A family with two children is looking for a home near Boston. Their budget is around $4,000 per month. They are debating whether to rent or to buy with a mortgage. The reason they are considering Lexington is simple: the school district.

Lexington High School received a perfect score of 10 out of 10 on GreatSchools. According to Niche, it ranks 4th among public high schools in Massachusetts and 3rd overall in the school district, with an A+ rating. The average rating from 449 reviews is 3.87 out of 5. Both metrics are based on test scores, college readiness, and student growth. What these two metrics indicate is clear: Lexington has consistently maintained a high level of academic achievement within Massachusetts. However, school district boundaries can vary even with just one road in between, so being in the same zip code does not automatically place you in this assigned area.

Starting with renting lowers the initial burden. However, the rental prices in this area already reflect a school district premium, meaning that even after living there for several years, it won't contribute to asset accumulation. Choosing to buy, on the other hand, comes with significant down payment and closing costs. According to Zillow, the average home value in Lexington is $1,626,351, which has increased by 2.3% over the past year. As of the end of May 2026, the median sale price was recorded at $1,531,167. Areas with good school districts tend to have home prices that are 10 to 30 percent higher than those in less desirable districts, and Lexington is no exception to this trend.

For investors looking for rental income, different calculations are necessary. In areas where home prices are already high, the ratio of purchase price to rent tends to decrease, often resulting in a lower cap rate. It cannot be assumed that the school district premium will be maintained in the future, and results may vary depending on interest rates and market conditions, so it is safer to also consider rental demand and vacancy rates.

If a Korean family is considering this area, it would be worthwhile to look into the community infrastructure as well. According to census data, the Korean population in Lexington is 3.54 percent. Considering that the total Korean population in Massachusetts is 36,353, this is not a low percentage, and expanding the radius to nearby Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline improves access to Korean churches, markets, and tutoring centers. The tutoring centers tend to be places that help with exam preparation, so many families plan their commuting routes according to their children's academic schedules.

Families coming from other states should also be aware of the unique conditions in Massachusetts. Property tax rates and homeowners insurance premiums are often calculated differently than in previous residences, and tax rates are set at the town level rather than the county level, which can be unfamiliar. Closing procedures and escrow practices also vary slightly from state to state, so if you plan your schedule based on your previous residence, it may take longer than expected. School district boundaries can vary by address, so be sure to verify whether a specific address actually falls within the Lexington High School district before signing a contract.

For families who have recently moved from Korea, having a short credit history can also be a variable. Mortgage approval in the U.S. considers credit scores, income verification, and employment duration, so if you have just started working or have a short credit card history, it may be difficult to get approved under desired conditions. Many families choose to rent for about 6 months to a year to build up their banking transactions and credit history before transitioning to buying. Getting pre-approved for a loan first allows you to gauge a realistic price range, so you won't be swayed when viewing properties.

Whether renting or buying is the right choice depends on your length of stay and financial plans. If you plan to stay briefly, renting may be better, while buying seems to be a more realistic option for long-term settlement. However, this is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with real estate professionals and tax advisors before finalizing any contracts.