When searching for a home, the house itself is just one of many points to consider. You have to think about the location, too, especially the area immediately surrounding the property. If you’re interested in a home that’s near a school, you should understand how it might affect your living situation. While some people are happy to live close to a school, others think the downsides outweigh the positives. Here are the pros and cons of buying a home near a school:
Pro: It’s easy for your children to get to school.
If you have children, you understand how chaotic school drop-off and pick-up can be. The line of cars moves slowly, and it can feel like you’ve wasted so much of your day just on the drives to and from school. The school bus can be a more convenient option, but it may mean that your kids need to be up and ready extremely early so that they don’t miss it.
Living close to your children’s school means that it will be easier than ever for your kids to get there. When a short walk is all that separates your home from the school, your mornings will be faster and easier, and your kids will get home quickly at the end of the school day.
Con: Traffic can be a problem.
The school drop-off and pick-up lines can be frustrating to navigate at the beginning and end of the school day. Even though you don’t have to sit in the lines to drop your children off, you might get stuck in them while going to work or running errands. Traffic can occur at unexpected times, too, if there are sports games, parent-teacher conferences, or other events.
School traffic can be especially concerning if you live near a high school. You’ll see a lot of new drivers on the road near the school, so accidents might happen frequently.
Pro: Neighborhoods surrounding schools are usually safe.
Schools prioritize safety, so the area immediately surrounding a school tends to be safe. While this isn’t true in every single community, you can generally trust that you and your family will be safe if you live near a school. Police often have a more active presence near schools, too.
Con: Kids might trespass on your property.
Trespassing isn’t a very common issue for homeowners who live near schools, but it can happen. You’ll see a large volume of children around your neighborhood, especially during after-school hours, and some kids might loiter or even trespass on your yard. The children may not have bad intentions when they do this, but they might not yet understand that they should keep off of other people’s property.
Pro: Schools may offer community activities.
Many schools host community events that you could enjoy even if you don’t have children. For example, the school near your house might hold adult education classes or clubs in the evening, or they may host craft fairs on the weekends. Especially in small towns, schools often function as community centers in addition to providing educational services.
Con: Schools can be loud.
Schools are noisy, and if you live right next door or across the street, you might find that the noise is a nuisance. You might hear the children outside at recess or at their sports practices, or you may hear the school band rehearsing. The PA system for most schools broadcasts outside, too, which can be disruptive.
Pro: Your kids can use the playground after school.
Living near a school can be like having a public park right down the street. After the school day ends, your children can play on the playground just like they would at the park. It’s great to have this resource so close to your home as it encourages your kids to be active and spend more time outside.
Con: Parking can be hard to come by.
Neighborhoods that surround schools often have parking issues. School staff and parents might park all along the street, limiting the parking available for homeowners. Some neighborhoods even have no-parking rules during school hours. If you have a spacious driveway, this might not affect you. However, in a dense suburban neighborhood where the majority of people park on the street, you might run into issues during the school day or during special events in the evening.
Pro: Living near a good school can boost your home’s resale value.
For some families, living in a good school district is the top priority when searching for a home. If your house is in walking distance of the school, it’s even more desirable for parents. While this means that the home might be more expensive when you buy it, you can also expect to get a great price for it if you sell it.
If you have children, you might find that the benefits of living near a school are worth the occasional inconvenience. Some families dislike the noise and the traffic, though, so they intentionally search for homes that are farther away from schools. To decide whether or not you should move to a home close to a school, you have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the situation. As long as you take the time to consider the benefits and drawbacks before making up your mind, you should be able to choose the option that works best for you and your family.
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Michael Carr is the Co-Founder & COO of BrandFace, LLC. He is also a real estate branding expert and international bestselling author. As America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer, he has sold billions of dollars in commercial and residential properties.
