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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

1720 E La Donna Lane Tempe, AZ 85283

$649,900

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,290 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787784

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Million dollar finishes and old world style. No gray here, lol. Step into extravagance. Discover luxury and comfort in this expansive home, designed for entertaining and relaxation by an international artist. The huge gourmet kitchen boasts ample counter space, perfect for culinary creations and family gatherings. Five split bedrooms offer privacy and versatility, while timeless travertine stone floors add elegance throughout. Step outside to your private oasis: a resort-like backyard featuring a sparkling pool, raised garden bed for your dinner herbs, and plenty of space for outdoor living. This property combines style, functionality, and the ultimate in leisure. Make this dream home your reality today! Less than 25 minutes to ASU, perfect also for Air bnb or Luxury rental.

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1246 S Sunnyvale -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$649,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,783 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743315

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**PRICE IMPROVEMENT** Fall in love with this large 4BR home from the minute you step inside; the immaculate and inviting interior is sure to make you smile! It's easy to picture yourself enjoying this lovely home with its inviting, open floorplan featuring vaulted ceilings and large windows that draw in the natural light, lighted niches, generous secondary bedrooms with plantation shutters, a lovely master suite with a spacious bathroom featuring dual sinks, separate shower & tub, and large walk-in closet. This home is move-in ready with a new professionally painted interior, brand new contemporary ceiling fans and updated fixtures in the main living areas. Two large living areas invite you to entertain friends or enjoy time with your family. A beautiful, upgraded kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and recessed lighting, direct access to the covered patio via French doors, a large laundry room and a 3-car garage with Epoxy coated floors are just a few of the things that make this home special and livable. The low-maintenance landscaping will free up your time for fun with friends and family, and the home is within walking distance to elementary and junior high schools. DON'T MISS this rare opportunity to snag a gem in Mesa's coveted STONEGATE ESTATES!

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937 N Vale Street Mesa, AZ 85201

$649,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,227 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6782626

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This expansive 3,227 sq ft ranch-style home sits on a generous 17,960 sq ft lot, offering the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. Located just minutes from Arizona State University (ASU), Old Town Scottsdale, Sloan Park (home of the Chicago Cubs), and Sky Harbor Airport, you'll enjoy the convenience of being close to great shopping, dining, and entertainment, with easy access to the 202 and 101 freeways. The home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a den that includes custom built-in cabinets. The family room is warm and inviting, centered around a cozy brick fireplace—a perfect spot for family gatherings. The formal dining room boasts elegant wood floors, while the living room features built-in cabinets, adding both character and functionality to the space. Outside, the large private backyard is a true retreat. Enjoy the inviting pool, complete with a custom hydraulic pool cover and a shade structure, making it perfect for relaxing or entertaining. There's also an outdoor shed for additional storage, ideal for tools or gardening supplies. The Arizona Room, with windows that open to the outdoors, brings in plenty of natural light, further enhancing the home's seamless connection to its serene surroundings. This property is an exceptional find, offering ample space, comfort, and a highly sought-after locationperfect for those who want to experience the best of Mesa's living with a private backyard oasis.

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23426 N 122 Lane Sun City, AZ 85373

$649,900

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,837 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6784200

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Truely a unique gem with so many extra features waiting to be discovered! Spacious home w/5 large bedrooms & 4 baths. One full bath and bed down that has a huge walk-in closet with storage shelves. Master suite w/sitting area, 2 walk-in classy closets, one w/a hidden storage room! Ensuite has a fabulous walk-in shower and lovely soaking tub. Huge double loft could be 6/7th bedrooms. Built-in desk in loft and in one bedroom. Lots of storage throughout home. Newer flooring throughout, paint, garage doors, A/C, and water softener and fridge. Extra cabinets in the laundry room and garage. Very Private lot w/no neighbors behind, newer pool, water feature, hot tub, turf, sport court, RV gate w/26 ft concrete parking pad. High end automatic roll down shades on huge back patio for great shad

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4255 E Washington Court Gilbert, AZ 85234

$649,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,387 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6773726

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Ashton Woods home is nestled in the highly desirable community of Highland Groves at Morrison Ranch and has brand new carpets throughout, updated bathrooms and so much more! The lower level boasts a spacious living room/dining room, then flows into the great room ideal for gatherings. Downstairs you will also find the kitchen that is equipped with shiny stainless-steel appliances, a new large capacity refrigerator, tons of updated white cabinetry, granite countertops, a cozy island, breakfast bar, walk-in pantry and don't forget about the laundry room and half bathroom. Upstairs is an oversized loft with plenty of space for family relaxing, playtime or even a home office. The 4 bedrooms upstairs are spacious and both bathrooms upstairs have been newly updated. The amenities don't stop there...step into the backyard to relax in the sparkling pool with covered patio and extended pavers...the perfect spot for hosting backyard barbecues. Not only does the house have everything you need, but the neighborhood also has tree-lined streets, lakes, fountains, playgrounds and pickleball/tennis courts. Plus, you can't get any better with the location - close to the Loop 202 & US 60, as well as tons of Gilbert's best restaurants and shops! Don't miss out on this gem being your new home!

