Choosing a place to raise your children can feel like an impossible decision. We get it, there are so many things to consider, from the local school system to the crime rate. This is the place that will set the stage for your most cherished family memories and with that comes pressure and responsibility. There are many things to consider when searching for your perfect new neighborhood so to make it easier we’re breaking down some key factors to look for when searching for your perfect family-friendly neighborhood.
Check Out The Schools: A quality education for your child(ren) should be a top priority. When considering a new neighborhood be sure to meet with a prospective school in person and ask for a tour. You can also check out local school statistics and reviews on places like Trulia. It’s also important to think ahead. Even if your child is still in elementary school be sure to look at the options for nearby middle and high schools.
Read Local Reviews: Similar to things like Yelp, there are tons of places online where people can leave reviews about their towns and neighborhoods. You can check out spots like Trulia mentioned above, Zumper, Zillow, or simply by googling the neighborhood + reviews. However, remember to take these reviews with a grain of salt and be sure to consider you and your families lifestyle. Someone might leave a negative review because the neighborhood is too far from shopping centers but that might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Research Events: While Covid-19 has certainly changed the way we hold events and activities, this won’t last forever. Plus, some events are still able to continue with extra safety measures and social distancing. Research what kind of things happen around your prospective town or neighborhood like outdoor movie nights, farmer’s markets, craft fairs, sporting events, or apple-picking and other seasonal activities. A great place to start is to look up libraries and community centers to see what kinds of kid-friendly events they offer.
Visit The Neighborhood: It might seem like a no-brainer to visit the neighborhood you are considering living in. However, this doesn’t just mean driving around town and looking at houses. Instead, spend lots of time in your prospective neighborhood at varying times of the day, especially nights and weekends. You want to see how quiet and safe the neighborhood is at all hours. Walk around the neighborhood at different times, visit local shops to make sure they have everything you need, and test out commute times to work and school.
Talk To Locals: While online reviews can certainly help inform your opinion of a neighborhood, sometimes you can’t beat the real thing. On your various neighborhood tours try to seek out some locals to get their perspective, especially from other parents.
Why Utah County?
Utah County’s close proximity to Salt Lake City makes it a perfect spot for small-town living without sacrificing the benefits of being near a large city. With a population of around 636,235 in 2,144 square miles, there is plenty of space and activities for everyone of all ages. When it comes to outdoor activities there are lakes, mountains, slopes, and valleys ready to be explored.
So what makes Utah County such a great place for families? Almost 50% of households have children under the age of 18, meaning family-oriented events and entertainment are at the forefront.
With stunning landscapes, a young population, increase in home values, and a lower cost of living, Utah County is an ideal suburban family community.
Top Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Utah County
A lower commute time, booming economy, and communities rooted in family values make Utah County a great place to start and raise a family. Here are some of the top family-friendly neighborhoods to consider when looking for a new home.
Highland: Nestled about halfway between Salt Lake City and Provo, Highland is home to around 18,362 people. While one of the most expensive neighborhoods on this list, Highland consistently ranks as one of the best family-friendly suburbs in Utah. With a diverse population and warm community feel, this quaint spot has several great schools and a very low crime rate.
Santaquin: Home to our Apple Hollow Community (read all about it here) Santaquin, Utah is a safe and affordable place to call home. With excellent job growth, rising home appreciation, a young population, great schools, and low cost of living this town has everything you need. With a population of only about 12,274, this quiet town masters the perfect balance of big city amenities with a small town feel. There’s plenty of libraries, churches, public parks, community centers, and recreation spaces that hold numerous activities for both kids and adults. Looking for more? Check out 10 Reasons Why Santaquin is The Perfect Place For Your New Build Home.
Alpine: Highly rated public schools, a diverse population of around 10,500, and numerous parks are just some of the reasons Alpine is a perfect place to raise a family. Sitting on the slopes of Wasatch Range, living in Alpine offers residents a rural feel while still having plenty of goods and services available. Not to mention, 63.7% of households have children under the age of 18, so your kids will have plenty of opportunities to socialize.
Lehi: While a quick 30 minute drive down I-15 (or a fast train ride) will take you into the heart of Salt Lake City, Lehi feels worlds away. This suburban escape with a population of almost 70,000 has recently seen a tech boom which has rapidly grown the city. While Lehi has a more “city-like” feel than some of the other, smaller spots on this list, Lehi has a great school system and low crime rates. Plus, packed with cultural landmarks like Thanksgiving Point, Hutchings Museum, and Lehi Roller Mills, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this lively town.
Eagle Mountain: West of Utah Lake this rapidly growing town of around 38,391 is a popular spot to raise a family. Home to 4 regional parks and about 35 local parks, Eagle Mountain is great jumping off point for tons of outdoor adventures. Great schools paired with a more rural feel make this a great place to buy a new home and raise a family. In fact, we love Eagle Mountain so much we decided to build an entire community here. Learn more about building your dream home in Spring Run Eagle Mountain here.
American Fork: At the foot of Mount Timpanogos lies a charming town of about 33,000 people. With a junior high, high school, and five elementary schools, this is the perfect neighborhood to watch your family grow. An educated population, positive job growth, stunning scenery, and college-town feel make this a vibrant place to call home.
Saratoga Springs: Ranked as one of the best suburbs to buy a house in Utah County, this Provo suburb is situated right nearby Utah Lake. It’s incredible library system provides numerous events and activities for families while its very low crime rate, great employment opportunities, and excellent schools, makes Saratoga Springs a very desirable Utah County neighbourhood.
Cedar Hills: Consistently ranked one of the best places to raise a family in Utah County, this small town of only around 10,000 is situated right at the slopes of Mount Timpanogos. Highly rated public schools, low crime, and a small-town communal feel makes this a quiet place to make memories. Not to mention, 76.8% of households have children under the age of 18.
Sourced from: https://reverehomes.com/blog/
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