When looking for a home in New York, there's a question you hear more often than "Where is your job?"

It's "Where do you plan to send your kids to school?"

Especially for families with children, many prioritize school districts over commute times, and home prices vary significantly based on this criterion.

In conversations with friends living in New York, I often hear that neighborhoods with good schools consistently have high demand, regardless of the economy.

In Manhattan, the Upper West Side is a prominent school district area. It is home to highly rated public schools like PS 166 Richard Rodgers School, PS 87 William Sherman School, and MS 44 William J. O'Shea. The education quality is excellent, and the cultural facilities are abundant, making it a great environment for children's education, but the prices are the biggest barrier. Co-op apartments require a significant budget, and condos often sell for much higher prices. It's not without reason that it's considered one of the hardest areas to enter in New York.

If you're looking for a more realistic option, Forest Hills in Queens is often mentioned. This area, part of District 28, has well-regarded public schools like PS 101 The School in the Gardens, and most importantly, it offers convenient access to the E, F, M, and R subway lines to Manhattan. While single-family homes and townhouses are not cheap, they are much more reasonably priced compared to Manhattan, maintaining steady popularity.

In Brooklyn, Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights are must-mentions. Schools in District 20 have stable ratings, and many people prefer the quiet atmosphere of older neighborhoods that are family-oriented. It's often said to be a good place to raise kids, with a well-established living infrastructure that isn't as hectic as Manhattan. Home prices are often similar to those in popular areas of Queens.

Surprisingly, many families looking for value choose Tottenville in Staten Island. While still within New York City, it has a high percentage of single-family homes, making it relatively easy to find houses with yards. There are quite a few schools rated well by GreatSchools, and housing prices are lower than in other boroughs, making it consistently appealing for families looking to buy their first home. However, the long commute time to Manhattan should be taken into account.

Among Korean families, there's a slightly different trend. The areas frequently mentioned are Bayside and Douglaston in Queens. District 26 is known for its high educational standards in New York City, with schools like PS 203 Oakland Gardens, PS 221 North Hills, and MS 67 Louis Pasteur consistently receiving good ratings. As a result, many families living in Flushing consider moving to these areas when their children reach elementary school age.

Of course, home prices are not easy to handle. Bayside and Douglaston also have high price ranges within Queens, but many believe they are still worth considering compared to Manhattan. The relative stability of home prices due to the school districts is also seen as an attractive factor.

People who have lived in New York for a long time often say, "Good school districts ultimately protect home values." Indeed, areas with good school districts tend to maintain steady demand even during economic downturns, and families moving in for their children's education are often a constant influx. Therefore, if you view a home not just as an investment but as a space for your family to live long-term, checking the school district is an essential factor.

Ultimately, when choosing a home in New York, it's important to first check which school district it belongs to, rather than focusing solely on square footage or interior design. Even within New York City, a single school can change home values, alter neighborhood atmospheres, and impact long-term asset values, making the saying "school districts equal real estate" feel far from exaggerated.