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

16728 W Saguaro Park Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$579,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,529 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770954

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender. The Parklane floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a 4' garage extension, no-step walk-in shower, and 8' interior doors. Additional highlights include built-in appliances, quartz kitchen countertops, a gas stub in the kitchen, a backyard perfect for BBQs, and a gas dryer connection in the laundry.

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16405 W Desert Mirage Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$579,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754285

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the stunning Topaz with 4 bedrooms + study and 3 full baths. Multi slide door off the great room that leads out to the extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven, micro, and hood. Barnett Maple ''Boulder-(Gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer with two bins. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen tops. Stainless steel under mount single bowl sink in the kitchen. DT Broxburn Gray 6x24 plank floor with 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' door casings. 8' garage door with two remotes and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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16421 W Desert Mirage Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$579,990

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,224 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784421

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! Crimson floor plan sitting on a lot that is north/south exposure and backs to landscape area - NO two story homes on either side. Great room concept with 3 bedrooms + den with 2.5 baths and a 3 car garage. Paver drive, walk and entry. Extended covered patio perfect for entertaining. Bay window at owner's suite. Sonoma Maple Linen-off white cabinets with matte black hardware, 42'' kitchen uppers and a pull out trash drawer. Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, micro and hood. AZT Quartz tawny countertops in kitchen and all baths except powder bath. Upgrade flooring includes Beaumont Olmo 7x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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29317 N 31st Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$579,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

1,953 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746684

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-story home features ample space for growing families. Four bedrooms are lined up in a neat row, including the owner's suite, while an additional bedroom near the entry offers an ideal space for overnight guests. An open floorplan hosts the kitchen, dining room and Great Room with a spacious covered patio attached. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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15635 W Montecito Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$579,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,083 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738508

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your DREAM home is here in Palm Valley! Bright & light interior showcases neutral paint, recessed lighting, and tile & soft carpet t/out. Featuring a spacious living/dining room and a separate family room w/SURROUND SOUND, you have ideal spaces for relaxation or gatherings! The large kitchen boasts granite counters, a walk-in pantry, a breakfast bar, cozy nook, wood cabinetry w/crown molding, & courtyard access. All bedrooms await upstairs! Oversized main bedroom has a double-door entry, BALCONY access, & a SEATING room! Its ensuite includes dual sinks, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. Discover the entertainer's backyard with a covered patio, lush lawn, well-laid pavers, & a fenced pool for year-round enjoyment! Plenty of room for ALL your TOYS w/ and RV GATE & 3 CAR GARAGE. WOW!

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1205 W Golden Ore Pass Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$579,920

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765389

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

REDUCED! Experience the unique offerings of this home and buying journey. Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock. The single-story Agave design, presents an open-concept floorplan featuring an inviting kitchen and a bright great room with a separate dining area that seamlessly connects to the private, covered outdoor room. The 3-car garage leads to a convenient drop zone, flex room/office, and more. $57,000 in upgrades are included. ***Special financing options are available.*** Blossom Rock's amenities are designed to inspire outdoor living, including community parks, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, signature events, and more. Moreover, perfect blend of tranquility and adventure to enrich your everyday life.

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26966 N 168th Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$579,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,422 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780140

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FORMER MODEL HOME! This exquisite 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, single story gem boasting an open concept layout, spacious study, gourmet kitchen, and a center meet 12ft sliding glass door, inviting you out to a fully completed backyard, perfect for entertaining and relaxation! This home is beautifully finished with high-end details throughout, showcasing the latest in modern design. Smart Home technology enhancements that promote comfort and convenience, allowing you to control your environment with ease. Don't miss the chance to own this stunning model home, offering both luxury and functionality in every space! Furniture is not included, but may be offered for an additional fee.

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3487 E Delcoa Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$579,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,595 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738440

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow this stunning and turn key home offers all the bells and whistles. home was used as a secondary residence and highly successful short term rentals with the reviews and revenue to prove it. home features updated kitchen, flooring, pool, jacuzzi, designer touches throughout and owner willing to sell with all furniture making this a turn key property.

