Should I buy a house across the street from an elementary school?

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Should I buy a house across the street from an elementary school?

Danny Farrell
Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 61 posts · 15 votes

I'm considering purchasing a duplex...good neighborhood, nice property, but I'm hesitant because it's right across the street from an elementary school. I would be living in one unit and renting the other. I imagine that the traffic and noise at certain times of the day may be a nuisance. Anyone have any experience/advice on the situation? Any other pros or cons with living across from a school?

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Jason D.
Rental Property Investor · St. Petersburg, FL · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
8y
Seems like an idea spot for a rental. It's only busy at 8am and 3pm. If it's a good school it's a huge selling point for a parent to be able to watch their child all the way to the front door of school
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  • Jason D.
    Rental Property Investor · St. Petersburg, FL · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    8y
    Seems like an idea spot for a rental. It's only busy at 8am and 3pm. If it's a good school it's a huge selling point for a parent to be able to watch their child all the way to the front door of school
    3Reply
  • Patrick LiskaPro Member
    Investor · Verona, NJ · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 832 votes
    8y

    Have to agree with @Jason D. that's a big plus in being able to rent it. people like to live close by schools, especially if your town has more than one elementary school, sometimes they like to buy as close to " the better one" as they can.

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  • Christine Kankowski
    Real Estate Broker · Temecula, CA · Member since 2014 · 994 posts · 783 votes
    8y

    I lived in front of an elementary school and it was great.  15 minutes early and 15 minutes at 2:45 were the only down side.  Not too many evening activities at the elementary level unlike the middle or high school.  No student drivers.  Total plus when I had little kids.  

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  • Scott TrenchPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    8y

    I own two properties within eyesight of an elementary school, and both were house-hacks. I think its fantastic. I loved living in both of them. One of the great things about being next to an elementary school, is that the properties were in "up and coming" areas of my city. 

    Nobody is dealing drugs or committing violent crimes within 1,000 feet of an elementary school. Aside from the much higher penalties that sometimes come with committing crimes in close proximity to an elementary school, the schools are heavily policed. 

    I think that I'd start to get a little more hesitant about investing next to a high school, particularly in areas that are not "A" or "B" areas. I don't want high school kids (or even middle school kids) to be walking past my property with nothing to do every day, especially if nobody is home with tenants with day jobs. But elementary school kids? No problem. 

    Rather than avoid being near elementary schools, I see being near them as a plus. As @Christine Kankowski mentions, it does get a little busy in the morning and afternoon with pickup and drop off. But other than that, no problems. 

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  • Danny Farrell
    OP
    Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 61 posts · 15 votes
    8y

    Great, thank you for the input everyone...super helpful!

    BTW, @Scott Trench, I just read your book "Set For Life" and loved it!

    1Reply
  • Liz Daigle
    Denver, CO · Member since 2017 · 15 posts · 8 votes
    8y

    One of my rentals is a block away from an elementary school and I have to agree with everyone else - it has been a total plus. It attracts small families that want to be able to walk their kids to school. Good luck!

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  • Michael Plante
    Deland, FL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y

    lived across the street from an elementary school

    Was a great place to let out dog run after school and on the weekends 

    1Reply
  • Danny Farrell
    OP
    Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 61 posts · 15 votes
    8y

    Great, thanks so much for the info everyone. I'm gonna take your advice and go for it :)

    0Reply
  • David Gonzalez
    Realtor · Camarillo, CA · Member since 2014 · 162 posts · 102 votes
    8y

    I wouldn't buy in front of a school because of the traffic. Parents want to be near a school not in front of the school. When it comes time to sell you will have to sell at a lower price point compared to your neighbors. 

    The only exception I would make is if the home was in a fantastic school district and/or school and it was priced lower then a similar home further away. Parents love great schools and they are willing to live in an expensive home/apartment with substandard/lower quality of life in order to send their kids to the school. Those homes go up in CF and value regardless of the traffic issues.

    1Reply
  • Ken Haptor
    Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    If you're still unsure, it may be helpful to work with a real estate agent who is familiar with the area and can provide more insight. Overall, I think it's definitely worth considering this duplex as a potential investment.

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  • Raynat Winters
    Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    While there may be some traffic and noise during certain times of the day, there are also some potential benefits to living in such close proximity to a school.

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  • Raynat Winters
    Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    For one, you may have a greater sense of community with families in the area, and you may even find it easier to make friends with other parents. Additionally, living close to a school could be a great selling point if you ever decide to sell the property in the future. If you're interested in other properties in the area, you might want to check out https://lentorhillsresidences-lentorhillsroad.sg/. You could also speak with some of the current residents in the area to get their perspective on living across from a school.

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