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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4525 E La Mirada Way Phoenix, AZ 85044

$599,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,250 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6733584

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Why drive to your next hike or ride? Live tucked in the hills of 16,000-acre South Mountain Park, with over 100 miles of pathways. Access the trailhead right at the corner of your cul-de-sac. Your next home is also nestled with Arizona Grand Golf Course, so your sunset strolls come with a green oasis. The Pointe is truly resort-like living 365 days a year. You can relax in your private pool or head to one of 4 community swim spots. Like to work out? Arizona Grand Athletic Club is 20,000 sf of the latest in fitness & it's right around the corner. When it comes time for work, The Pointe has great access to freeways, including their own gate that only homeowners can use to bypass traffic. This enclave allows you to be close to it all yet surrounded by views. The vistas are calling you!

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1888 W Dion Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$599,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6741209

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your patience is about to pay off! This beautiful, meticulously maintained Telluride perched on a private, elevated, golf-course lot has long-range views of mountains in every direction. Lowered view-fence provides unobstructed sunrise vistas that truly ease the soul. EZ-care turf & landscape. Tastefully updated: New appliances include induction stove sure to improve your cooking experience. Extended solid wood cabinets, some with textured glass fronts. Slab granite counters + backsplash. Plantation shutters and new blinds. Contemporary frosted-glass barn door to walk-in closet. Updated light fixtures + fans. Office w/ glass French doors could be 3rd bedroom. Extended garage with EV CHARGING OUTLET. Fully enclosed, shady front patio extends outdoor living. Move in now! Features List: EXTERIOR Elevated lot with east-facing backyard View-fence dropped to 26 for unobstructed views Soul-soothing vistas in all directions Fully enclosed front courtyard, spacious & shaded Side gate has electronic access Easy-care landscape Artificial turf in backyard New sculptural fan on covered patio (2024)

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575 E Turkey Trail Munds Park, AZ 86017

$599,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,932 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6756369

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the serene pines of Munds Park, this charming cabin offers a perfect mountain retreat w/3 spacious bdrms, loft, & 2 baths (4 bed plus). The classic A-frame design features soaring ceilings & large windows offering views of the surrounding forest. Step inside to a warm, inviting living space centered around a cozy fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings. A wood-burning stove adds a rustic touch & warmth. Each of the bedrooms is generously sized, providing plenty of room for family & guests. Wrap-around porch invites you to enjoy the crisp mountain air, whether you're sipping your morning coffee, dining, or taking in the peaceful surroundings. With ample space to entertain, relax, & explore, this cabin is a true gem offering the perfect blend of rustic charm & modern comfort.

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3721 E Catalina Drive Phoenix, AZ 85018

$599,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,977 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6751178

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome, built in 2019, is located in the highly sought-after Arcadia neighborhood within a gated community. The home features a spacious 2-car garage and beautiful wood plank tile flooring throughout the first floor. The modern kitchen boasts elegant grey cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a convenient island with seating. Upstairs, you'll find a large loft, perfect for a home office or additional living space. The expansive master suite is filled with natural light and includes a luxurious master bath with a double vanity and a walk-in shower. Outside, enjoy the small private yard with pavers and low-maintenance artificial turf—ideal for relaxation. Additionally, this home comes equipped with a water softener and an alarm system, adding to your comfort and peace of mind.

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1017 E Grandview Road Phoenix, AZ 85022

$599,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,271 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781711

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this stunning single-family home featuring an open living room with vaulted ceilings and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. The split floorplan includes a spacious primary suite with a sitting area, double sinks, jacuzzi tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet. The remodeled hall bath boasts a walk-in shower with Kohler fixtures and granite counters. The kitchen offers granite countertops and ample cabinet space. Step outside to a terraced backyard oasis with a covered patio, artificial turf, putting green, and an elevated deck. Enjoy privacy with a lot backing to the serene desert and exclusive HOA-owned hilltop hiking trail. Private park across the street offers playgrounds, basketball court and dog park for residents. Located close to shopping and dining!

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6485 E Heritage Road Florence, AZ 85132

$599,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,255 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HIDDEN OASIS! AN ABSOLUTE MUST-SEE ONE-OF-A-KIND HORSE PROPERTY that is fully fenced with block wall & gated with a Stunning 2-story SEMI-CUSTOM HOME with NO HOA! 1.27-acre lot. 3 Car Garage Slate flooring, Granite countertops in kitchen, laundry room, & bathroom vanities. Custom hickory wood cabinets & soaring vaulted ceilings. FLEX Room & Master bedroom on main floor with 2 bedrooms upstairs. Master bedroom bath has granite double sinks, separate tub from shower. Large walk-in Closet in Master with vaulted ceilings. Guest bath is off the dining area. Full Bath upstairs. Dual AC Units. Huge backyard with beautiful mature trees. Enjoy the stunning Arizona Sunsets from your large, covered patio. Recently added a separated spacious horse area with 4 stalls and an enclosed tack/feed shed. Appliances included Refrigerator, Built-in dishwasher, Microwave, & Washer & Dryer. Huge unfinished room over the 3-car garage could be made into a family room, additional bedrooms, endless possibilities! Access door could be made thru up-stairs bathroom. Access to it right now is through the crawl space in the kitchen. Property is located in a new area. Close to shopping, dining, entertainment, hospital, Superstation Mountain, hiking trails, and horse trails.