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8301 W Escuda Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$649,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,307 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6772531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous single-level home in a peaceful cul-de-sac is the one for you! Enter through the custom double doors to find a living room that beckons you to unwind and a formal dining room ready to hold special occasions. The kitchen is equipped with built-in appliances, granite counters, a center island, a breakfast bar, and a breakfast nook perfect for casual dining. The primary bedroom boasts direct outdoor access, an ensuite with dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and a huge closet. Venture outside to discover a sizeable low-maintenance backyard with a covered patio, hot tub, and a refreshing pool. This community includes restaurants, AWARD WINNING golf courses, Activity Center, library, pickleball courts and exercise facility to name a few. Join some clubs and watch your calendar fill up!

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2408 W Crimson Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85085

$649,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,252 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697417

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4% LOAN ASSUMPTION AVAILABLE! Fabulous 4 bed (plus den & loft) 3 bath two-story home in the family friendly Carefree Crossing. Low HOA is a plus! Nice curb appeal w/ stacked stone accents, desert landscaping & large, healthy shade tree. Great floor plan w/ neutral paint, soaring ceilings & updated lighting/fixtures. Living room/dining room greet you, along w/ versatile French door entry office to your right. Perfect for home office or game/playroom if desired. Family room w/ built in buffet area makes perfect bar space. Open kitchen has plenty of cabinet space, SS appliances & island w/ raised bar top great for serving or extra seating. Breakfast area w/ bay windows looking out to backyard. Downstairs primary room has private sliders to backyard & bathroom w/ dual sinks, seated vanity, soaking tub, glass shower, private toilet, linen pantry & walk-in closet w/ built-in shelving. Second bedroom downstairs is a plus. Upstairs you will find the massive, versatile loft & the other two bedrooms, (one w/ delightful window seat) & a full bathroom w/ dual sinks. Backyard has large, covered patio w/ extended pavers, shade ramada, grassy area & raised planter perimeter, along w/ another great shade tree. Residents are very close to shopping areas to both the north & south & have quick, easy access to I-17. Come check it out today!

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41160 W Almira Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$649,900

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,215 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783057

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with all the upgrades on a huge 15,000+ sq. ft. lot! Plank tile throughout, large granite island, gourmet kitchen and ceramic tile backsplash. Make your way through the 16 foot Arcadia door to the professionally designed backyard complete w/heated, salt water pool w/water feature, travertine decking and turf. Insulated 3 car tandem garage includes charging for electric vehicles. This home has it all!

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18547 W Oregon Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$649,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,988 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704866

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FREE 2-1 BUYDOWN IN THIS RV FRIENDLY COMMUNITY!! Charming and very gently lived in 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. This bright and inviting floorplan offers updated faux barn wood plank style tile flooring throughout the entire first floor, a beautifully updated kitchen complete with butler's pantry and upgraded stainless steel appliances, upgraded french door overlooking the lush green back yard, upstairs offers a spacious laundry room for convenience, 3 generously sized guest rooms and a very large master retreat with spacious en suite and his and hers walk in closets. But wait, there's more, also featuring a 3 car tandem garage, RV gate and parking, storage shed, 11,000+sqft lot, large covered patio, fire pit and garden area, this home truly offers something for everyone....don't miss out

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5803 N 88th Lane Glendale, AZ 85305

$649,900

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,018 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740942

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Glendale, near the Cardinals Stadium and Westgate. This stunning residence offers five spacious bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, providing comfort for the entire family. You'll love the elegant design and modern upgrades throughout. The main floor features a grand open-concept living area, perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances and sleek countertops. Upstairs, a large loft offers versatile space for a home office or playroom. Each bedroom is designed for comfort, offering a peaceful retreat. Inspected and approved by Inspector CYFY Home Inspections, this property meets high standards of quality and safety. Don't miss the chance to own this exceptional home!

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320 Buckingham Place Prescott, AZ 86303

$649,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,768 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748189

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

City Light & Panoramic views of Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain & Courthouse Square. This is a fix up. Interior is a blank canvas (orig. 1984) ready for a complete gut and remodel to 2025. Priced below replacement cost at $235/SF. Exterior has a new roof, paint, Trex decking, new garage door and water heater. New slider added from eat in kitchen to northside. HVAC 3yrs new. Main floor (street level) has no steps and level driveway (master on main). Lower level has its own entrance with two bedrooms, full bath and flex space for office, gym, game room or study. Downstairs Ideal for multi-generational living or apartment as it has its own ingress-egress. New in box waterproof plank flooring ready for new owner. Adjoining west 0.36 acres can be bundled with sale for an extra $50k.

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15758 S Maui Circle Arizona City, AZ 85123

$649,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

3,039 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744179

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this exquisite custom waterfront home with a fully self-contained casita! Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac, offering both privacy and luxury living. Main house features an expansive chef-inspired kitchen with a massive island. Enjoy the split floor plan, high ceilings, and a fully enclosed Arizona room with breathtaking water views. The fully self-contained Casita is perfect for guests or multigenerational living, with its own living area, full kitchen, and a private back patio overlooking the water. This one-of-a-kind property combines elegant design, functionality, and serene waterfront living in a highly sought-after location. The spacious, move-in-ready design is complemented by low-maintenance landscaping, apex garage with ample storage adds to the home's convenience. This home also boasts an additional section with private entry, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Don't miss the opportunity to make this stunning property your new home!

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