A family was looking to move near Boston, primarily for their child's school. They considered Lexington. However, they paused when they saw the private school tuition rates, which approached $40,000 a year.

This refers to Lexington Christian Academy, which serves grades 6 through 12. The total enrollment is 331 students. The annual tuition is $38,150. That's certainly not a small amount. However, the college acceptance rate for graduates is 100 percent. Recent graduates have gone on to schools like MIT, Princeton, Northeastern, Babson, Boston College, the University of Connecticut, and Villanova. This is a noteworthy statistic for parents looking to verify college admission success. The school offers both AP and honors courses, as well as a college counseling system that includes SAT preparation and assistance with college essays.

Lexington also has its own public school district. The Lexington public school district is well-known in Massachusetts for its academic achievement. As a result, many families weigh the options between private schools and the public district. However, school district boundaries can change each year. It's advisable to check which school a specific address is assigned to before finalizing a home purchase.

Another surprising aspect is the housing prices. According to Zillow, as of May 2026, the average home value in Lexington is $1,626,351, which is a 2.3 percent increase from the previous year. The median sale price at the same time was $1,531,167. While there is a commute to downtown Boston, considering the school district and accessibility to schools helps explain this price range.

Renting is also an option. According to RentCafe, as of August 2026, the monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Lexington ranges from $2,250 to $5,251. As of March 2026, the average rent was around $3,701. Based on Freddie Mac's data, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate as of August 20, 2026, is 6.65 percent. When calculating monthly payments based on the average sale price, the costs are significantly higher than typical rent. Therefore, some families choose to rent in the school district first to experience the area before deciding on a purchase based on their child's grade or family situation.

In areas like Lexington, where the school district's reputation is strong, some people consider investing. However, it's important to note that these areas often have a significant school district premium reflected in the prices. When looking solely at rental yields, they may be lower than in other suburban areas. Even if one expects to gain from price appreciation, it cannot be assumed that prices will always rise. It's wise to review recent market trends and inventory levels before making a purchase.

Families moving from out of state should also familiarize themselves with Massachusetts's property tax structure, as tax rates and exemptions vary by state. If a budget is set based solely on the previous state, the numbers may not align when closing approaches. Some families choose to rent first to assess the schools and commuting conditions before transitioning to a purchase. In either case, it's important to include both tuition and housing costs in the budget calculations.

Lexington Christian Academy has an admissions process that requires SSAT scores, recommendations, and an interview. Applications typically begin in the fall before the intended year of admission, so if you're considering the next academic year, it's best to prepare documents at least six months in advance. There are also schools like Belmont Hill School nearby, where tuition reaches $63,000, indicating a significant variation in tuition across schools.

This article does not constitute investment or legal advice. Both tuition and market prices can change over time. Before finalizing any contracts, it's advisable to verify school assignments and the latest market prices, and consult with real estate and tax professionals if necessary.