If you don't have children and don't plan on having them anytime soon, you may not even consider the school district when you're hunting for a home. After all, you're not sending kids to that school, so why would it matter? Sadly, this mentality could be a mistake. Here are some reasons why you need to consider the school district before buying a home -- even if you don't have kids.
You may have a hard time finding a buyer when the time comes to sell.
Many people buy homes with plans to have kids in the future, even if they don't currently have kids. So, it's important that the home you selling appeals to this type of buyer. If your home is in a bad school district, it may sit on the market for a long time since there are so few single and childless-couple buyers. If you buy a home in a decent school district, this is one less hurdle you have to jump over when you later decide to sell. This could make it easier to sell and move at the last minute, enabling you to make better career moves and earn a better selling price for your home.
Crime rates are often higher in bad school districts.
In bad school districts, there are often not as many after-school programs for kids. There may not be as many sports or club activities. So, kids are left unsupervised more often -- which gives them a chance to get into trouble. You'll have to worry more about petty crimes in a neighborhood with a bad school district than in one where the schools are well-funded and have a lot of programs. Not only will this be annoying, but it may cost you money or keep you from feeling safe with a dog left outside in the yard.
If your family plans change, you may need to move.
Your plans may change; you may decide you do want kids after all, or you may have relatives who come stay with you long-term who have children. You don't want to have to sell your home or send your kids to a private school if plans change in this manner. Buy a home in a decent school district from the get-go, and you'll save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches.
To learn more about buying a home in a good school district, speak to a real estate agent in your area.
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