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My husband and I have been married for almost a year now and are starting to look at houses. We live in Washington, DC. We have found a townhouse we really like, but it doesn't have a yard (although it does have a second-story deck off the kitchen that's quite sizeable, and there is some park area with grass and bushes that is shared among the residents).
Since we will probably stay at least 5 years, whatever home we buy we are going to be living in when we have children in a few years. How important do you think it is that we get a house with a yard, especially when the kids are very young?
Btw, we are looking to buy in the city, so whatever yard we will be able to afford would not be very big at all, just more of an outdoor grassy enclosure than something you can really run around in. (By the time they are older probably we would want to go farther into the suburbs to get a big yard.) The townhouse is also near a big grassy park, on a back residential street without much traffic.
Parents, or parents-to-be someday, how does a yard rank on your list of home must-haves?
For me, it's an absolute must-have. We currently have a dog, and we want somewhere he can run around! Plus, I grew up in a townhouse (my family lived in one until I was 15). It was really nice that we had a place to set up a playhouse and a swing, both of which we used A LOT!!
If there is a nice park nearby (especially one with a swingset) then really there is no need for a yard. That way you will get to meet the neighbors as well!
I used to live near DC, so I understand the importance of a deck. I'd say in the city, not having a yard is definitely not a deal breaker. But living where I live now - VERY important!
It's a deal-breaker for me too. We love to entertain and there's nothing quite like eating and drinking outside under the stars...even if you can't see them. lol ;-) We also have a small dog who stays inside, but we'd love to just let him out to play. Also, I think little ones should be active outside, and I'd prefer to have that in the safety of my own home.
BF just bought a house, I told him that less than one acre wasn't acceptable. .75 I would be willing to compromise, the house/location/neighborhood had better rock, but otherwise, no deal.
I'm not sure why I like the idea of having so much land, but we agreed that it would be good for swingsets/pools/whatever crazy ideas we had/kids/etc, without having to worry about fences and ornery old neighbors. Probably because it gives for adequate distance between houses as well.
My dad has one of the larger lots(.14) on his block, it wasn't tiny, but it helped that our neighborhood was full of similarly-aged kids and nice people who didn't mind us using their yards. My mom has an oddly shaped acre. :/
My boyfriend claims that his parent's yard is .3ac(and plenty large), but I fail to believe that. Perhaps it's because it's oddly shaped, and there's a pool in the corner. Perhaps because my bf is from NJ, and .3ac seems vast... >.>
Ok, everything short: If you're going for a plot, make sure it is regularly shaped. Irregularly shaped plots are a pain. Also, make sure your neighborhood is be kid friendly, but not such that you hear toddlers screaming like they're being chased with a flamethrower all hours of the day and night. That gets old quick. Make sure any nearby parks/shared spaces aren't surrounded by awful grouchy people.
More important than any future DG kidlets is the dog. (Not that the dog is more important, but rather the yard is more important to the dog). He needs a substantial yard to romp in. Luckily we have a double lot.
I put "other" Just becuase there was more than one option for me. It is VERY improtant for us to have a yard. We not only have out dog, but we really like to BBQ and it is nice to have a yard to hang out in while BBQing. We would LOVe a big yard, but could deal with a smaller one if that was all that was avalible. As long as there is room for the dog to run.
I would almost get a yard "for the kids" now rather than wait... I woudnt mind commuting a little ways rather than having to move again later... I hate moving..
I live in a condo complex where the neighbors kids run around all over in the parking lot and up and down everyone else's stairs. I think having a yard is so important, not only for the kids safety (parking lot does not a playground make) as well as to keep your kids from being 'those annoying children', you know?
Imo, having a yard is very important. Right now we are in fiance bachelor pad that is a condo - no yard. I hate not having a yard. When I have one ... I'll appreciate it so much. I definitely will get a yard big enough to build a pool! I have to have a pool. =)
We've been looking ... so yes, that's important.
I think its essential to have a sizeable backyard! My FI's house has a massive deck, but his backyard slopes into the street.... we've discussed moving once our (future) kids are old enough to play outside! I think its important for kids to be physically active & running around outside vs watching a movie!
