The 10 Most Popular School Districts in the USA and How Much They Cost

Most parents are willing to go the extra mile for their kids, no matter the extra cost.

This is especially true when it comes to education. For many parents, the quality of local schools is a top priority and a big factor in homebuying decisions. Often, getting into the best schools also means paying a premium to live in the district.

To determine the most popular school districts for families in the 50 largest US metros, Realtor.com analyzed the number of views listings on its website received from out-of-market shoppers between May and July 2025. The study focused on districts with at least 100 homes for sale during this period, and at least one nearby public school rated 8 or higher by the nonprofit website GreatSchools.

Realtor.com found that while the nation’s top-rated school districts are spread across the country, many share one thing in common: homeowners in these districts pay much more for a typical home than those in the surrounding metro. In 27 of the 50 most sought-after districts, median listing prices averaged $1.21 million — 135% higher than in surrounding areas.

Carroll Independent School District (CISD), serving the Dallas suburbs of Southlake and Grapevine, ranks among the top school districts and has the steepest premium. Homeowners there pay an eye-popping $2,159,833 for a typical home, a 390.9% premium, or $1,718,866 more than other homes in the metro.

“Our data shows families are making trade-offs — sometimes paying a significant premium for top-rated districts, and other times prioritizing value in areas that still offer strong academics,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com.

Below are 10 of the most popular school districts with the highest premiums, according to Realtor.com.