Making the Grade: How to Research Local Schools Before Buying Your Next Home

There are so many things involved in moving into a new home in a different neighborhood that it can be easy to forget about the proximity of many nearby amenities. However, if you have children, the local schools available can make-or-break the decision on whether or not to invest in a house. If you’re wondering how you can find out more about the local school, let the following tips be your guide.

Utilize My Website!!

Click HERE to access information about schools and school districts in Arizona both public and private.  Simply click on the name of the school to get the website, enrollment numbers and other demographics.

Take a Web-Search To SchoolMatch.com

One of the benefits of so many things being online these days is that local schools are no exception, and SchoolMatch.com is a great resource that puts this information at your fingertips. While you’ll have to pay a fee to get the details on many public and private institutions, this resource features ratings on schools throughout the country which can make it worth the price.

Contact The NAEYC

With a wealth of information on preschools, kindergartens and elementary schools located throughout the country, the National Association for the Education of Young Children is another helpful website to visit. While the organization offers informational pamphlets that can help you decide a school’s benefits, you can also call in if you want to speak with someone directly about a particular institution.

Make A Visit To The Neighborhood

While it can take a lot of time to visit the schools in the neighborhood you’re considering, this is a great way for you to get a sense of the area you’re moving to and what it affords. By taking a walk through the hallways to view the building’s upkeep and even visiting the office to talk with the Principal, you’ll be able to decide whether it’s a good fit.

Talk To An Agent

It might seem a bit strange to talk to a realtor about local schools, but real estate agents are responsible for providing a multitude of information to potential homebuyers so they have to be in the know. Whether they’re able to help you with a house or not, it’s certain they’ll have some of the basic details about your neighborhood’s educational offerings, whether it’s good or bad.

There are a variety of amenities that can improve the appeal of a new neighborhood, but good schools are a necessity when it comes to the kids. If you’re currently searching for schools and are interested in local neighborhoods, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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914 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$469,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,964 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659938

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You are going to love this completely remodeled, modern home, in Leisure World. The private covered front courtyard is perfect for entertaining or a relaxing cup of coffee in the morning. The moment you open the front doors, you will be impressed by the open concept living with a huge kitchen with tons of cabinets for storage and an enormous island you could have a party around. Both bathrooms are tastefully updated, and the 2 bedrooms are enormous with huge walk in closets. The bonus room has a Murphey bed plus room for an office or workout area. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, new tennis complex, pickle ball, swimming pools, library, state of the art fitness center, theater, arts and crafts, billiard room, and much more!

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306 W Rim View Road Payson, AZ 85541

$469,900

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,798 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662934

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exceptional opportunity to own a beautifully renovated home perfect for families or investors. Numerous upgrades incl. fresh paint, new flooring, cabinets, fixtures, HVAC, etc. Conveniently located just a mile from Green Valley Park and Lakes this 3-bedroom property (with an optional 4th BR that can be used as a den) also features 3.5 baths. Versatile downstairs space for 2nd living area or game room. One master BR on main level, along w/kitchen and living room and basement too. Spectacular mountain and town views from balconies. Just 1.5 hrs. from the city, this home offers a peaceful escape while providing investment potential. Come see this gorgeous home to experience all its possibilities.

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19777 N 76th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,438 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665830

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Great community! Enjoy heated pools, work out center, movie theater, biking trails, etc! Lock and leave. This 3 bedroom condo is loaded with upgrades; beautiful crown moulding, eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. Spacious family room, very open and bright! Balcony complete with stunning mountain views.

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3550 W Whispering Wind Drive Glendale, AZ 85310

$469,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,557 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680224

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Great size home with private backyard and covered entry. Huge open living room with lots of natural light. Bedrooms are upstairs for extra privacy. Mature landscaping in front and back. Quick walk to the community pool and hot tub. 2 car garage. Watch the hot air balloons in the am over the mountains. Great location with easy access to get out of town and explore up North.

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2310 W Stella Lane Phoenix, AZ 85015

$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,131 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684168

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a remodeled home to call your own? Check out this charming 3-bed, 2-bath with new Renewal by Andersen windows, New HVAC with a 10-year transferable warranty, white shaker cabinets, and quartz countertops—beautifully updated bathrooms. Stainless steel appliances. Corner lot w/ a relaxing covered patio. Large covered storage area/workshop. The seller is willing to help buyers with concessions for closing costs or to buy down their rate!! This location offers swift access to Uptown, entertainment arenas, and the lively downtown scene

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17219 N 19th Run Phoenix, AZ 85022

$469,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,568 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685710

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home in the desirable Desert Winds community! As you enter, a flood of natural light illuminates the open floor plan, perfect for entertaining guests. This spacious kitchen will be the heart of your parties, boasting granite counters, sleek appliances, and a breakfast bar overlooking the living room and dining room. Escape to the spacious primary bedroom complete with an enter-in closet and an en suite bathroom boasting double sinks. Relax on the covered patio and enjoy the fenced-in backyard. So Many upgrades!This beautiful home provides convenience to parks, schools, and more!

