to find an area that offers a variety of moving resources, such as moving companies. Hiring a moving company is another way to reduce the stress of your move and to find an area with a variety of resources for your family.
The task of finding a family friendly community is compounded by making a move to a different country, but it is possible. Follow these tips and put in a little time, and you’ll be able to find a new home rather than just a place to live for your family.
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Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. She enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky, Snowball. Lizzie was inspired to write this article by BC Alberta Movers. If you like Lizzie’s style of writing please follow her of Facebook and Twitter.
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