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20616 N Ventana Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

$579,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,019 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750555

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

2024 OWNED solar! Years w/free electricity & NO loan pmt; 2024 NEW Roof underlayment. 2021 NEW HVAC. Invitingly spacious & delightfully updated home featuring 2 bedrooms w/walk-in closets, 2 updated bathrooms (new walk-in shower in Primary Bath) plus ofc/3rd bed. Filled w/light, elegant finishes & many extras! A tranquil interior pallet of natural hues & tones provides an ideal setting to enjoy the SW lifestyle. Live the Arizona dream as you view stunning sunrises & sunsets from your backyard, surrounded by vibrant colorful landscaping, covered tile patio, exquisite fountain, landscape lighting & misting system that will compliment any outdoor experience. Updated kitchen w/SS appliances, RO, pull-out shelves, island w/drawers, soft close cabinets. Whole home water filtration/softener. Residents in the Ventana Lakes Community enjoy friendly neighbors, four pools, jetted spas, fitness center, sports courts, catch and release fishing & a variety of clubs and activities.

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20148 N 109th Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

$579,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,246 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762784

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW ROOF, JUST ADDED! With a warranty! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a beautifully renovated gem in the highly sought-after Ventana Lakes community! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is perfectly situated on a sprawling 16,000 square-foot cul-de-sac lot, offering ample space and privacy. The home has been completely transformed with modern upgrades, including brand-new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, sleek quartz countertops, freshly painted cabinets, new hardware, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, updated lighting and fans, modern plumbing fixtures, baseboards, and more! As you step inside, you'll immediately be greeted by the soaring vaulted ceilings and an abundance of natural light that fills every corner of this open and airy space. The tranquil atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for both entertaining guests and enjoying peaceful moments at home. The highly desirable Ventana Lakes community offers more than just a homeit's a lifestyle. Enjoy the scenic walking paths winding around nine beautiful lakes, catch-and-release fishing in fully stocked waters, and a wealth of amenities including pickleball courts, four community pools, tennis courts, and a well-equipped clubhouse with a fitness center and rooms for classes and activities. This home embodies the perfect blend of comfort, style, and community living. Come see it for yourself before it's gone!

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11337 E Unger Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$579,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,074 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771730

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover modern living with stunning mountain views in this beautifully upgraded Ashton Woods home at Destination at Gateway, built in 2022. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full baths, plus a versatile den/flex space, this home offers everything you need. The open-concept design features wood-like tile floors throughout, a large center sliding door for seamless indoor-outdoor living, and kitchen includes sleek shaker cabinets, built-in Roku lighting, and quartz countertops. Why wait for a new build when this home is move-in ready and feels brand new? Ideally located near the new Fry's, and major freeways (24, 202, and 60), with access to excellent school districts. A must-see in a prime location!

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25809 S Cloverland Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$579,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,127 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773972

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home!!! This gorgeous 3 bedroom 2 bath home at the desirable 55+ active adult community of Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes is in a fantastic location. Close to restaurants, shopping, parks, multiple golf courses & easy access to the I-10 Fwy. You'll love the layout of this home. Your kitchen offers stainless steel appliances (new dishwasher), tiled granite counter tops, a breakfast bar, filtered water & plenty of cabinetry for storage & organization. Your spacious master suite offers a plethora of natural light, a dual vanity & a tiled walk in shower w/grab bar. This golf course lot home also offers ceiling fans, a dry bar, a 2 car garage with epoxy flooring, a water softener, a work bench & cabinets for extra storage & organization. Your low maintenance backyard offers extended pavers & a view fence that looks out over the 6th hole of the Cottonwood Country Club. Your active adult community offers a clubhouse, golfing, tennis & pickleball courts, a fitness center, lap & swimming pools to enjoy, as well as many clubs & social activities to be apart of. This gem in the desert is a Great Buy & a Must See!!! **Furniture is available on a separate bill of sale.

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