Many families today make their homebuying decisions based upon the quality of the schools in the area. Buying a home in a great school district not only ensures children receive a quality education, but also may help keep your home’s resale value high. If you’re planning to buy a home in the Chicagoland area – and you’re also looking to live in an excellent school district – check out these five real estate markets with top-performing schools. Note that school districts in the Chicago area are often divided into small groups of schools, so some communities incorporate more than one school district.
Hinsdale – Only about 20 miles southwest of Chicago with a 35-45 minute commute, Hinsdale is a quaint community of about 17,000 with home prices averaging in the $900s. The quality of the schools is hard to beat among communities less than an hour away from the Windy City. Hinsdale Central High is ranked 12th in the state for academics, and the district’s nine other schools are ranked “exemplary” or “commendable” on the state’s school report card.
Naperville – If a 45-60 minute commute into Chicago doesn’t concern you, then Naperville may be a prime community to consider for a home in a high-quality school district. This growing community of 150,000 that lies only 28 miles outside of the city offers affordable homes in the range of $300-$400,000. Of the students in the district’s 21 schools, 90 percent met silver, gold or platinum academic standards for career readiness.
La Grange – Only 16 miles west of Chicago, the village of La Grange has just more than 5,600 households and nearly 16,000 residents. With home prices in the $400s and highly rated schools, La Grange is a desirable community with a short 30-minute commute and an emerging real estate market. La Grange schools consistently outpace the state average by more than 30 percent in math and reading proficiency.
Oak Brook – About 25 miles west of Chicago is the Village of Oak Brook, known as the former headquarters of McDonald’s. The excellent schools and proximity to Chicago make this community an attractive place to live. Oak Brook’s real estate market features homes in the range of mid-$600s to mid-$700s. Students in the districts that serve Oak Brook have shown academic growth 7-13 points above the state average.
Riverside – With homes in the mid-$300s to mid-$400s and a 30-minute commute (9 miles west of the city), the Village of Riverside is another affordable community to live in that is served by two outstanding school districts. The high school has a 94 percent graduation rate while all other Riverside schools are performing at a proficiency level 30 percent higher than state averages.
To finance your new home in one of these best Chicago-area school districts, rely on the expertise you’ll find with Ed Currie. Serving more than 5,000 homeowners and homebuyers, Ed Currie is knowledgeable, experienced and results-oriented. Contact Ed with your specific needs or call 847-214-2404 today.
Sources: Zillow, State of Illinois School Report Card, Great Schools, US News and World Report (Education)