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4026 W Bluefield Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308

$599,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,357 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778290

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Huge Swimming Pool Oasis Back Yard, 13,743 sqft lot. Updated Split Floorplan. Northern Glendale, desirable location. Welcome Home to your split floorplan boasting 5 bedrooms 3 full baths. Walk into the formal entry and step inside to an open and bright layout. Primary room with its own private court yard to enjoy some sunshine. New carpet in secondary bedrooms, updated large tile marble look floors, freshly painted and recently remodeled kitchen that steps outside into entertainers dream, large oasis grassy back yard with lush fruit trees and huge patio gazebo to enjoy out door living while you relax in your swimming pool! Conveniently located to the north 101, shopping, restaurants, schools all within easy distance from this amazing. Very large RV gated parking and more room to grow.

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19028 N 88th Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$599,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,307 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778807

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You will not want to miss this opportunity to enjoy this one of a kind Malibu model with panoramic Golf views! This home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bath! Front bedroom is perfect for your at home office or crafts room. Soaring vaulted ceilings throughout. Formal living and dining room or open it up to make your perfect great room. Living room looks out to your patio, pond and golf views. Kitchen with eat-in kitchen area is great for your smaller gatherings. Head to the back patio with large covered area, pond and those views! New roof underlayment done in 2020 and HVAC in 2023. Westbrook Village features 2 18-hole championship golf courses, 2 heated swimming pools, workout facility, pickleball, tennis, crafts, card clubs and so much more

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2435 E Jensen Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$599,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,991 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772031

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this impeccably remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spanning 1,990 sqft of elegant, modern living. Home includes newer windows, roof, flooring, paint, and more! The spacious primary suite is a true retreat with a remodeled en-suite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. A secondary bedroom also features its own walk-in closet, providing ample storage. The gourmet kitchen impresses with a deep walk-in pantry, sleek countertops, and beautiful cabinetry. Outside, enjoy a private backyard space ideal for entertaining or unwinding under mature trees. This home seamlessly blends style and functionmove-in ready with every detail thoughtfully updated!

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907 E Encinas Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$599,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,699 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696710

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Dramatic price reduction!! Rare basement home in the highly desired Circle G Meadows community. Just a few minutes from all of the attractions of downtown Gilbert. Close to FREESTONE PARK, shopping, restaurants and freeways. This beautiful BASEMENT home features a formal living room, open eat in kitchen with island and bay window with family room. The basement has two additional bedrooms, full bath, living room & fireplace. The backyard offers a private pool with covered patio area & a mature grapefruit producing tree. Homes in this desired area do not last long!

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15228 W Elm Street Goodyear, AZ 85395

Open House

$599,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,290 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783932

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great opportunity for this clean home in the heart of Palm Valley! NEW A/C unit! Spacious split floorplan. Formal living and dining rooms. Large kitchen open to dining and family room. Master suite features a dual sink vanity & separate shower and garden tub. 2 refrigerators, washer and dryer included. 3 car garage. Private, oversized corner lot. RV gate with large side yard. North /south exposure and much more!

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28614 N Sunset Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

Open House

$599,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,997 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780404

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your DREAM home is here in Johnson Ranch! This gorgeous 4-bed, 3-bath property sits on a large lot of a cul-de-sac with NO neighbors behind. Its charm starts with a desert landscape, stone accent details, front porch, RV gate, and a 3-car tandem garage w/cabinetry & extended driveway. The inviting interior is filled with natural light, complemented by a neutral palette, archways, and tile & soft carpet in all the right places. With separate living & family rooms, you have versatile spaces for relaxation and gatherings. The impressive eat-in kitchen features SS appliances, quartz counters, travertine tile backsplash, recessed lighting, ample wood cabinets, and a center island. Completing the downstairs, you have 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, double-door den, & a storage room under the stairs. Head upstairs to find the other well-appointed bedrooms, along with a loft that can be a play/TV area! Enter the owner's suite to find a cozy sitting room and an ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. But the true highlight is the spacious backyard! Designed for entertaining, showcasing an outdoor kitchen w/sitting bar, putting green, multiple seating areas, artificial turf, and a sparkling pool for year-round enjoyment. The storage shed & garden beds are added perks. What's not to like? Pack your bags and move in!

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