Wow~ I've noticed a significant increase in inquiries from people looking to move to Downey lately.

Especially when kids are about to enter middle or high school, everyone asks, "Which area is good?" So, I'll share some insights that local moms know well.

If you're considering education for your children while looking for a home in Downey, the first thing you need to do is one simple task: check the school district boundaries.

If you buy a house without doing this, you might regret it later, seriously. The assignment to one of the three public high schools—Warren High School, Downey High School, or Columbus High School—depends entirely on your address.

This is not just a minor issue; it's a key factor in your housing choice.

There are many cases where a street makes a difference in which school you are assigned to, so not all areas labeled "Downey" are the same.

Warren High School District — The Most Desired Area for Moms

To be honest, if you ask Korean moms in Downey where their top choice is, without a doubt, it's the Warren High School district. Why? Because Warren is the only high school within DUSD (Downey Unified School District) that offers the IB (International Baccalaureate) program.

You might wonder what the big deal is? Those who know how advantageous it is to have an IB diploma during college admissions understand. So, families with a strong focus on education should definitely start looking in the Warren district.

The Warren High assignment area mainly covers southern and some central parts of Downey. Homes in this area are in high demand even within Downey, so prices are quite high. Some people complain about the prices, but the market is just being honest. Especially, single-family homes on Quill Dr and De Palma St are often assigned to the Warren High district.

Just looking at my surroundings, I see many Korean families moving to Downey specifically looking for homes in the Warren district. I've even seen people tell their agents, "Don't show me anything unless it's in the Warren zone."

Downey High School District — Good Value and a Traditional School

But is Downey High School not good? Absolutely not. The Downey High district covers a significant area in northern and central Downey, and while its academic performance is slightly below that of Warren, it has a strong tradition in arts, music, and extracurricular activities. If your child is interested in marching band or drama, Downey High might actually be a better fit. School isn't just about academics, right?

Moreover, realistically, home prices in this district are more reasonable compared to the Warren district. There can be cases where homes of the same size and condition differ by tens of thousands of dollars. For those on a tight budget but wanting to move to Downey, this area is a much more practical choice. Areas north of Brookshire Ave, Lakewood Blvd, and near Florence Ave often fall within the Downey High assignment zone. The neighborhood atmosphere is calm and pleasant, with many long-time residents.

Other Considerations Beyond School Districts

Oh, and you can't just buy a house based on the school district. I'm not a real estate agent, but from observing neighbors moving around, I have a few more things to mention.

Safety is a concern. Overall, Downey is relatively safe, but some areas in the northwest are a bit sketchy. It may look fine during the day, but some blocks have a different vibe at night. There are apps like Spot Crime or NeighborhoodScout; make sure to check the crime map. It only takes about 5 minutes on your phone.

Commute distance is also important. If you commute to downtown LA, the western area with easy access to the 605 freeway is convenient, and if you're heading to Long Beach, the southern area is advantageous. Those extra 10 minutes every morning can really add up over 10 years.

For amenities, the area near Promenade at Downey is the best. There are plenty of shopping and dining options, and it's convenient for grocery shopping. Conversely, blocks right next to the 605 freeway can be noisy. It's manageable with the windows closed, but it can be quite stressful when you want to open the windows in the summer.

The Most Important Thing

Now, the last point is really important. To confirm the exact school district, visit the DUSD website (dusd.net) and enter your address in the School Finder. It takes less than a minute. Be sure to ask your real estate agent, "This house is in the Warren High zone, right?" and verify it yourself on the DUSD website before signing any contracts.

I emphasize this because agents can make mistakes too. It's not out of malice; they can just get confused. There are areas in Downey where school district boundaries can change with just one road, so even experts can occasionally make errors. I've actually heard stories of someone whose neighbor was assigned to Warren while they were assigned to Downey High, leading to regret. So please, please verify it yourself. Don't skip this just because it seems like a hassle.

Once you buy a house, it's not easy to move again. If you plan to live here until your kids graduate, investing a few more days to thoroughly check the school district will be worth it.

Downey is a great neighborhood, so make sure to do your research and make a good decision~