In This Post:
– Advantages of Buying a Property near a School
– Disadvantages of Buying a Property near a School
After days of searching when you have finally found your dream home, you realise that the house sits across the street from a school. This can be both good and bad. The school is on 180 days a year, which means increased traffic on roads and more noise pollution – especially if it is too close to your abode. But, if you have smaller kids at home, you don’t have to worry about paying their school’s van fees as you can easily drop them off at their school across the street.
Before making the decision, buyers should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living near a school.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Property Near a School
Most families with pre-school going children carefully choose their abode near a specific school district as it is easier to walk your child to school. You don’t have to be dependent on the school van in this regard. Families with high-school age children look for a location that is closer to the university or college that they are attending. However, in that case location is secondary as students can commute via bus or car as well and do not usually need the support of a parent or guardian while commuting. You must take a look at the various pros and cons of buying a property near a school before you make such an investment.
Advantages of Buying a Property Near a School
There are quite many advantages of buying a property near a school.
- Walk your children to school
- Access to the playground
- Safe neighbourhood
- Higher resale value
Let’s discuss these in detail
Walk your children to school
Most parents dread the crunch time when dropping off or picking up their kids from school. Living near a school means you can easily skip the driving part and simply walk your kids to school. It also helps build a bond between you and your child and the connection gets deeper with you taking them to school. The children get organized and disciplined and know how to keep some buffer for any time lost during the walk to school. Moreover, in some way, you also contribute to the environment by not taking out your car to drop your child to school.
Access to playground
Most neighbourhoods with schools have access to playgrounds. You can allow your child to play in the playground during the evening time. Playgrounds near a school district are specially designed to entertain kids. There will be swings, slides and rides of all kinds. You will also find that other families living in the neighbourhood also have school going children and it is easier to be friends with them. Your child also develops confidence when he plays with children of the same age group.
Some well-reputed schools also have playgrounds and large swimming pools. They also hold summer or winter camps. You can easily avail the opportunity and give your children a chance to explore their abilities and strengths without worrying about their commute.
Safe neighbourhood
Safety is a top priority for schools and many schools have security guards in place that are on a constant vigil round the clock. This can be an added benefit for homeowners looking to invest in a safe community. Children being inquisitive souls, you can allow your child to play on the streets as the neighbourhood is relatively safer than other communities where there are no schools in the residential premises.
Higher resale value
Homebuyers specifically looking to purchase homes near a school would be the first ones to buy your property. Homes in top-rated school zones have a higher demand and can fetch higher resale prices.
Disadvantages of Buying a Property Near a School
There are a few cons of buying a property near a school district. Here are some of the disadvantages mentioned below:
- More kids are trespassing
- Increased noise levels
- Streets are clogged with traffic
- A limited pool of homebuyers
Let us discuss these in more detail.
More kids are trespassing
One of the biggest cons of living near a school is that you will have more kids in the neighbourhood. Not all children are angels, some are mischievous and can trespass your property. If you can bear with their mischievous tricks off and on then only consider purchasing a residential unit near a school.
Increased noise levels
Be prepared for all kinds of noises – like kids playing, sporting events, playing drums when practicing for a school event, singing songs etc. If you have elderly people or a sick patient at home, then it could become problematic for them. However, if you have made up your mind of investing in a house near a school, then purchase a house a few blocks away. In that case, you will get all the benefits, minus the disadvantages of increased noise levels.
Traffic clogs the streets
Living near a school means you have to bear with a lot of heavy traffic, including honking cars and buses shuttling kids to and from school. It might not just be during the school hours.
There is even more traffic when there is a special event, parent teachers meeting or any sports day. Be prepared to witness bumper to bumper traffic.
A limited pool of homebuyers
Although property’s value near a school increases, there is a limited pool of homebuyers who are interested in purchasing a residential unit near a school. Only families with school going children are looking to invest in a house near well-reputed schools. So, your target audience is quite limited when reselling your house.
We hope this guide to buying a property near a school will help you make an informed decision. If you are planning to buy a house with a pool or a garden, then check out these useful guides on:
- Pros and cons of buying a house with a garden
- Pros and cons of buying a house with a swimming pool
- Pros and cons of buying a house near power lines
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