A New Place: Rental Home Hunting Tips as a Single Parent
If you’re a single parent, you know it's not easy to raise kids without a partner. From bills to child care to work, you have a lot to manage already. Adding in a rental home search makes things even more difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to make your experience smoother. Here are tips for a single parent moving with a child to make the experience less stressful and more efficient.
Renting vs owning as a single parent
It's not always easy to find a perfect living environment as a single parent moving with a child, especially if you're on a tight budget. As a result, you'll notice that many single moms are renters rather than homeowners. Only 31% of single moms own a house in the United States, and that number has continued to decrease over the past decade. Compared to owning a home, it's a lot more straightforward for a single parent moving with a child to rent.
Where are the best places for single parents to live?
It's smart to find rental options that won't break the bank and are in high-quality public school districts. You should consider safety and public transportation, too. An ideal area will offer a happy and beneficial environment for both you and your children. A great example is Trenton, New Jersey. It boasts median rents around $1,300 alongside an affordable preschool system.
In general, you'll want to look for a location that supplies opportunities for your family. If you can't leave your city or state, you can focus on specific neighborhoods. A worthwhile community should aim to help you and your kids thrive. That said, you may need to make sacrifices to afford a higher rent payment in a place where your kids can have a better childhood.
As you navigate how to move as a single parent, you should prioritize these points. You may find that keeping an organized list of potential homes makes your rental hunt a lot easier.
How does moving affect children?
Children may experience mental health issues if they move often as toddlers. However, you likely won't notice any significant impacts when you move only once with small kids. But you may have to handle tougher situations should your children need to adjust to a new school. It’s never easy to leave familiarity behind, so it's essential to touch base with your kids throughout your move and see how they're doing.
You can employ a few tactics to encourage your children to settle into your new neighborhood. It'll take time, but you should aim to be a support system for them. It’s a good idea to talk to your child’s new school counselors so you can find out the new resources available to them and take advantage. Every effort makes a difference.
Is there any assistance for single parents when moving?
There are many resources available for a single parent moving with a child. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers various rental programs that support single parents. Explore your options before you sign a lease and also look for state-sponsored help. These initiatives will allow you to save money, so explore every option available to you as a single parent moving with a child.
These tips can help your family navigate a move
Your moving experience as a single parent doesn't have to be overwhelming. You will encounter a few headaches, but that happens with every move. Be sure to keep these tips in mind as you navigate the next move for your family. You've got this!