A park nearby would be ideal (with little to no backyard) but when you're completely exhausted it may be difficult to get up and trek over to the park. A backyard is safer & more convenient :)
I will add that we do not have a dog and do not intend to get one. And most of the lot sizes we would get with a house are about 0.1 acres. (!) At the point where kids were running around more on their own, we would probably move to someplace with a big yard.
I used to have a tiny yard. I now have none. Oh, how I miss being able to grill my dinner!!!
I voted that it's important to ave a yard, even if it's small. However, right now, we are living in a townhome with only a back patio. I think we would consider buying something like this only because there is a pool & jacuzzi that we don't have to take care of, but there is also almost $300 in HOA fees each month. We are only renting and we got a great deal on it, so it's fine for now (very luxurious). When we move, we are looking for something with at least a small yard. We are not having kids but may want a dog eventually.
i need a yard, which is why i don't see myself living in a city once i get married. just having a little place to get away from it that doesn't require a trip down the street? priceless.
A big yard is very important to us for the following reasons:
1. We have two dogs, big dogs, and they need lots of running space away from cars, bears, coyotes, etc...
2. We don't want to re-buy in a few years. Our house now has a good-sized yard, but we wouldn't have bought with the intention of moving in 5 years or so.
3. We are both from the West and used to large lots. I grew up on one acre, and my husband's parents have 60 acres. We are just not used to/comfortable with living on a small piece of land.
These are our reasons for wanting a yard, but different people have different priorities. I think in your case (no dog, moving in a few years to a bigger yard, living in a city, etc...) maybe a yard isn't a priority. In that case, I think it would be more important to concentrate on finding on ahouse that meets your other criteria (e.g. location, square footage, upgrades, or whatever).
I would definitely get a house with a yard and dont know that I would consider one without a yard. Even though I dont have kids yet, I can not wait to get a house that has a yard for my dog to play in and be out in during the day instead of being cooped up in our apartment.
When it's time for kids, I want to have the backyard - big enough for a pool, deck, summer kitchen, you name it. But thats just me. I voted "nice to have". I know i'm too lazy to take the dogs and kids to the park all the time so i'd like to just let them play in the backyard with their toys / swingset / whatever.
I was raised on a 600 acre farms and to be honest, even as a kid: I wasn't outside.
it doesn't say I wasn't active, I was super active, but I wasn't home too much. I was in softball, 4-H, girl scouts, and a multiple of other activies.
Now a days, kids are busy, busy! And, there isn't much need for a yard.
I can remember playing in the yard during the summer when my relatives visited. But, a yard usually needs more than one person so unless you are planning having super-knit siblings (my sis and I are different as night and day) or a dad/yourself willing to go outside all the time and play: I don't believe it's necassary. I guess, if you lived in town, it would be different. Kids could invite friends over, but I was out in the boonies so it wasn't possible. Parents didn't like to drive their kids a mile down the gravel road to play (plus 20 mins out of the town limits)
Sure, it's nice, but if it's going to cost you a lot of extra money...or losing your dream house, don't bother.
I did enjoy sitting in the swing at sunset, reading a book: but a nice deck could take the place of that.
When we start house hunting, we're definitely going to be interested in a yard, because we want to start growing a lot of our own produce, begin composting and possibly get a dog!
I think you usually trade a yard for city living. People who don't live in a big east coast city are less likely to understand not having a yard. Most kids growing up in the city go to the park, and with your deck you should be all set and can reevaluate in 5 years or so. If you like the townhouse, no yard shouldn't be a dealbreaker.
We have a tiny one. It works for us! I can't imagine not having somewhat of a backyard. Although, I do hate maintenance so I have to hire a gardener. I live in a big city, but I don't live in a loft downtown, persay....I'd be totally ok with it if there was a park very close. In 5 years, I mean, your kids will still be really really little...so I see it as less important, versus when they are like 7 years old
Being a fellow big city dweller who has also lived in DC at some point, I know how hard it is find a yard. In our neighborhood in Brooklyn, finding a space with a yard/private outdoor space is tough and comes at a premium meaning that there is an increase in cost. Mr. Swan and I live in an aparment that we intend to live in for about the same amount of time you will be in yours. It's big enough to fit us and a small child (although many of you would think we were crazy to think this 
). There are several parks within walking distance. We love the neighborhood/community, our building's specific location and our apartment, so for us that trumps a lack of outdoor space (I don't think our balcony counts).
