Imagine waking up to the serene, picturesque setting of Drums, Pennsylvania, a small, charming locale nestled within the Pocono Mountains. This idyllic backdrop, combined with its cozy community vibe, makes Drums an intriguing consideration for families with babies looking to balance rural tranquility with access to essential amenities.
Drums offers a quaint setting that may lack the hustle and bustle of major cities but makes up for it with a strong sense of community and accessible local resources. Many young families are drawn to Drums for its peaceful environment and the warm welcome it extends to new residents. However, evaluating its suitability for families, especially those with babies, requires a deeper dive into education, healthcare, housing, and more.
Drums provides a perfect blend of nature and community, offering a safe and nurturing environment for families.
Education Opportunities: Drums may not boast an extensive array of educational institutions, but it is home to several reputable childcare and early education centers like Small Wonders Daycare and the Growing Tree Childcare. For higher educational needs, the nearby city of Hazleton offers additional options, including the Hazleton Area School District, which caters to a diverse student population.
Healthcare Services: For healthcare, families in Drums can rely on the nearby Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, which provides comprehensive medical services, including pediatric care. Specialized healthcare, including pediatric specialists, is more readily available in larger neighboring cities like Wilkes-Barre and Allentown.
Outdoor Spaces: One of Drums' biggest draws is its abundant outdoor space, perfect for babies and parents alike to get some fresh air and physical activity. Nescopeck State Park offers trails and picnic areas, and Freedom Park provides a playground where little ones can play safely.
Family-Friendly Attractions: While Drums itself is more residential and nature-oriented, it is situated close to larger towns that host child-friendly attractions, such as the Houdini Museum in Scranton, which is a hit among older kids. Seasonal events in and around Drums also offer family-oriented fun.
Housing: The real estate market in Drums is favorable for families looking for affordable, spacious homes. The cost of living is lower compared to urban centers, with a variety of housing options that suit different needs and budgets.
Family-friendly housing options in Drums include planned communities and standalone homes that often come with ample yard space, perfect for play areas or gardens.
Public Transportation: Drums and its surrounding areas provide limited public transportation options, which may be a consideration for families who depend on transit. Owning a vehicle is almost a necessity in this rural setting to commute comfortably with a baby.
Safety and Security: As a small community, Drums enjoys a lower crime rate than densely populated urban areas. The general safety and peaceful environment are often highlighted by its residents as top reasons for living here.
Community Support: The tight-knit feel of the Drums community means that new parents can often find informal support networks through local groups and social media platforms like Facebook. Additionally, community centers and churches often host events and groups for young families.
Additional insights and tips for living in Drums include being proactive about healthcare by establishing relationships with doctors in larger nearby cities and getting involved in local community activities to make connections with other families.
In looking at the benefits and challenges of living in Drums, PA as a family with a baby, several pros and cons emerge:
Pros:
- Affordable and spacious housing
- Safe, low crime rate environment
- Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor spaces
- Strong sense of community and neighborly support
- Low cost of living
Cons:
- Limited access to varied educational institutions
- Restricted public transportation options
- Fewer healthcare facilities within the immediate area
- Scarce family-friendly attractions within walking distance
- Necessity of long-distance travel for specialized medical and educational services