This is not going to be an article about how there are “good” neighborhoods and “bad” ones; nor do I want to promote classism and racism–instead, I wanted to talk about how environment does matter when it comes to having a healthy and supportive place to raise a family as a single parent. That doesn’t have to mean huge expansive lawns and 3-car-garages. Choosing a place to live where we feel safe, supported, and where our children have access to everything they need–all within our budget can be a big challenge for a single parent, but so incredibly important.
I think many a new single parent thinks about money and budget first–what is affordable and what is the cheapest place I can live? But is that always the best environment for a family? At the same token, living in that big house on the hill in the ritzy part of town may not be the most family-friendly environment either. Here are some of the things that I think are considerations for a single parent family:
What sort of resources does the neighborhood have for a single parent family? Are there parks, stores, and schools nearby to cut down on the driving time and transportation expenses? Are there other healthy single and two-parent families that can be part of your neighborhood support system? I found that having good after-school programs and activities nearby was very important when my children were elementary and middle-school age. Also, will it be helpful if your children can use public transportation? Living in a safe neighborhood with plenty of good, safe bus stops may be a key consideration.
It might seem snobby, but is there a stigma attached to the neighborhood or street that you cannot overcome? Will your child be judged or labeled because he is living in a certain part of town? Again, this can be said for all sorts of neighborhoods on every economical scale, so you just have to find a neighborhood that fits your values and your expectations. As single parents, we may be working with tighter budgets and have more daily details to be concerned with when it comes to choosing a place to live–but I do think we have choice in the matter and with some effort, we can find a neighborhood and an environment that suits our family needs and personal values, as well as our budget.
Also: Welcoming and Embracing Change