Families Target Top-Rated School Districts This Moving Season--But at a Price

Core Insights - Realtor.com® has released an analysis highlighting the most sought-after school districts in the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, focusing on districts with at least one public school rated 8 or higher [1][8] - The analysis indicates that families are prioritizing school quality alongside affordability, leading to varied housing market dynamics across different districts [3][8] Pricing and Affordability - In 27 of the 50 top-rated school districts, the median listing prices averaged $1.21 million, which is 135% higher than surrounding metro areas [2] - Carroll Independent School District in Dallas has the highest premium, with homes priced at a 390.9% premium compared to the metro average [2] - Conversely, some districts like Johnston County in Raleigh and Palm Beach County in Miami have median listing prices below their metro averages, indicating a balance of quality education and affordability [3] Family Preferences and Trends - Families are making trade-offs between paying a premium for top-rated districts and seeking value in areas with strong academic performance but lower housing costs [3] - There is a notable interest in districts outside major urban centers, reflecting affordability concerns and a desire for lifestyle amenities [3] School District Characteristics - The analysis includes various factors such as pupil-teacher ratios, school walkability scores, and the type of locale (urban, suburban, rural) to assess the appeal of different districts [10] - Features like small class sizes and walkability are attractive to families, with districts like Old Saybrook and East Grand Rapids scoring high in these areas [5][10] Methodology - The analysis was based on views per property from out-of-market home shoppers between May and July 2025, focusing on listings with nearby public schools rated 8 or higher [8] - Only school districts with an average of at least 100 for-sale properties during this period were included to ensure meaningful market representation [8]