Kid-Friendly Living
Kids are such a focus in Fairburn’s Hampton Oaks that some residents have come together to organize activities outside the neighborhood, such as trips to Atlanta Hawks games. The family environment appealed to buyers like Angela Clark, 52, an insurance agent who purchased a new home in the south Fulton neighborhood.
The priority
Clark wanted a community where her kids, particularly son Andrew, could play outside safely with friends and with more than one kid-friendly amenity, so that Andrew and daughter Amber could find a variety of things to do as they grew older. She found all of that in Hampton Oaks, which had a playground, a pool, lakes, common areas to play football or throw Frisbees, sidewalks for walks or taking out their dog, and tennis courts (lessons are available). The homeowners association fee for Hampton Oaks is $650 a year (plus a $650 initiation fee).
The home
A new four-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home with extra space offered in the second-floor loft. (Floor plans such as the Rabun and the Sinclair have lofts.) The backyard and deck also provide more spots for the kids to play outdoors. “My son and his friends can all be out there and it’s safe and relatively large enough to accommodate everybody,” Clark said. Hampton Oaks, which was originally developed by KB Home in partnership with Martha Stewart, has homes from the $150,000s to $300,000s in its three sections – Acorn Park, Creekside and Lakeview. The builder now is Edward Andrews Homes.
The lifestyle
Clark was thrilled to learn about all the events for families, from group trick-or-treating to Christmas parties to grilling competitions and summer cookouts at the pool. A committee organizes youth outings. When kids are in the neighborhood, they also enjoy hanging out near the lake, where they can camp out. “People really try to be mindful of the children in the community. There is not a lot of speeding. The residents are conscious of that,” she said.
Neighborhood Know-How
Getting involved in community activities allows the kids to form friendships in a neighborhood. Here are three questions to ask if you desire to get rooted in a kid-friendly community.
1. How do neighbors communicate as a group?
Some communities have an internal blog or a Facebook page, where residents can update each other about events or questions about the neighborhood. Ask how often email or print newsletters are sent to the residents.
2. Do any social committees exist?
Some neighborhoods might have committees that plan events, even for kids. Newer neighborhoods might still be establishing them, so ask about those procedures and opportunities for groups focused on kids or neighborhood security.
3. What are the annual activities?
A representative from a homeowners association should be able to give you an idea of seasonal and holiday events.
