Mary, this is true in my area as well. Of course we can't discuss this so they have to figure it out on their own. But, out of area buyers don't understand the difference so they just ask, how come I get more house for my money in ???

We are confusing on our property lines too, you might be in Saline Schools, Ann Arbor mailing and Pittsfield Township for taxes.

Mary: You make some very important points. In our area there is a controversy right now regarding schools. One great school in the high rent part of town is lumped with the not so great schools in a less desirable city. They are trying to move this school into the better district and creating quite the controversy.

Hints, of course at class warfare, house values, snob factor, haves vs have nots, etc.

Schools can make a $100,000 or more difference in the price of homes, not to mention a far greater time to sell. Good post.

Missy - thanks for your feedback. You said, "Of course we can't discuss this". Not sure why you say that. You cannot discuss the impact of school scores on resale value and appreciation? (Schools are not a "protected class".) There are things it's illegal to discuss, but I've never heard that the API or SAT scores of a school made that list.... I'm guessing that you have other demographics at work, and it's murky. Here we discuss school performance all the time. Sometimes, buyers do NOT want the best performing schools because they are "pressure cookers". But it is always discussed. Anyway I'd love to hear more from you on this if you don't mind!!

Janet - yes. The wealthier the area, the better the schools tend to be. It isn't fair, but it is real.