[quote=njtosd]IMHO, you will regret it. Our kids are now 7,9 and 11, but we are dependent on a yard where the kids can be outside without total supervision. When your kids get older, if you have a yard they can play outside while you get something done inside. If your only choice is a park, one parent will always have to go to the park with them, which is less likely.[/quote]

I think it depends on the neighborhood layout, parents’ paranoia index, and kids’ responsibility level. I regularly biked by myself to friends’ houses/parks/playground/school from the time I was 8 or so. If you are inclined to let your kids do that, then a nice park 2 blocks away on quiet streets may be ideal. On the other hand, it varies with the child, and they’re not old enough to know yet.