Week 7

My 8-week series, How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Budget, is designed to help first-time buyers like you find a home that fits your goals, lifestyle, and—most importantly—your budget. You can absolutely dream big while staying realistic about what you can afford. And this week, we’re tackling a question many buyers ask early in the process: should schools factor into your decision?

For some, “buying for schools” is a top priority. For others, it’s not on the list at all. It really depends on your personal situation—whether you have kids, are planning for them down the road, or simply want to make a smart long-term investment.

Homes in highly rated school districts often hold their value and tend to sell quickly. That’s a plus. But that desirability can also drive up prices. If schools are important to you, it’s worth weighing the tradeoffs and deciding whether the extra cost fits into your overall goals and budget.

It’s also important to remember that what makes a school “good” is subjective. Some buyers are focused on academic ratings or test scores. Others might care more about arts programs, diversity, special education support, or smaller class sizes. That’s why it’s worth getting clear on your own values and what kind of educational environment you’d want—now or in the future.

Real estate agents can’t legally offer opinions about schools due to fair housing laws, so this is one area where you’ll need to do some independent research. Online tools like GreatSchools.org and SchoolDigger.com are helpful starting points. But they don’t tell the whole story. Try talking to friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Visit school websites. If possible, attend an open house or speak with school staff. Ask about things like graduation rates, teacher-student ratios, and programs that align with your priorities.

If schools are important to you, it’s smart to do this homework before you start house hunting. Understanding the school landscape in a given area can shape where you look—and sometimes open up more options than you expected, including magnet or charter schools, district transfer programs, or special enrollment zones.

It’s also essential to double-check school boundary lines with the district directly. Just because a home is near a school doesn’t mean it’s zoned for that school. Boundaries can shift as neighborhoods change, and information online or in listings isn’t always up to date.

On the other hand, if you don’t plan to have children or schools just aren’t relevant to your situation, it’s okay to take that factor off your list. You might find a better fit or a more affordable option in a neighborhood that’s not focused on schools—and that’s a smart move if it aligns with your priorities.

At the end of the day, this is your first home. You’re setting the foundation for the future you want, and every part of the decision should reflect what matters most to you. Whether schools are a major factor or not, the goal is to help you make an informed choice that feels right—financially, personally, and long-term.