Recently, there has been a noticeable trend in Sacramento where families are moving to specific neighborhoods due to school assignments for their children. Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School and Crocker Riverside Elementary School have both received top ratings on the local school evaluation site, PublicSchoolReview.com, leading to an increase in families considering moving near these schools.

When comparing the two schools side by side, Phoebe Hearst Elementary School has 75 percent of its students reaching proficiency in math and 87 percent in reading, while Crocker Riverside Elementary School has similar high achievement levels with 81 percent in math and 79 percent in reading. Nearby William Land Elementary School also ranks similarly, with 66 percent in math and 70 percent in reading. In contrast, the overall average for Sacramento public schools is 26 percent in math and 38 percent in reading, highlighting that these schools are exceptional cases that significantly exceed the local average. With a total of 545 schools, including 265 elementary schools, such top-performing schools are a minority in Sacramento.

In areas where evaluations vary, Korean families often consider the accessibility of living infrastructure as well. The Asian population in Sacramento is reported to be 20.1 percent, but specific statistics for the Korean population are hard to find, and I will provide that information separately as soon as it becomes available. However, it is clear that the recent opening of H Mart, a large Korean supermarket, as the first store in Sacramento indicates a growing infrastructure for the Korean community.

Looking at housing prices, the median home value in Sacramento is confirmed to be $506,300, which has increased by 4.48 percent compared to the previous year as of 2024. The most recent figures are noted to be from 2024, as it is difficult to confirm more current data at the time of the survey. Compared to major cities in California, prices remain relatively low, making this an attractive factor for families moving from other states or the Bay Area. Considering the national trend where areas with good school districts have home prices that are 10 to 30 percent higher than those without, it is likely that the areas near these two schools are trading at levels above the city median.

For families contemplating whether to stay in a rental or transition to buying, areas with stable and high evaluations in school districts may offer more predictable long-term choices. Conversely, if the duration of residence is short or there is a possibility of moving, renting may be more advantageous in terms of financial liquidity.

Families moving from other states to Sacramento should also consider that California's property tax assessment method differs from that of their previous residence. Property tax rates can vary by county, so it is advisable to verify this directly before signing any contracts. Monthly repayment amounts can vary significantly based on mortgage rates, so it is recommended to refer to the average rate trends published by Freddie Mac and consult with a loan advisor.

School district boundaries can change over time, so if you are interested in a property, please verify the assigned school for that address through GreatSchools or the school district's website. For families newly settled from Korea, it is safer to refer to general information regarding visa or tax residency procedures and consult with an immigration attorney or accountant for individual circumstances.

The market prices and school evaluations mentioned in this article are reference materials based on the time of the survey and are not investment or legal advice. It is advisable to consult with professionals before making any actual contracts.