Back to school means “back to life” — so now is a great time to explore suburbia.
Once summer wraps up, families are back to school and back to their routines. Everyone returns from their summer homes, camps, and vacation spots. School and sports are in session, so touring now means you get a real look at life in each town. Not to mention, with so many fall events happening, your suburban search will be even more fun for the whole family.
Here’s how to start exploring this fall…
#1. Check out the food scene
Why not make it a foodie weekend? Test-drive some of the town’s hotspots to get a taste of the local restaurant scene. Many places still have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the crisp air as you dine al fresco.
Farmers markets are also in full swing and a visit to walk around and explore can be one of the best ways to get to know a town. You can connect with locals, pick up some homemade pastries and just get a feel for what future weekends would look like.
If you’re in the mood for something really low-key, why not stop by a gourmet grocery store and grab picnic supplies? It’s still warm enough in a lot of places to enjoy a relaxed picnic in the park. This is the perfect chance for your kids to run around. Plus, you might even meet some local parents at the playground.
And when you want to sit back and think more about your potential move, find a local coffee shop and order a latte (pumpkin spice optional).
#2. Swing through local parks
Make sure to stop by some community parks during your visits-whether or not it’s for a picnic. Depending on where you are, you might even get to enjoy some fall foliage during your stroll.
Checking out a park can give you some real insight into what your weekends will look like for the next few years. Look for walking paths or trails for your fitness needs. See if there’s a dog park if you have a four-legged family member. Scope out pavilions and BBQs for birthday parties.
And, of course, don’t forget to check out the sports fields. You’re going to want to know what the local kids’ sports scene is like.
#3. Go to a fall festival
From pumpkin patches to apple picking to corn mazes, there are tons of festivals happening in the ‘burbs.
Your kids will love all of the activities at these festivals and you’ll get a chance to experience what the community is really like. Chat with other local families about the ins and outs of the town while you’re there.
It’s great to take a step back and savor the fall season. Use these festivals as a way to enjoy some much-needed family fun time and picture what holidays would look like for years to come.
#4. Get into the Halloween spirit
If you’re exploring a suburb around Halloween — embrace it! Let your kids dress up and bring them to a local costume contest, Halloween parade, or “Boo at the Zoo”-type event.
This is such a fun way to get the kids involved with the process. They’ll have a chance to meet some other kids in the neighborhood and you’ll get a feel for the community’s events. If you move to town, your calendar might quickly fill up with these types of local happenings, so make sure you can really picture your family connecting with the community.
#5. Spend a FULL weekend
Instead of just visiting a town for a few hours, why not make it into a full weekend getaway? Rent an Airbnb and live like a local for a few days. Pick a house in one of the specific neighborhoods you’re considering to get a true feel for what life could be like.
Spending a weekend in town gives you way more time to get to know the area. You can check out multiple eateries, parks, and festivals without feeling rushed. This way you can dig in a bit more and really make sure the town is right for you before making the move.
Suburban Jungle Strategists are ready to help you plan experiences to visit and explore each town. Reach out to your Strategist for ideas on where to go in each community this fall.
Ready to start exploring the suburbs this fall? We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your family. Schedule your FREE Suburbs Strategy session today to get started.