Class Acts: Nice Homes in America’s 10 Most In-Demand School Districts

When you buy a home, you aren’t just buying a piece of property. Whether you have kids or not, you’re moving into a school district—and better schools equal hotter home prices. After all, young families can save a very big chunk of change over the years by sending their young brainiacs to a local public school, instead of forking over a fortune for private education. Save the dough for the college years when you’ll really need it, goes the (very smart) thinking.

With schools back in session nationwide, we took a well-educated look at great homes on the market in the top 10 in-demand school districts, based on scores calculated by GreatSchools.org. Prepare to shell out a little more for these homes, but consider it an investment in your kids’ future. Or just a guarantee of awesome resale value.

So, study up on these homes that make the grade in A+ school districts.

1. 944 Wagar Rd, Rocky River, OH

Price: $249,900
School district: Rocky River City School District, Cuyahoga County, OH
Report card: A “cute colonial” from 1954 offers an efficient kitchen with newer oak cabinets, a large living room with fireplace, three bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a private backyard. The home is in easy walking distance of parks, beaches, and a six-minute walk to Rocky River High School.

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2. 2316 Hopi Dr, League City, TX

Price: $294,700
School district: Clear Creek Independent School District, Harris County, TX
Report card: Move into this 2,500-square-foot home located in the Sedona subdivision, and you’ll enjoy a dramatic entryway, large living room, and a huge kitchen. Plus, along with four bedrooms and two baths, there’s an oversized detached two-car garage, which will be handy for that three-minute commute to Bauerschlag Elementary School.

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3. 8206 Parkview Ave, Munster, IN

Price: $184,900
School district: School Town of Munster School District, Lake County, IN
Report card: You’ll be too cool for school with this 1955 ranch. While the 1,400-square-foot home offers three beds and only one bath, there’s already another full bathroom roughed in on the basement level. The remodeled eat-in kitchen includes new maple cabinets, granite countertops, backsplash, new tile floor, and all new appliances. With hardwood floors throughout, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, this corner lot has a lot to offer. Plus, Munster High School is less than two miles away.

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4. 809 N Lakeview Dr, Orange, CT

Price: $389,900
School district: Orange School District, New Haven County, CT
Report card: This move-in ready Colonial from 1968 has updated everything, from hardwood floors to a remodeled kitchen to the “light and bright” living room that overlooks the backyard and deck. Situated on a child-friendly cul-de-sac, the home is also just 2 miles from the Race Brook School.

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5. 5040 Juneau Ct, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Price: $699,000
School district: Etiwanda Elementary School District, San Bernardino County, CA
Report card: Built in 2007, the Southern California home takes full advantage of the sunny climes of Rancho Cucamonga, a suburban city outside L.A. that boasts 287 days of sunshine a year. With sliding glass doors leading to the patio and backyard on a cul-de-sac, a buyer will enjoy panoramic city views and plenty of outside space. The gated community is just 1.9 miles from John L. Golden Elementary School.

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6. 65 Concord Rd, Longmeadow, MA

Price: $499,999
School district: Longmeadow School District, Hampden County, MA
Report card: Admittedly, this 1965 contemporary-style ranch has “project” written all over it, but with 3,500 square feet, a super-convenient downtown location, and just a four-minute walk to Blueberry Hill School, it may be worth the work.

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7. 19338 Stony Point Dr, Strongsville, OH

Price: $395,000
School district: Strongsville City School District, Cuyahoga County, OH
Report card: With a grand foyer, an open-concept kitchen, and a dining and living room that open to a glass-enclosed sunroom, this 4,400-square-foot home includes five beds and four baths. The spacious layout features a playroom with a kid-sized door, and it’s just a five-minute drive to Howard Chapman Elementary School.

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8. 51355 Plymouth Valley Dr, Plymouth Township, MI

Price: $520,000
School district: Plymouth-Canton Community School, Wayne County, MI
Report card: Located in the Country Club Village of Plymouth, this luxury home offers 4,000 square feet of living space on almost an acre of land. There’s a formal dining room and living room, a gourmet eat-in kitchen, and five bedrooms, including a master suite, a guest suite, and a finished basement with full bath and kitchenette. Isbister Elementary School and Tonda Elementary School are both about 4 miles away.

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9. 208 Rimmon Rd, Woodbridge, CT

Price: $895,000
School district: Regional School District 05 School, New Haven County, CT
Report card: A custom Colonial from 2008 comes in “mint condition,” and features four bedrooms, including a first-floor master suite, a gourmet eat-in kitchen, and a great room with vaulted ceilings and built-ins surrounding a fireplace. The space overlooks a professionally landscaped backyard and charming back patio. Plus, Davis 21st Century Magnet Elementary School is just 3.2 miles away.

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10. 37 Koger Rd, Trumbull, CT

Price: $449,900
School district: Trumbull School District, Fairfield County, CT
Report Card: Built in 1942, this Colonial Cape-style home has been updated with modern amenities, like a new kitchen with granite counters and a dining area that opens to a deck. Parents will appreciate the second-floor master suite. Kids will love the above-ground pool and fire pit. Everyone will appreciate that Frenchtown Elementary School is under a mile from home. Even your kids!

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