For many of us, our school days are long behind us, and we couldn’t be happier. Others may have fond memories of heading to class, full of excitement to learn new things and spend time with friends. Others still never give school another thought after exiting the doors for the last time.
However, when buying a new house, its proximity to a high-quality school is something to consider. If you have children, it just makes sense. You want them to be able to get to class easily. The closer the school, the fewer excuses for being late or not showing up at all!
Let’s take a look at some other reasons you might want to factor in the nearby schools when searching for your new home.
Think of the Convenience
If you have little ones, the convenience alone may make buying a house near a school worthwhile. Mornings are rushed and hectic enough as it is without worrying about driving your children or getting them to the bus on time. If they can walk with friends or even ride a bike to school, it saves time for both of you. Plus, it can bolster your child’s sense of confidence and help them become more independent than if you were to drive them to class every day.
And the convenience goes beyond the facility itself. A good school is often the heart of the neighbourhood! If there’s one near your home, you can bet other amenities and extra-curricular activities will also be readily available. Parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and after-school programs help to encourage outdoor activity and provide a place for your children to play and socialize after class.
You will likely also find yourself close to public transit, restaurants, stores, and other services. Many local schools offer adult education programs during evenings and weekends, giving you the opportunity to expand your horizons. Even if you don’t have children, these conveniences may inspire you to start your house hunting near one of the top schools in your city!
Proximity to schools may be one of your priorities when searching for your new home. What else should you look for? Here are a few ideas to start with:
- Must-Have Features for Luxury Home Buyers in Etobicoke
- Finding Your Diamond in the Rough: A Guide to Full Renovations in Etobicoke
- 5 Reasons to Love Living Near Humber Valley
How Close Is Too Close?
The benefits of living close to a school are many, but what about the drawbacks? You may have children trekking across your lawn or loitering about on their way to and from class. And depending on how close you are, you might hear the sounds of kids yelling during recess and outdoor sporting events. And there will be heavy traffic twice a day every day throughout the school year during drop-off and pick-up hours.
These small inconveniences may not bother you depending on your lifestyle, particularly if you work in an office while school is in session. How close is too close when buying a home near a school? It depends on you and the lifestyle you want.
If you love children, this can be an environment you thrive in. If not, you may find yourself turning into that grump, yelling at kids to “get off my lawn.” In that case, you might decide to look for a home a block or two away from the school. You’ll still enjoy the conveniences of the neighbourhood, along with a little more peace and quiet to help keep your sanity intact.
The Impact on the Value of Your House
Houses near schools tend to be more valuable. Depending on your perspective, this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Location is everything in real estate, and families with children tend to flock to neighbourhoods with highly-rated schools. You may pay a premium for the privilege and convenience when buying a home.
But the payoff comes later as the resale value of your property increases. From an investment standpoint, it can make sense to buy a home near a school, even if you don’t have children. And the presence of a reputable school doesn’t just increase the value of your house. It raises the value and desirability of the entire neighbourhood.
Knowing the market is essential when buying or selling a home, especially in a fast-moving market like Toronto. The following posts will help:
- Luxury Lingo: Elevated Real Estate Terms and What They Mean
- Everything You Need to Know About Land Transfer Taxes
- How to Find the Right Realtor® for Your Luxury Listing
A Look at Toronto’s Top Schools
How can you decide whether a school deserves your consideration?
The Fraser Rankings and EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office) are two of the most popular resources parents and guardians use to evaluate public schools. These ratings can give you a good indication of the quality of a school, but it’s important to take them with a grain of salt.
Every child is different and will thrive in different environments. Plus, some schools may provide stellar education but be too small or too new to have earned a rating. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of Toronto’s top choices for families.
- Humber Valley Village Public School
- Humbercrest Public School
- Swansea Public School
- Garden Avenue Junior Public School
- Runnymede Public School
- Ursula Franklin Academy
- Humberside Collegiate Institute
The above is a short list of some of the highest-rated schools in Toronto, as rated by the Fraser Institute. However, there are too many excellent options to name. If you want your child to attend a specific school, you should be aware of Toronto’s catchment areas. A local real estate agent can help you select the right neighbourhood that gives you access to the education you want for your child.
Are you looking for the perfect new home and neighbourhood in Toronto? We’d love to help you get started. Reach out to us today or call 647.232.7317 with any questions or for more information.