Renton school district - thoughts on these specific schools (Seattle: buying a house, neighborhoods)

[eiremise]

Hi,
I posted here before and some people were kind enough to let me know their thoughts on Renton schools. Just posting again in the hopes of getting some more traffic.

We are about to make a decision on our house buying, both these houses are new construction:

1. House in Lakemont - Bellevue address and Issaquah school district (Cougar Ridge Elementary, Issaquah Middle and Issaquah High Schools)

2. House in Bellevue - off L. Wash Blvd but in the Renton school district (Hazelwood Elementary, McKnight Middle and Hazen High Schools)

Both houses are similar in price, although the Bellevue/Renton one has a much better finish on construction the other one is pretty nice too.

Which house would you choose? Would it make a difference if I told you our kids will be attending private school?

So obviously I am more concerned with resale values. The ones in the Renton school district have been on the market over a year (both are new construction)

Thank you so much in advance - buying a house is so stressful and even more so when you're not from the area.

[Ira500]

Generally speaking, Issaquah schools have a great reputation and Renton schools have a lousy reputation. That said, Hazelwood Elementary and Hazen High are good schools, and Renton in general has become( and is continuing to become) much nicer in recent years.
But about resale value? I'd say the general consensus will tell you to buy in the Issaquah school district, but I'm just not sure. The Seattle school district is pretty bad, yet Seattle houses can cost a fortune.
Both neighborhoods are very nice and really not all that far from each other.
Sorry I can't be more definitive. I think you'll do fine either way. If the house near Lake WA Blvd has been on the market for a year or so, it's pretty likely that you should be able to get it for somewhat less.

[cd530]

I have kids in the Renton School District - would not recommend it. The elementary schools are good, but after that (Middle & High School) lousy! As far as resale value - you can't go wrong buying in the Issaquah District, plus if for some reason in the future, your kids might not be attending the private school any more, you are already in a good district. I say go with Issaquah!
Good luck!