Whether they are searching for a new home to fit their growing family or need to relocate for work, a family’s homebuying decision is an important one. There are many factors to consider when finding and buying a new home. One of the first things many people look at is whether the location is desirable. Sure, a quick Google search can provide plenty of information on a neighborhood’s rating. However, most families will want to check out the neighborhood in person before they do extensive research. Seeing is believing, and scoping out an area can give families an overall feel of the community.
Many families have a vision of what their ideal neighborhood will look and feel like. For many parents, this means having a budding, vibrant community where neighbors gather and meet regularly. Community-wide events such as summer picnics are also an attraction for many, especially those looking to get involved and play a role in the community’s development. Another attractive amenity is a neighborhood playground, one where their kids can safely play and engage with others their age. Playgrounds serve multiple purposes for children and parents, which is why they are often at the top of the list for many homebuyers.
Here are three reasons why community playgrounds influence homebuyer decisions.
1. Attract Families to the Neighborhood
Families seeking their next place to call home will look for neighborhoods that cater to their family’s needs. Whether they have kids already or are planning to have kids shortly, these homebuyers are specifically looking for how the area will provide for their children. This involves evaluating nearby schools and conducting research on their performance. It also means looking at how safe the neighborhood is, researching crime statistics, and asking locals for their thoughts. It also means seeing how the neighborhood can provide for its children.
A well-maintained community playground is a sign that the area is open and welcoming to children. It means that the area is family-friendly and that other children live nearby as well. For parents, this can be a relief knowing that their children will have instant playmates by living in an area with other children. Playgrounds are viewed as an amenity, meaning that they can boost the value of homes. Property values for well-equipped spaces with playground equipment are likely to be higher than those without such amenities.
That said, families tend to be more likely to buy a more expensive house knowing that their kids’ needs will be met by living there. Having a park readily available and within walking distance of the home can help simplify daily routines. Instead of needing to drive to a park on a weekend morning, the parents can walk their children to the playground. Avoiding complex trips or transit time is a huge win for families juggling hectic schedules.
2. Build Community
Another reason why playgrounds help influence homebuyer decisions is that they assist in building community. Moving to a new home is difficult for every family member, but especially little ones. Uprooting their lives from one neighborhood to the next may mean they are losing friends in the process. Families moving further distances may have a harder time keeping in touch with friends in previous neighborhoods.
Although meeting new friends can be difficult, one common ground is finding similarly aged children at the neighborhood playground. Playgrounds serve as gathering spaces, public spaces where new families can introduce themselves and bond with others, and eventually create friendships. Proximity plays a big role in the formation of friendships. After all, it’s much easier to meet up with another neighbor’s child after school for an hour’s playdate than it is to drive to another neighborhood and coordinate a pick-up time.
Parents can also build friendships at the neighborhood playground. While their children play and interact, parents and caregivers can chat about mutual interests and discuss local news. These new friendships may lead to organizing group activities with the kids and inviting another family over for a casual BBQ in the backyard. These small acts help build community, which often begins at the playground.
3. Create Positive Image
Finally, a new or up-to-date community playground can enhance the overall feel of the community. It shows that the neighborhood is committed to creating a family-friendly environment and takes care of shared public spaces. Potential homebuyers will like to see that the playground is modern, with different play zones and spaces for different ages. Having an inclusive playground with ramps and wheelchair-accessible equipment like swings and merry-go-rounds also proves that the area encourages children of all abilities to come together.
Community playgrounds also demonstrate that homeowners value the importance of physical activity and play. Playgrounds are essential for children’s overall development. Many young ones learn how to grasp, crawl, and maneuver their way through the world on a playground. Cognitive skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking are also learned here. And, of course, social interactions teach kids how to share and cooperate. Knowing that their children can build these lifelong developmental skills at the neighborhood playground is a huge bonus to many parents.
And overall, a playground enhances residents’ overall quality of life. Watching their children grow up in a family-friendly neighborhood that improves their well-being is all a parent can ask for. Play areas are more than just residential spaces. They are communal assets that lead to a vibrant living environment and help build long-lasting friendships and memories.