Just my experience...
Good luck with your search! I really like DC!
i really don't think it's necessary since the kids will be soooo young, if you only stay 5 years. do you have pets? if i had a dog i would totally need a year (in fact we're waiting to get one until we move into our house!) otherwise, i think it's totally fine. especially since it has a deck and you said you loved it!!
For us our own yard was important when we were looking for a house, mainly because we don't want to move to another house later on when the kids are older and need a larger yard to run around in. If you're thinking that you'll be moving in around 5 years' time, have no kids now, and no plans to get a dog, I think the townhouse with the park close by is a graet option.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
For us it would be a dealbreaker. But from your post it sounds like it won't be for you. Especially your rationalization makes a lot of sense because you don't plan on staying more than 5 years. And with babies I think having a park nearby would be good enough.
I think it depends on your circumstances, really. FI and I bought a 2,000 sq ft house this spring with a small front and backyard. I was worried at first, but honestly we have a nice deck and FI spends only 20 minutes mowing it, woohoo!
I think having a big yard is important if you have a dog, especially a big dog. For kids, I think having an outdoor area is nice, but you could probably do without it for the first few years of their lives. Our neighborhood has tons of sidewalks and we are within walking distance to a playground so I think we will be OK for kids. We also could put up a small play structure in our yard.
So, my opinion is to realistically assess your needs. FI and I have learned that we don't really need that much yard and it's a lot to maintain!
I'd love a yard!! Doesn't have to be huge- I really just want a little corner of peace and privacy in the world for our family to enjoy!
We love not having a yard! When we were looking at houses we originally wanted one, but now we love not having to deal with the maintenance.
Mommy chiming in here-my house sits on about an acre and a half. We have a covered deck off the double french doors from the eating area in the kitchen. It has a built in bench that goes around two sides, with stairs going down the third side next to the grill. I have yard inside my fence-which is great, especially with the little ones. I put the play pool out in the back yard, water sprinkler, sand toys, ride on toys, etc. Kids could play with no worries about their wandering off and I could containter garden to my heart's content. I also have a full size hammock on a stand under a tree in the fenced in area that is perfect for reading. I enjoy entertaining outside alot when the adults are on the deck (it's maybe 5 steps down into the yard) and the kids are playing in the yard-makes for a "together, but not on top of each other" type of gathering. I did alot of entertaining when my children were very small this way and it was also nice to have family and friends over with older kids, because they got to play outside the fence.
I also have the majority of my yard outside the fence, with grapes on one corner of the lot, a woodpile on the other corner of the lot and the middle (sort of has five points) joins onto the back yard of my neighbors, which I have adored as my kids have gotten older-more space has meant HUGE games of hide & seek, tag, etc. and lots of room between our houses has meant no fears of balls hitting windows and breaking glass. Its a sort of community backyard where the yards join together and it's very nice for outdoor recreation.
We also have a horseshoe pit/game area set up back there and we've had some cookouts where the guys are playing horseshoes, there is a badmitton net up and then still room for catch football or soccer.
I can't imaqine our family life without a backyard-but I live in SW Georgia, where it is HOT (as in 90+) and swimming weather from April thru October (yep! We hit 92 today with icky, sweaty, gross humidity). With temerate winters where I live, we tend to use our outdoor spaces alot more, almost year-round, than some other parts of the country. Of course, I also have alot more grass to cut and since my home is older (built in the 70's), there are also quite a few older trees on my property to cut around and clean up after they dump their leaves, acorsn, pine needles and branches (pecan trees are famous for dumping their branches in wet weather).
I value our yard and am grateful to have it as a safe and family friendly place to stay at home and play-whether that be child or adult. :)
Absolutely don't worry about having a yard for the kids at the ages you're describing. There is no way they'll notice having one or not before they are even five years old. If you have found a place you guys like and can afford, go for it! Excitement!
