Families Prioritize Top School Districts This Moving Season Amid Rising Home Prices
With the new academic year rapidly approaching, many families are making important decisions about where to relocate, placing significant emphasis on selecting school districts known for their quality education. According to a recent analysis by Realtor.com, the latest findings shine a spotlight on the most popular school districts across the United States, indicating a clear trend of families gravitating towards top-rated educational establishments.
The analysis, which evaluated home shoppers' preferences in the 50 largest metropolitan areas from May to July 2025, revealed intriguing insights into how families prioritize education when searching for new homes. To qualify for this list, districts needed to have at least one public school rated 8 or higher on GreatSchools, showcasing the demand for quality education.
However, this focus on educational excellence comes with a financial trade-off. The analysis showed that the median listing prices in these top-rated school districts averaged around $1.21 million, which is a striking 135% above the surrounding metro area's averages. For instance, in the Dallas metro area, Carroll Independent School District topped the list, presenting a staggering premium of 390.9% over the metro average, where homes are priced at $2,159,833. Similarly, Laguna Beach Unified School District in Orange County and Reed Union Elementary in San Francisco Bay Area follow closely, with premiums of 322% and 304.7%, respectively.
Despite the financial burden that comes with securing a home in a sought-after district, families are still considering affordability in their decision-making. Not all top districts commanded a hefty price tag; some, like Johnston County in Raleigh, Humble ISD in Houston, and Palm Beach County in Miami, offered median listing prices below their metropolitan neighbors. This is often attributed to the suburban or rural nature of these areas, which allows for more appealing housing costs while still maintaining strong academic performance.
Various appealing features influence families' choices beyond just academic ratings. For instance, many buyers are drawn to districts that foster a strong sense of community and provide ample outdoor amenities, particularly in mid-size suburban areas like Wimberley ISD near Austin. Parents are also considering factors such as small class sizes for more personalized learning experiences, which districts like Old Saybrook in Hartford and Fayette County in Atlanta offer.
Walkability is another crucial aspect; areas like East Grand Rapids and Alamo Heights ISD rank highly for their accessible neighborhoods, facilitating easy commutes between homes and schools.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, commented on the ongoing influence of school quality on homebuying decisions. She noted: "This year, we noticed families are increasingly willing to make trade-offs in their search for homes. They may opt to pay a premium for districts with high ratings or find value in areas that still maintain strong academic performance without sky-high prices. Additionally, there is noticeable interest in districts beyond major urban centers, driven by a combination of affordability and lifestyle preferences."
The full list detailing the Most Popular School Districts within the Top 50 U.S. Metros is available for families looking for insights into educationally favorable locations as they embark on their moving journey this season. This trend suggests that as parents prioritize schooling, they are likely to continue reshaping housing market dynamics by directing their focus towards quality education environments, even at the expense of significant financial investments.
In conclusion, as families prepare for the upcoming school year, the findings from Realtor.com reflect a broader trend in housing preferences, emphasizing the critical role of schools in guiding residential choices. This analysis not only highlights current market dynamics but also provides a valuable resource for families navigating the challenges of relocating while ensuring their children receive the best educational opportunities possible.
The analysis, which evaluated home shoppers' preferences in the 50 largest metropolitan areas from May to July 2025, revealed intriguing insights into how families prioritize education when searching for new homes. To qualify for this list, districts needed to have at least one public school rated 8 or higher on GreatSchools, showcasing the demand for quality education.
However, this focus on educational excellence comes with a financial trade-off. The analysis showed that the median listing prices in these top-rated school districts averaged around $1.21 million, which is a striking 135% above the surrounding metro area's averages. For instance, in the Dallas metro area, Carroll Independent School District topped the list, presenting a staggering premium of 390.9% over the metro average, where homes are priced at $2,159,833. Similarly, Laguna Beach Unified School District in Orange County and Reed Union Elementary in San Francisco Bay Area follow closely, with premiums of 322% and 304.7%, respectively.
Despite the financial burden that comes with securing a home in a sought-after district, families are still considering affordability in their decision-making. Not all top districts commanded a hefty price tag; some, like Johnston County in Raleigh, Humble ISD in Houston, and Palm Beach County in Miami, offered median listing prices below their metropolitan neighbors. This is often attributed to the suburban or rural nature of these areas, which allows for more appealing housing costs while still maintaining strong academic performance.
Various appealing features influence families' choices beyond just academic ratings. For instance, many buyers are drawn to districts that foster a strong sense of community and provide ample outdoor amenities, particularly in mid-size suburban areas like Wimberley ISD near Austin. Parents are also considering factors such as small class sizes for more personalized learning experiences, which districts like Old Saybrook in Hartford and Fayette County in Atlanta offer.
Walkability is another crucial aspect; areas like East Grand Rapids and Alamo Heights ISD rank highly for their accessible neighborhoods, facilitating easy commutes between homes and schools.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, commented on the ongoing influence of school quality on homebuying decisions. She noted: "This year, we noticed families are increasingly willing to make trade-offs in their search for homes. They may opt to pay a premium for districts with high ratings or find value in areas that still maintain strong academic performance without sky-high prices. Additionally, there is noticeable interest in districts beyond major urban centers, driven by a combination of affordability and lifestyle preferences."
The full list detailing the Most Popular School Districts within the Top 50 U.S. Metros is available for families looking for insights into educationally favorable locations as they embark on their moving journey this season. This trend suggests that as parents prioritize schooling, they are likely to continue reshaping housing market dynamics by directing their focus towards quality education environments, even at the expense of significant financial investments.
In conclusion, as families prepare for the upcoming school year, the findings from Realtor.com reflect a broader trend in housing preferences, emphasizing the critical role of schools in guiding residential choices. This analysis not only highlights current market dynamics but also provides a valuable resource for families navigating the challenges of relocating while ensuring their children receive the best educational opportunities possible.
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