Even when sending children to the same school, the situation can vary depending on which town you settle in. This is evident in the story of a family contemplating between Demarest and its neighbor Closter. Both towns are assigned to the Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest campus.

Starting with this school, it has a GreatSchools rating of 10 out of 10. In simpler terms, this means it ranks among the best in the state. In fact, Niche rated the Northern Valley Regional School District as the top district in New Jersey. With 1,038 students, the student-to-teacher ratio is 10 to 1, and 78 percent of students are proficient in math and 80 percent in reading based on state testing standards. When comparing GreatSchools and Niche side by side, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the school. GreatSchools focuses on test scores and college readiness, while Niche adds parent and student reviews to its ratings.

Despite being assigned to the same school, housing prices differ between Demarest and Closter. According to Zillow, the average home value in Demarest is $1,566,155, which has increased by 17.2 percent in one year. According to Homes.com, the median sale price is $1,670,000. Closter's average home value is lower, at around $1,181,658 according to Zillow. This means there is a budget difference of over $300,000 even within the same school district.

If families are considering private schools, the nearby Dwight-Englewood School also becomes a comparison point. Located in Englewood, Bergen County, the tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $59,235 annually for grades 6 through 12. About 40.58 percent of graduates go on to top 50 colleges. The absence of tuition costs in public school districts and the smaller class sizes of private schools may prioritize different factors for each family. The commuting distance is also an important consideration. Choosing a public school allows for school bus transportation, while attending a private school often requires parents to manage daily drop-offs and pick-ups.

There are also considerations for renting between the two towns. Both Demarest and Closter are primarily single-family home towns, so rental listings are relatively scarce. It's better to check specific rental prices on Apartments.com or RentCafe. From an investment perspective, both towns consistently carry a school district premium, but it cannot be assumed that home prices will continue to rise, so risks should be assessed. When deciding between renting and buying, it's wise to consider how long you plan to stay in the area.

Whether moving within New Jersey or from another state, property taxes need to be calculated separately. New Jersey has one of the highest property tax rates in the country. Even if the home prices are similar in both towns, the property tax rates may differ, so it's best to check with the Bergen County Tax Office for specific addresses.

When purchasing a home, in addition to the sale price, closing costs and home insurance should also be considered. Since both towns have many single-family homes, it's advisable to check the condition of aging systems like roofs or boilers during the inspection before signing a contract, in addition to fire insurance. Closing costs can vary between lenders and title companies, so it's a good idea to get estimates in advance.

Monthly mortgage payments may vary more between the two towns depending on fluctuations in interest rates. It's best to check the latest rates from Freddie Mac for accurate information. Both towns are within commuting distance to Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge, but Demarest is slightly further in, making Closter's access to commercial areas somewhat better.

It is difficult to consider the two towns the same based solely on the fact that they are assigned to the same school. A comparison of housing prices and private school alternatives is necessary to find a choice that fits the actual budget.

School district boundaries can change over time. Before signing a contract, it's advisable to verify on the school district's website which school the specific address is actually assigned to. This article is not investment or legal advice, and consulting a professional before making any contracts is recommended.