Eric Gross’ Post

Why are some affordable housing managers running education programs? Explore the surprising ways housing and education intersect in our series, "Street Blocks to Alphabet Blocks: The Housing-Education Connection." Discover how these partnerships are transforming communities and creating brighter futures. Read more and join the conversation! https://bit.ly/4iuQIbZ #AffordableHousing #HousingEducation #CommunityDevelopment #TransformingCommunities #CommunityPartnerships #StreetBlocksToAlphabetBlocks

Schools! As real estate agents, there are rules preventing us from discussing certain things about schools but there are some things that we can share not just as agents but as members of and parents of children in our respective communities. Most importantly, we should know where to direct you to get the answers and resources related to any of these points below as well as any other school related questions. 1) Busing: not all Westchester districts have busing. Most offer some busing based on the radius you live from a school but oftentimes the majority of students live too close to the school they’re zoned for to qualify. 2) Neighborhood zoning: some districts do neighborhood zoning, which typically means your kids will go to the school that’s physically located closest to your home. Some however do not and do some form of a lottery system/have families submit their preferred schools (typically at the elementary level) via a ranking. 3) Before and after school care: many schools have partnered with local Boys and Girls Clubs or other local organizations to offer before and after school programs but not all have an early morning or late afternoon offering. Most of these programs fill up quickly; some operate on a lottery. Make sure you know what type of offerings are available and plan and budget accordingly for supplemental before or after school care if necessary. and some extra points ... 4) Address and Zipcode: even if your address is in the same town as a particular school, it doesn’t mean that that’s the school or school district that you’re “zoned” for. 5) Universal Pre-K- this is not as common in Westchester especially if you’re coming from NYC! Spots are often limited. Ask your agent for clarification and do your own research where applicable. #school #westchesterschools #nyschools #buyersagent #homebuying #homebuyingtip #homebuyingtips #westchesterrealestate #westchesterrealtor #larchmont #larchmontny #mamaroneck #ryeny #harrison #citymoms #brooklynmoms #nycsuburbs #newrochelle #firsttimehomebuyer #firsttimehomebuyers #westchester #westchestercounty #westchesterny #soundshoremoms #nycmom #nycmoms #citymom #brooklynmom #westchestermoms

As we're preparing for back-to-school season, choosing the right neighborhood can make a world of difference for your growing family. 🏫 Based on our real estate expertise in Toronto, here are the Top 10 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods to consider, especially if you want to make your mornings less stressful and your weekends more fun: 1️⃣ Danforth Village - Near great schools and parks, perfect for active families. 2️⃣ Leaside - Known for its community spirit and top-rated educational institutions. 3️⃣ Riverdale - Amazing family amenities and easy access to downtown Toronto. 4️⃣ Earlscourt - With lots of playgrounds and family-friendly events throughout the year. 5️⃣ Davisville Village - Excellent schools and child care facilities. 6️⃣ The Beaches - A relaxed atmosphere with top-notch schools and waterfront activities. 7️⃣ Allenby - Highly regarded school district with plenty of green spaces. 8️⃣ Lawrence Park - Boasts great schools and a quiet, suburban feel. 9️⃣ High Park North - Nature at your doorstep and highly rated educational facilities. 🔟 Bloor West Village - A charming village vibe, close to highly regarded schools and High Park. Here’s your Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist for Parents: ☑️ Research Schools: Look at performance ratings, extra-curricular activities, and proximity. ☑️ Visit the Neighborhood: Spend a day exploring local parks, stores, and community centers. ☑️ Check Commute Times: From home to school and your workplace. ☑️ Community and Safety: Attend local events to meet other parents and gauge the community vibe. ☑️ Plan Ahead: Start early to secure the best deals and ensure you’re ready for the new school year. Choosing the right neighborhood can significantly impact your family's quality of life. 🏘️ What other factors do you consider when selecting a family-friendly neighborhood? Share your thoughts! #RealEstate #BackToSchool #FamilyFriendlyNeighborhoods #TorontoLiving

