I have seen families struggling for weeks over whether to endure a 40-minute commute or move closer to the school. In the past, many families accepted the commute, but now more are choosing to relocate near the school. Some made the decision after seeing their child looking tired, while others decided to save commuting time for after-school activities.

A well-known school among Korean parents in San Jose is The Harker School. This private school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with tuition for upper grades at $64,800 per year, middle school at $59,450, and elementary school at $49,900.

There are three main factors to consider. First is the college admission record. For graduates from 2023 to 2025, 26.67 percent were admitted to the top 50 colleges in the U.S., and 35.17 percent to the top 25 colleges, with 9.67 percent admitted to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT combined.

The second factor is academic performance. The average SAT score is 1500, and the graduation rate is 100 percent. The evaluation agency Niche rated it 4.2 out of 5 and gave it an A+ grade, ranking it 4th among California STEM-focused high schools. STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, indicating a strong curriculum in these areas.

The third factor is the commuting distance. The school is located on Saratoga Avenue in downtown San Jose, and many families report that if the one-way commute exceeds 30 minutes, the burden of commuting becomes noticeably heavier. This is why families consistently choose to move closer to the school.

So, what are the housing prices in the San Jose area near the school? The average home value is $1,391,204 (Zillow, as of July 31, 2026, down 1.1 percent from the previous year). The median sale price over the last three months is reported to be around $1.5 million (according to Redfin). Since specific rental prices were not confirmed in this survey, it is safer to check with local property management for accurate rental costs.

In the past, there was a strong perception that Silicon Valley home prices would only continue to rise, but current data shows a mix of gradual adjustments. Therefore, it is difficult to definitively say that now is the lowest point or that prices will keep rising. If considering a purchase, it is safer to first clarify your living plans rather than focusing solely on short-term price trends.

San Jose has a high income level due to the large number of tech industry workers, but salary structures with significant stock options or bonuses may be treated differently than regular salaries in mortgage loan assessments. Consulting with a loan officer in advance can help gauge the actual loan amount you may qualify for.

If you are a family moving from another state, it is advisable to calculate that California's property tax and insurance structures may differ from your previous residence. If considering nearby public school districts, be sure to check the assigned schools based on your address.

In San Jose, many families choose neighborhoods by comparing both private school and public school district options, considering their budget and commuting distance. Especially for families with multiple children, the total tuition can increase significantly, so it is not uncommon to mix private and public school options.

There are significant differences in school district reputations and housing prices within San Jose. Even with the same budget, the range of available properties can vary depending on which school district you consider, so narrowing down your interests to two or three districts and comparing listings can save time.

Mortgage rates can be referenced from average indicators published weekly by Freddie Mac, but they can fluctuate significantly, so it is best to check the latest rates at the time of your loan consultation. Whether a fixed or adjustable rate is more advantageous can depend on how long you plan to stay.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before making any actual contracts or applications.