To opine beyond the limits of your poll (not that you asked, but anyway) :) I would put in a plug for staying in the city even after the kids get bigger. By that point you might be able to afford a DC place with a small yard, and also I would underscore the point that it's common for kids in cities to enjoy nearby parks. From undergrad, grad school, and my professional work, I've read a ton about the value of living in a community where you can walk to retail and mass transit, and the value for growing children of enjoying urban parks, so I say give it a try, you might be surprised at how pleasant it can be for everyone. (Not to mention it's so much easier on the environment.) Imagine walking the kids from your doorstep to the zoo, museums, monuments, parks, farmers markets, the cherry blossoms, the National Book Festival... without having to mess with beltway traffic. (I think I just made myself jealous of your future kids' fantasy childhood.) Balance all that versus the value of a plot of grass you'll have to water, fertilize, mow, rake, spray with pesticides, and then sometimes sit in during the two weeks of DC weather every year when it's not stiflingly hot or freezing cold. Maybe worth considering! :)
I think in your situation, I wouldn't worry too much about the yard. I happen to love my backyard, but I live in a suburb of cleveland, so green space is pretty prevalent and everyone has a yard. But I lived in DC for a while and I loved it. I don't think a yard is a deal breaker.
@chelseamorning, i'm a dc girl too! i know what it's like...yards and garages are like urban myths in dc. if you love the house don't worry about it! or, you can always try a dc suburb like bethesda, which is where my fi and i will be living. i will want at least a small yard when i start a family.
for small kids, I don't think a yard is a big consideration if you are going to move in 5 years
However, if you have a dog, I think you should get a small yard. As much as you hope you will walk your dog as often as ever, a sick baby, etc. may not allow for it. You should at least have a small area to let them out in to relieve themselves if needed.
Honestly, you should buy the house you want now. Most people can't really know they will still be in the same job/city in 5+ years from now...life happens, so enjoy it now! ;)
It's a must for us!
We currently live in a city, and not having a yard took so long to get used to. While we plan on being city-dwellers for a while, we definitely want a house with a yard once we're ready to settle down and buy a house. And we don't even care about the kids! Haha. We want it for ourselves and our doggie :) Every night we walk by houses with yards, and I'm so jealous.
@littlestbirds, what's wrong with DC weather??! ;) it was 75 degress on monday in only in the 40s today! it's so nice waking up to a big fat surprise of a weather forecast every day!
My fiance and I had one major requirement for a house: a big yard. What happened? Costs too high for a large lot, not getting the first house that we wanted, several weeks went by, still no house... We fell in love with our home because nobody had lived in it, so it was sparkling clean, and pretty much what we wanted... but the yard was small.
Two of our neighboring houses have college students living in the 4-5 bedroom houses, so you can imagine what kind of noise they make when they have parties. We barely have any room between our houses, so sometimes it feels as if they are inside our home!! We totally regret not waiting until we found a home that fit all of our wishes... Especially with the market, knowing that we have to stay in our home for at least another five years... it's disheartening sometimes.
So please, WAIT until you find your perfect home! Time flies after you buy a house, so waiting a few more months will make absolutely no different in the grand scheme of things. You'll be happier if you get everything you want!! I promise!
We aren't even considering a house without a big backyard. For me, my DH, and our black lab it is out of the question. We like to entertain and some day hope to have little ones running around back there.
A yard is totally dependent on where you live, though, too. We live in the midwest (WI) so most houses DO have big yards- a fair amount don't, too, but again, we wouldn't consider those.
DC area here too :-) Get what you think works for you. We close on our house next week and HAD to have some sort of a yard (ours is maintained by the HOA). We have a small dog and couldn't imagine not being able to take her right out side when we got home (we looked at a pent house on the 18th floor and knew that wouldn't work... hehe). If there's a park or something close I would say that is sufficient for small children. I have a 7 year old and as long as something is close, he's fine! Good luck!
I'm in Hampton roads and our yards aren't much better than NoVa or DC area... For us, since we have a 52 lb Standard Poodle, the yard is important, however, even more so for our future kids. Honestly, In my townhome now, I wouldn't want my kids playing in the park... the kids around here are bad influences... and we do have drugs and gang activity. It's the kind where if you don't know trouble, trouble doesn't know you, but still. I mean, seriously, I turned a corner (luckily going REALLY slow!) and a girl was laying on a skateboard, going head first into the road 10 feet around the corner. I almost ran over her head! And the parents just watch like I'm the moron. I would really want a safe place for my kids to play, free from cars and the other kids I don't want my kids to be like.. haha.
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