Before moving to Fort Lee, some families check the schools first and make their decisions accordingly. They do not rush into contracts but instead align the assigned school, tuition, and home prices first.

Fort Lee High School has a niche rating of A-minus, and its GreatSchools rating is 6 out of 10. It ranks 130th among all public high schools in New Jersey and 59th out of 407 college preparatory public high schools. While this rating is favorable, it may be a concern when compared to higher-rated districts. For reference, Niche rates schools from A to F based on parent and student reviews, safety, and facilities, while GreatSchools scores are based on test scores and college readiness. Since these two metrics can yield different results, it's best to check both for accuracy.

Looking at the details, there are 1,170 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. The average GPA is 3.6, the graduation rate is 95 percent, and the average SAT score is 1340. The school offers both AP courses and an IB program. AP allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit based on their exam scores, while IB is an international curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects. Since the 2018-19 school year, the school has received six college success awards. Being a larger school with over 1,000 students, it offers a wide selection of clubs and after-school programs.

In terms of home prices, according to Zillow, the average home value as of June 2026 is $538,618. Fort Lee has many condos, which tends to lower this figure compared to towns that focus on single-family homes. This can be advantageous for families on a tight budget, but it may limit options for those wanting a single-family home with a yard. Recent data from Redfin shows that the average time it takes for properties to sell has increased from 57 days in 2022 to 108 days. This indicates a cooling market, giving buyers a bit more room for negotiation.

With many condos available, the rental market in Fort Lee is also quite active. It's beneficial to check specific listings on Apartments.com or RentCafe for accurate rental prices. If approaching this as an investment, rental demand is generally steady, but management fees and HOA costs vary by condo, so this should also be considered. It's wise to keep in mind that predicting price increases is not guaranteed. When deciding between renting and buying, it's good to consider how long you plan to stay in the area.

Families moving from New York should also calculate property taxes separately. New Jersey has relatively high property tax rates, so budgeting based solely on home prices may lead to higher monthly expenses than expected. For accurate rates, it's advisable to check with the Bergen County Tax Office by address.

When buying a home, it's important to account for closing costs and home insurance in addition to the purchase price. If considering a condo, the monthly HOA fees should also be included in fixed expenses, so it's best to check how much they are for each listing. Closing costs can vary between lenders and title companies, so getting estimates is essential.

Mortgage rates tend to change weekly, so it's a good idea to check the latest figures from Freddie Mac. Fort Lee is located right next to the George Washington Bridge, making commuting to Manhattan one of the easiest options in New Jersey. It's worth weighing commuting convenience, school district ratings, and home prices together.

The family that checked the schools first ultimately found a balance between home prices and school district ratings. Evaluating both sides without leaning too heavily in one direction can help reduce regrets.

School district boundaries can change over time. Before signing a contract, it's wise to double-check on the school district's website whether the address is indeed assigned to Fort Lee High School. This article is not investment or legal advice, and consulting a professional before making any contracts is recommended.