Why You SHOULD Care about the School System Even When Moving WITHOUT KIDS

I'm going to disagree.  The obsession with school districts in Westchester NY is approaching madness.  There is no other way to put it.  Most homes from  banner school systems are simply OUT OF REACH for most families and I don't think they should stretch to get there.  I have been an educator at the college level and I have a doctorate from a major medical school (a half-step down from top tier).   Yet I went to a public school that many parents turn their noses up at.  Why?  It was diverse.  So what?  The education was excellent.  But the diveristy lowered the median test scores. Once again - so what?  

Its time to get SANE about this.  The reason a Scarsdale school has a higher rating than a school like White Plains has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE EDUCATION OFFERRED.  It as to do with the $$$$$$ thrown at pointless testing to get high scores. Parents with the $$$$$$$ can game the system and make sure their child gets great scores even if Johnny isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.   The education children will get in most any district (save a couple) in Westchester will be more than amazing.   People who are score obsessed or race-obsessed are driving this insanity off the cliff.  If a parent is committed to their child's education and the CHILD is committed to being educated, then almost any school district in our county will do well by that child.  But it takes a committed parent and committed child for it to work.  You can't shove it all on the schools. 

Gina I agree school system does have an effect on home price.  However at least in NY some of these so call school districts levy such high taxes that people with school age children can't afford to move there and seniors although owning their homes outright or on the verge of losing their homes because they can't afford the taxes.  This is a hot topic for many.

This is exactly the post that I wish I had written. Our areas are filled with buyers who only want certain areas.

Gina - schools may not be important when a home is purchased by a childless couple but it may be very important when they decide to sell it.

You are absolutely right Gina.   Nicely done.  Keep up the great work!

Great post Gina, school systems are part of the demand that drives prices. Re-blogged!

I suppose using a good school system as a search criteria would speak to "location". Do we consider location when we think of investment value? YES

So true Gina.  We often get the retirees that think they are saving money by going to an area where the schools are not that good since they are done with school.  But when it's time to sell they realize their mistake.

There is a lot of truth in this concept. Even if you do not have children, your future purchasers may have them someday.

I was always taught that you always think 'resale," no matter what.                                         

As a former high school history instructor, I have to say AMEN to that one! Great post!

That's absolutely an important point about buying near great schools, with or without children!  Great schools are a valuable asset to a neighborhood and the homes values within the community.

Excellent article Gina! In our inner city community we fought the board to keep the school program. Now it's starting to turn around and the board is seeing what we do in how valuable the school is and it's programs.

Thanks!

Gina,

Of course, this is solved in some of the better neighbourhoods with private schools but, across the board this is very, very significant. Sometimes just living on the other side of the street can make a difference.

Brian

Great post. Think "FUTURE" and also think "RE-SALE", specially if we are talking about single family homes 3 bedrooms or more