For many relocating families, schools drive the entire home search. In California, your address determines your assigned public school.

How to research

  • Confirm boundaries directly with the district — listing descriptions can be outdated.
  • Visit schools and talk with parents in the neighborhood.
  • Look at program offerings, not just test scores.

Home values

Homes in top districts like Irvine Unified, Palo Alto Unified, and Cupertino Union typically hold value well and resell quickly.