Characteristics of Family-Friendly Communities

While no community is guaranteed to be completely free of crime, hazards, or other negative factors, a family-friendly community keeps those negative factors to a minimum. The following is a list of characteristics (in no particular order) that contribute to a family-friendly community:

1. The community is not, and has not in the past been, exposed to environmental hazards caused by industry or government. When industrial dumping or other practices has led to environmental hazards in an area the risk posed to all residents, but particularly children, is sobering and unacceptable.

2. The streets and parks are well policed, so thugs and trouble-makers are not able to take over whole sections of the community.

3. Schools are well maintained and parental participation and presence is high.

4. Funding for school programs and after-school activities for kids is considered important, rather than being the first thing to go when money gets tight.

5. A low crime rate.

6. Ample housing for elderly residents contributes to a family-friend community, both by offering elderly residents options and by keeping elderly family members close by. The more options for the elderly, the better.

7. Availability of high-quality day-care.

8. Businesses are either aimed at families or "neutral". Family-friendly communities don't welcome or have businesses associated with the "seedier side of life" (alcohol-centered establishments, sex-centered businesses, gambling, etc.)

9. Most neighborhoods in family-friendly communities have predominantly well maintained homes. That doesn't mean there won't be some homes that need paint or lawn-mowing, or that some neighborhoods won't have less attractive homes than others. The overall make-up of a family-friendly community, however, generally includes a high percentage of homes and neighborhoods that are "normal" family homes, condos, or apartments.

10. Sidewalks and public ways are designed (and maintained) to provide safe walking, bike-riding, scootering, and wheelchair-riding.

11. Municipal or town officials and police address safety issues promptly and effectively. Active steps are taken to increase safety for the town's children, elderly people, and population in general.

12. There are ample opportunities for children to participate in indoor activites, such as dance classes, art classes, and other programs.

13. The community has a strong and thriving "senior citizens" organization that attempts to have the needs of the elderly addressed.

14. Cultural and sporting events are available.

15. Easy access to a good hospital is important. Plenty of available health- and dental-care providers is also important.

16. A good choice of organizations for parents and/or children contribute to a family-friendly community.

17. A good choice of places of worship contribute, particularly when those religious organizations offer plenty of family-friendly activities and support participation in activities that benefit or enhance the community's offerings. Everyone in town can enjoy the craft fair held at a local church, and everyone can enjoy those Christmas Fairs held by churches each year.

18. A good library with lots of programs and activities for families and children add to a community's sense of family-friendliness.

19. An indoor ice skating rink, a good "Y" nearby, a well maintained municipal pool, or activities like batting cages, a movie theatre, miniature golf, roller skating, bowling, or other offerings can't be in every community; but a community that has one or more of these (and when they are well run and well supervised) has a little something extra to offer families. A well-run youth center is also an asset.

20. There are plenty of safe, outdoor, spaces for children and families. Parks, baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields, tennis courts, and swimming areas are a few examples.

21. Family-friendly towns are generally clean in appearance. That doesn't mean there won't be some rogue, white-plastic, grocery bags or other trash along a heavily travelled road; but, in general, a family-friendly town appears clean.

22. Ample town- or city-sponsored festivities for holidays, such as parades and other events.

23. Last but not least, well funded and well trained fire and police departments that receive a high degree of support from the community.