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1363 W Highland Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,726 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686037

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Magnolia Grove! Nestled on the border of San Tan Valley & Queen Creek, our community offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. Immerse yourself in the vibrant dining and shopping scene just minutes away. Discover our gated enclave, a haven of charm with sprawling green spaces and winding walking trails spanning miles. Three inviting park areas invite leisurely strolls and outdoor relaxation. Step into the Palo Verde, a luxurious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom retreat boasting a spacious layout and a chef's dream kitchen. Adorned with sleek white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, including a sprawling kitchen island perfect for entertaining. Step outside onto a covered patio & enjoy your private backyard with artificial grass.

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11500 E Cochise Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$469,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,587 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6599495

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Pristine FIRST LEVEL - no interior steps W/ DIRECT PRIVATE GARAGE INTERIOR ACCESS & private driveway. Privacy. One of the best Scottsdale resort-like locations in GATED community. All appliances included! Features large open plan concept, a den/office, split bedrooms, full master suite w/large walk-in closet, ceramic tiles, instant hot water system, alarm system, covered patio. Enjoy the great amenities at spotless Community center w/fantastic pool & spa, fitness club/center, social center, parks, walking trail, pool tables, BBQ area, ramada, meeting room, etc... Located near fabulous retail & restaurants, Mayo Clinic, Basis schools, and everything.

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14851 S 179th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$469,778

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,845 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6661915

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Absolutely beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home on corner lot in the exclusive master planned community of Estrella Mountain at Vidrio. Step into this open concept home, entertaining kitchen with lots of counter space, walk in pantry and SS appliances. The 9ft ceilings and abundance of windows makes this home bright and spacious! The home has been designed by our professional design team. Come in today and see why this home really does stand apart from all the rest!! Gourmet kitchen with a separate gas cook top, and white quartz counter tops, 42 inch cabinets with decorative back splash. Primary bathroom has a large walk-in shower and large walk-in closet. Two guest bedrooms and a full bathroom complete the home. Builder is offering closing costs incentive to buy down interest rate

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27421 W Pontiac Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,700

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,625 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6617757

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

START LIVING THE DREAM! This Like New Hideaway Model Has It All! Enter the open concept, split floorplan w/wood plank like tile flooring, designer lighting features & custom window treatments througout. Inviting gathering space offers plenty of room for dining & entertaining. Chefs kitchen features upgraded cabinets, stylish quartz counters, SS appliances, walk-in pantry, island w/seating & pendant lighting. The master bedroom has a private bath w/quartz counters, dual sinks, vanity, walk-in, tile surround shower & large walk-in closet. Charming guest bedrrom w/adjacent bath. Den is perfect for office or hobbies. Extended Utility room has additional storage cabinets. Enjoy outdoor living on the expansive, paved patio overlooking this oversized, low maintenance private, walled backyard.

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14762 S Country Club Drive Arizona City, AZ 85123

$469,500

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,597 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682192

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOOK NO FUTHER, BEAUTIFUL MOVE IN READY HOME IN ARIZON CITY. This 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath has 10 feet high ceiling with porcelain tile all through house. Wide open great room that flows into kitchen for an amazing open feel to the home. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet and double sink master bathroom.

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890 Oasis Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$469,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,672 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6617271

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRING ALL OFFERS! You are going to love the privacy & serenity of this beautifully updated 3BD 2BA home built in 2002 right in the heart of Wickenburg. Updates include, brand new shingle roof, installed Oct. 2023, all new exterior paint, all new vinyl windows in 2023, all appliances are 2 years new along with washer & dryer 1 yr old. Kitchen has been updated and features rustic wood countertops, fantastic coffee bar area w/ floating shelves, updated cabinet doors and plenty of storage. Tile floors throughout. Both bathrooms have been updated and feature lovely all tile walk-in showers. Fantastic additional garage/workshop added that allows for an additional 2+ cars to be housed. Woodworker or crafter will love the additional storage/workspace in this home. Backyard is a paradise! Live your very best life in this peaceful backyard. Ramada added for BBQ area, mature landscape w/ shade trees, fully fenced too! The front features a niche' for sitting and enjoying the peace & quiet of your own little slice of the Wickenburg lifestyle. Remember, we love Wickenburg because of our amazing Fall, Winter & Spring weather, this property allows you wonderful space to enjoy every minute!

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