🌟 Celebrating Our Educators & Rethinking Support 🌟 We've done it again! For the second time, Denver Public Schools (DPS) educators are stepping into rent-free apartments, thanks to an incredible collaboration between the Denver Public Schools Foundation and AvalonBay Communities. This initiative offers a lifeline for early-career teachers navigating Denver's housing affordability challenges. But this is more than just housing—it’s about rethinking how we support our educators. The "Adult Experience", which is a core component of our Strategic Roadmap, makes up the "DPS Experience." It reminds us that innovative solutions, like these rent-free apartments, are necessary to honor the dedication of those shaping our future generations. A special thanks to Sara Hazel and her team for their tireless commitment to creating impactful solutions for our educators. Your leadership and vision are driving the change our community needs. 💡 Creative philanthropy like this ensures teachers can focus on their passion—educating—without the heavy weight of housing insecurity. Together, we're building a community that values and uplifts its educators. ✨ Let’s continue to explore bold ways to invest in the people who invest in our kids. Because when teachers thrive, our students do too. #ThankYouTeachers #DPSExperience #InnovativeSolutions #AffordableHousing #Gratitude https://lnkd.in/g-e4Txdv

As a young family evolves, sparks of joy come from milestones as unique as the first steps to as monumental as graduation day - and all the little moments in between. 💼🎓 In Calgary, a town buzzing with family-friendly energy, parents have an important choice: Where to plant roots for a life filled with these precious family milestones? 📍 In the real estate realm of Calgary, one thing stands out to homebuyers like a beacon: school districts. "Are we in the right school district?" is not just a question - it's a priority. As experts in helping families find their ideal home, we've mapped out the best school districts across Calgary’s family-friendly neighborhoods that add value to both your child's education and your property: 1️⃣ Community Culture: These neighborhoods aren't just about the schools – they foster a sense of togetherness, where block parties, local events, and a spirit of 'it takes a village' thrive. 2️⃣ Parks & Recreation: Easy access to green spaces for those family football games and serene walks adds to the appeal, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle. 3️⃣ Safety First: Low crime rates make these areas a haven, where kids can play outside and parents can breathe easier. 4️⃣ Appreciation Potential: A coveted school district can be a real estate gold mine, often maintaining or increasing property value over time. From helping families upsize for more room to grow, to assisting in downsizing once the nest empties, we see the ebb and flow of family life through the lens of homes that meet these ever-changing needs. Tell us, Calgary families, what made you fall in love with your neighborhood? And if you're looking to find that perfect family-friendly spot, let’s get in touch – your family’s journey awaits! 🏠✨ #CalgaryRealEstate #FamilyFriendly #SchoolDistricts #CommunityLiving #RealEstateTips

Alhambra Elementary School District is selling surplus land to the City of Phoenix, AZ USA to create affordable housing, following the example of nearby Isaac School District No. 5. The sale allows the district to address two important issues: community need and declining enrollment. For the Isaac transaction, the Phoenix IDA utilized tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits to fund the purchase on behalf of UMOM New Day Centers for an affordable housing development. The Alhambra plans are to sell the land for use as affordable rentals that target families by having an overrepresentation of three- and four-bedroom units. Though the project is still in the very early stages, it could include between 60 and 240 units, depending on whether the land can be rezoned for higher-density development. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ghubmqyz

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Our Chief Operating Officer, McKenzie Dial-Fritscher, just shared an insightful article on the Economic Power of Main Street Programming in rural America. 🌾🏘️ Learn how tapping into local identity and assets can create vibrant main street districts, fostering economic opportunity, community pride, and social cohesion. Discover the transformative impact of strategic placemaking, comprehensive small business support, and grassroots initiatives in revitalizing small towns. Dive into the article to uncover the keys to success and the path forward for community survival and revival. 💼💡 #MainStreetRevival #EconomicImpactCatalyst #CommunityPride #MainStreetRevitalization #RuralEconomicDevelopment 🌟 Read the full article here: https://hubs.la/Q02z_H8b0

Teaching Homeownership: Bridging Education and Community Empowerment Unlock the secrets of home ownership through education! Join our dynamic talk show where our expert teacher highlights the vital role education plays in empowering communities to achieve their dream homes. Discover the transformative impact of workshops in urban neighborhoods and learn how knowledge drives real estate success. #HomeOwnership #EducationMatters #UrbanTeaching #RealEstateTips #Empowerment #CommunityWorkshops #DreamHome #TeachingImpact #FinancialLiteracy #InvestInYourFuture

In our commitment to uphold fair housing practices, it's crucial to examine how our community rules impact all residents, particularly children. The latest highlight from our article archive provides insights on creating policies that are both compliant and conducive to a positive living environment. Take a look: https://buff.ly/3TFkIGq #FairHousing #PropertyManagement #ProtectedCategory #FamilyandChildren

Excellent schools, affordable housing options, and safer neighborhoods are a few reasons why more and more families are trading busy city life for the New England suburbs. Get the full story in the latest blog!