As soon as the family received their assignment to Montgomery, they prioritized finding a school over a home. The reasoning was that they needed to determine which neighborhood to live in based on the school their child would attend. Many people approach the situation in this order.

Among Korean parents in Montgomery, two schools are frequently mentioned: St. James School and Montgomery Academy. According to niche standards, St. James serves 855 students from PK to 12th grade, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1, and the tuition for the highest grade is $18,476. Montgomery Academy has 627 students from K to 12th grade, a student-to-teacher ratio of 6 to 1, and tuition of $20,296.

Both schools report a 100 percent college acceptance rate for graduates. This figure suggests that the goal is not just college admission, but that the preparation process is already well-structured. According to Private School Review data, the average acceptance rate for private high schools in Montgomery County is 95 percent, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 87 percent.

Pike Road is often mentioned as a neighborhood close to these schools. According to Zillow, the average home value in March 2026 is $404,269, which is a 1.8 percent increase from the previous year, and Redfin reports that the median sale price in June 2026 is $461,713, up 7.4 percent from the previous year. This places the prices between the $400,000 and $460,000 range, which is not a significant deviation.

This data indicates that Pike Road is noticeably more expensive than the average in downtown Montgomery. This reflects the reputation of the school district and community in the pricing. However, if you plan to send your child to a private school, it is not necessary to live in Pike Road; finding a neighborhood within a reasonable commuting distance that fits your budget is also a practical choice.

From an investor's perspective looking for rental income, neighborhoods with high private school enrollment rates tend to have stable rental demand. However, in areas like Pike Road, where prices have already risen, it is essential to carefully calculate the return on investment at the time of purchase. It is safer to consider the purchase price in relation to rental rates rather than assuming prices will continue to rise.

For families who have just immigrated from Korea and are preparing to settle down, managing both tuition and housing budgets can be overwhelming. In such cases, it may be reasonable to rent for the first year to experience the actual commuting conditions and curriculum of both schools before deciding on a purchase.

Families coming from other states may find Alabama's property tax system unfamiliar. While the tax rate is generally considered low, there can be additional fees based on school districts, so budgeting based on the previous state may lead to discrepancies. Please check with the Montgomery County tax authority for the exact tax rate.

The family that prioritized choosing a school before moving ultimately decided to start renting within the St. James School district, planning to experience the area for about a year before making a purchase decision. Changing the order of priorities can also be a viable strategy.

Since both schools have admission processes, it seems wise to mark the application deadlines on the calendar before the moving date to avoid mistakes. This is especially important if moving during the school year, as it is advisable to prepare transfer documents in advance.

By continuously monitoring the price movements in Pike Road compared to the previous year, a trend is emerging where there are disparities between new construction areas and existing neighborhoods. If you have a set budget, comparing both types can broaden your options. Additionally, looking at listings in downtown Montgomery can provide more choices within your budget.

School district boundaries and admission requirements can change annually, so it is advisable to check directly with the schools before making a purchase or contract. This is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before proceeding.