Pros and Cons of Buying A Home Near A School

During house-hunting, it isn't just the house itself that you have to consider. The property’s location still plays an important role, especially its surrounding areas and the neighborhood. A home’s proximity to a school will likely be one of the many factors you consider, whether or not you have children.

If you're interested in a home near a school, you should understand how it might affect your day-to-day living situation. With school in session 180 days a year, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. To help with your homework, here are some pros and cons to consider before buying a home near a school.

PROS

School drop-off and pick-up can get chaotic and dreadful. The line of cars moves slowly, wasting so much of your time, especially during mornings. Just as you'd factor in a work commute, if you have children, you should also consider how long the car line will take when dropping them off at school. While the school bus can also be a convenient option, it may mean that your kids need to get ready early so they won’t miss it. Living close to their school means you can skip the drive and just walk, getting that much-needed exercise as a huge bonus. Your mornings will be easier and faster, and your kids can get home quickly after a school day.

Schools prioritize safety. Many schools have tight security measures around their campuses. Police and local law enforcement also have a more active presence near schools and surrounding neighborhoods. If you're a home buyer who is looking for a safe community, living near a school or within a school district can be beneficial for you. Of course, this might not apply to every single community, so don’t forget to check the local crime maps to verify information about neighborhood safety in general.

Schools, especially in small towns, usually have a track or a playground that can be accessed after the school day ends. Even if the children don't attend school, they could play at the school park just like they would at a public park. This could include swings, monkey bars, basketball courts, and track and field, among others. It’s a great resource to have close to your home since it encourages your kids to spend time outside and be active. Just do your homework before choosing a home based on this information since larger school districts often set their school grounds off-limits to the general public.

Schools also promote a sense of community, often providing social activities for children and adults alike. Weekend community markets, craft fairs, and sporting events are just some of the things you could look forward to participating in and enjoying when a school is near your home. In small neighborhoods, schools also serve as community centers in addition to providing educational services, so you can expect to see adult education classes or club activities post-school hours.

Expect that homes near what is considered a good or excellent school district have a higher price tag when you buy. If the house is within walking distance of the school, it's even more desirable to parents and families and often has a higher resale value.

CONS

One of the biggest issues when it comes to living near a school is limited street parking. Unless there's a large parking lot on the campus, school staff, parents, and students might park all along the street during the school day or special events in the evening. When house-hunting, you might want to look for a home with a spacious driveway or prepare to be amenable when the majority of people park on the street.

Let's face it: schools are noisy. Living near a school can expose you to all kinds of noises—loud cheers during sporting practices, PA system broadcasts, and band practices, among others. Living right next door or across the street means noise can be a nuisance, so don’t forget to factor in noise when looking for a home near a school.

Similar to parking issues, living near a school can mean dealing with heavy traffic. Expect idling cars of parents or guardians, buses shuttling kids to and from school, and traffic issues during special events such as plays, sports games, and parent-teacher conferences. Car crashes are also frequent since many students new to driving are more likely to have accidents. So before buying a home near a school, consider traffic and assess whether it's a dealbreaker for you. You might need to plan before running errands or visiting places so you won’t get stuck on the road during the school’s rush hours.

Last but not least, living near a school means you'll see a large volume of children all over the neighborhood, especially during after-school hours. The problem is that some kids might even loiter or trespass on your yard, sometimes unintentionally since they might not yet understand that they should keep off other people’s property.

Bottom line

As with any location, living near a school or within a school district has its pros and cons. Can you tolerate the noise levels and prioritize safety for your kids? Will you be okay even if there isn't enough parking space? Do your homework and weigh all of the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.