A family with two children began considering a move east of Long Beach when their oldest child entered third grade. After hearing that the academic environment at their current school was not as expected, they decided to research school districts.

There are not many private schools in Long Beach that are well-known for their academic performance. According to Private School Review, the average tuition for private schools in Long Beach is $11,605, which is lower than the California average of $18,043, and the average acceptance rate is 90 percent, higher than the California average of 78 percent. For families prioritizing academic performance, it is not easy to judge based solely on this area.

Thus, the family turned their attention to the Rossmoor area within the nearby Rossmoor Unified School District. According to GreatSchools data, Rossmoor Elementary School under the Rossmoor district shows above-average performance compared to schools of the same grade level in California. The entire school district is also confirmed to be among the top in the state.

One important point to note is that GreatSchools ratings are based on a combination of test scores, academic growth, equity indicators, and more, rated on a scale from 1 to 10. A higher number indicates that students at that school consistently achieve good results on standardized tests.

The issue is the address. The Rossmoor Unified School District is located within a separate city boundary, not Long Beach. Therefore, for families like this one who want to maintain their Long Beach lifestyle while changing school districts, they would need to actually move to a neighborhood adjacent to Rossmoor.

Home prices in the Rossmoor area are significant. According to Movoto, the median sale price for homes in Rossmoor was $1,735,000 as of July 2026. Data from Homes.com indicated a median price of $1,595,000 as of April 2026. It is important to consider that different sources may report slightly different figures due to variations in timing and sample sizes.

If managing a budget at this level in downtown Long Beach is challenging, it may be worth exploring the eastern areas of Long Beach that are closer to the Rossmoor school district. However, school district boundaries can change annually, so it is essential to verify the assigned school for a specific address directly on the district's website before signing a contract.

Families new to California should also factor property taxes into their calculations. California's property tax is based on the purchase price, meaning that newly purchased homes may have a higher tax burden compared to long-term residents. Since tax rates can vary by county, it is advisable to confirm the exact amount during the escrow phase.

It is also worth noting the differences in transaction methods between Korea and the U.S. There is no concept of jeonse in the U.S., and whether buying or renting, the process goes through an escrow company from the contract to the transfer of ownership. For families searching for their first home, this process may feel unfamiliar.

Areas with good school districts tend to have properties that sell relatively quickly when they come on the market. However, this is just a general trend, and it cannot be definitively stated that prices in a specific area will continue to rise. Fluctuations can always occur depending on market conditions.

As a result, some families choose to rent for 1 to 2 years before deciding to buy, allowing them to observe their child's adjustment and satisfaction with the school. Taking this buffer period rather than making a hasty decision can be a viable strategy.

Some individuals approach this from an investment perspective. Areas with good school districts tend to have a steady demand for rentals, resulting in relatively low vacancy rates. However, due to the high purchase prices, rental yields may be lower compared to other areas, so it is necessary to consider both price appreciation and yield together.

For families deciding to move based on school districts, it seems realistic to evaluate academic performance indicators alongside housing budgets. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with real estate and tax professionals before making any actual contracts.