A recent study on the behaviour and housing needs of families in the capital offers a broad picture of how being a parent influences real estate decisions. The analysed data shows that parents in Bucharest consider specific factors when choosing a home, from access to essential services to safety levels and neighbourhood infrastructure. The study highlights their perceptions of the city, their daily challenges and the criteria that weigh most in a potential housing change.

While some indicators show a high level of satisfaction regarding access to urban facilities, other aspects – such as traffic or air quality – remain major issues. The analysis helps shape an objective overview of how family-friendly Bucharest is and how housing preferences evolve among parents.

The most important issues in Bucharest, according to parents

 Traffic remains the most pressing concern for surveyed parents, mentioned by 37% of them. Congested roads influence both the time spent travelling and the mobility of families with children. Air quality is the second most problematic factor, with 31% of respondents identifying it as one of the biggest difficulties. Street safety, considered insufficient by 15% of those surveyed, completes the top reported issues.

These perceptions directly impact the choice of neighbourhood and type of home, especially for families with young children or those looking for areas with more child-friendly infrastructure. Parents are influenced by factors related to personal comfort as well as the safety and health of their children.

Interestingly, areas with green spaces, good transport connections and adequate pedestrian infrastructure appear to be perceived as the most suitable for families. Against this backdrop, real estate preferences tend to shift towards balanced neighbourhoods where services are accessible and urban risks are lower.

Sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction among parents in Bucharest

 Parents with more than three children are among the most positive when it comes to how public spaces accommodate families. Half of them appreciate the way the city responds to the needs of young families, and access to playgrounds is considered adequate by 60%. However, dissatisfaction is strong regarding alternative mobility options: 80% report difficulties in using bicycles to transport children.

For families with children aged 11 to 15, satisfaction levels decrease significantly. The lack of playgrounds suitable for this age group is mentioned by 34%, while access to non-formal education clubs is a challenge for 69% of respondents. Air quality is also a major concern, with 83% declaring dissatisfaction regarding this issue.

How being a parent influences the choice of home

 Parenthood becomes a decisive factor in changing homes. According to the data, 83% of parents would like to move after having children. The reasons vary: from the need for more space to the desire to live in an area better suited for families. More than half of parents – 58% – prefer a larger home, while 15% look for neighbourhoods that can provide child-friendly facilities such as parks, educational centres or pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

For 10% of respondents, the capital does not offer an ideal environment for raising children, and they even consider relocating outside the city. These perceptions directly influence the dynamics of housing demand, with a visible shift towards modern residential developments or areas considered more family-oriented.

Top criteria when choosing a home and neighbourhood

 The number of rooms is the main criterion for 8 out of 10 parents. The price of the home is essential for 75% of respondents, and the building’s structural safety and size influence the decision for 70% of them. Layout is important for two-thirds of buyers, and half prefer newly built homes.

When it comes to neighbourhood choice, public transport connections, the area’s reputation and access to parks are the leading factors, each with values above 60%. Safety and access to commercial facilities complete the list of key criteria.

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The most family-friendly neighbourhoods in Bucharest

 Among the areas considered child-friendly are neighbourhoods with good infrastructure and services, such as Aviatorilor, Dorobanți, Primăverii and Kiseleff. These are seen as the most suitable for families, being mentioned by 42% of parents.

Next on the list are areas like Băneasa, Pipera and Herăstrău, followed by neighbourhoods such as Domenii, Griviței or 1 Mai. Western and southern areas, including Drumul Taberei or Viilor, are also appreciated for their balance between infrastructure and accessibility.

Study details

 The data comes from a survey conducted in February 2025 on a sample of 1,007 respondents – parents from Bucharest and Ilfov who use the internet and plan to purchase a home in the next two years. The methodology used was CAWI, with a margin of error of ±3.1% at a 95% confidence level.