You might think that if you don’t have children, school districts aren’t something you should worry about when it comes to buying a new home. But in reality, schools districts can determine a surprising number of factors in a neighborhood—not to mention home values.
Whether you’re moving to the Metro New Orleans area with kids in tow or not, here are the top reasons why school districts should still play a role in choosing your home.
A Good School District Will Have More Going on
Typically, good school districts are in good neighborhoods. This doesn’t just mean that the houses are nice and the area is safe, but it also means that there are probably more businesses and things to do.
Restaurants, shopping center, parks and green spaces, transportation hubs—living near a good school usually means there will be a pretty high concentration of these things in your neighborhood.
Your Home Value Stays Consistent…
While it’s true that homes tend to cost more when you’re living in a good district—Redfin even found that homes near good schools cost around $50 more per square foot— the argument is two-sided. You might pay a little more, but you won’t have to worry about the valuing going down.
A better school district may sometimes be indicative of a better neighborhood and better houses in general, but it can still make a world of difference. In fact, the same study by Redfin found that two similar homes in Alexandria, Virginia, less than one mile apart but in different school districts, had a $130,000 price difference.
… And You’ll Be Able to Sell at a Higher Price
In the case of school districts, steady home value and a high return on your investment go hand in hand. You already know you won’t be losing money on your sale, so why not take the time to put a little extra value into your home?
Upgrades in your kitchen and bathroom, or even simple things like new paint and a strong staging, can take your home to the next level. And in a good school district, those effects can be amplified by an already high price in a competitive market.
A Lower-Ranked School District Has Its Downsides, But…
There’s something to be said about the increased affordability of homes in lower-ranked districts. While the neighborhoods can be different, that’s not to say that living in a less-esteemed school district is bad in any way. Plus, the neighborhoods may not even be very different beside the academics!
In the end, you should consider what fits best with your wants and needs—the home-buying journey is unique to every buyer.
Find Your Home in Metro New Orleans
There are a number of outstanding school districts in the Metro New Orleans area, so if you’re making the move to the city, take some time to explore them.
Once you’re ready to kick off your home-buying process, let us know! We’re happy to assist you with learning the ins and outs of buying, navigating the area, and answering any questions you have along the way.