Choosing a home - where are the good schools?

Choosing a school for your children is a difficult task, and one that determines a lot of other things, like where to live. Renting a home in the wrong school district can be fixed by moving, but buying in the wrong district can make life tough for many years. Public schools can be of very mixed quality, and private schools can be expensive and may not have places available.

Many StreetAdvisor community members comment on the local schools in their street reviews, and this information is extremely valuable. Here are some of the comments about schools.

At SW Terrace Drive, Portland, Oregon, United States (StreetScore 88.20) reesereese says:

"Terrace drive is a dead end, located just off of Vista Avenue, which transports one straight up the hill from the downtown core area or trendy NW into lush Portland Heights. Homeowners take pride in their neighborhood. There are medium range homes and homes that sell for several million...all are well maintained...some grand and gorgeous and others quaint and charming. The school district is A-Rated!!! (says a lot about the community as well).

There are miles and miles of trails for hiking, a central boutique grocery and a homey neighborhood cafe and bar. Drop down the hill and in five minutes you are surrounded by fabulous shops, clubs, bars and restaurants located on 23rd and in the very hip and trendy Pearl District."

At Cascade Drive NW, Marietta, Georgia, United States (StreetScore 75.44) cubby60b says that it is a:

"Nice quiet street just off the Marietta square. Great place to raise a family with many family-friendly features such as sidewalks, great schools and local parks."

At Sanborn Road, Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, United States (StreetScore 73.42) Olslj says:

"We have a few comfortable houses along a quiet street through the forest cover. Cyclists let out gasps of wonder as they head down the hill towards the bridge crossing the Taylor River. Fall color and natural beauty abound. Walkers and joggers on the street talk happily together and greet each other when they meet. Fitness and family are priorities.

Peace and quiet are prime features, but commuting access is very good (10 minutes to a highway/20 minutes to the bus station/15 minutes to the Amtrak Station/25 minutes to the commuter rail) and shopping is diverse and plentiful in any one of at least 10 shopping hubs within 10 to 40 minutes drive time.

Arts and culture opportunities in addition to those in Boston are sprinkled throughout the area for those who take the time to find them. Schools are strong. Grocery shopping has quality, variety, and pricing as good or better than we've found anywhere in our travels in the US."

At Chadwick Road, Marietta, Cobb, Georgia, United States (StreetScore 83.25) bamama says:

"This is a great street with fantastic neighbors. The area is very quiet, clean and homeowners are house proud. There is mature landscaping with primarily 4br residences. The schools are fantastic, top rated schools. There is ease in getting to schools, parks, recreation, retail establishments, etc. Fantastic - and I've been known to be VERY picky."

At Fewster Road, Hampton, Victoria, Australia (StreetScore 83.81) jlr says:

"Great street with easy access to Nepean Hwy for commuters. Close to two train lines (Sandringham and Frankston Lines). Amazing schools (both private and public) and a good range of Day Care facilities within walking distance. The parks in the street and neighboring street are great for kids of all ages.

There are sports clubs (cricket/netball/football etc) although these activities can make weekend on street parking a little bit of a headache. Hampton Street has great shopping and a wonderful village vibe. Good coffee, nice boutiques, everything you need. Southland Shopping Centre is a 15 minute drive away."

All these are good news stories, and we're glad that many people are able to find good schools for their kids. However, not everyone is so fortunate.

At SR-520, Cocoa, Florida, United States (StreetScore 19.59) Kathypat says:

"I had to place my children in private school, because at the public school they went to, they all got bullied by their classmates that were in gangs. The schools in this area are rated as one of the worst in Brevard County."

At Greenwich Lane, Dallas, Texas, United States (StreetScore 83.46) joe says:

"Most of the children attend private or parochial schools. The local public schools are unfortunately mediocre. The French/international school is only blocks away and the best private schools in the city are nearby."

What advice about local schools do you have for the people about to move into that vacant place next door? Log into StreetAdvisor.com and tell us what it is like to live on your street.