IRVINE, CA—RealtyTrac analyzed elementary-school test scores and home-price affordability in more than 7,500 zip codes to find those with the best of both worlds: an ideal combination of good schools and affordable home prices, as well as low unemployment rates below the national average. The firm also looked at zip codes with good schools and the least-affordable home prices.

According to the firm's report, the research revealed that there were 489 zip codes with elementary schools where 2013 test scores were at least one-third higher than their respective state average and where the average price of a residential property required one-third or less of the median household income. These zip codes also had a maximum unemployment rate of 5.9% in September.

Cities with the highest amount of affordable zip codes with good schools were led by Orlando; Raleigh, NC; and Phoenix, followed by five cities each with five affordable zip codes with good schools: Chandler, AZ; Colorado Springs, CO; Grand Rapids, MI; Lexington, KY; and Wilmington, NC, according to the report. States with the most affordable zip codes with good schools were New York, North Carolina, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan, and the average test score for the best elementary schools in these 359 zip codes was 49% higher than their state average.

Daren Blomquist, VP for RealtyTrac, tells GlobeSt.com, “The trifecta would be low unemployment, offering good employment for parents, homes that are affordable based on median income in the area, and good schools. The list of affordable markets with good schools is helpful for prospective homebuyers, particularly first-time homebuyers who are typically most concerned with affordability and good elementary schools because they tend to have younger kids.” To read more about the most affordable zip codes with good schools, as well as the least-affordable zip codes with good schools, click here.

As GlobeSt.com reported earlier this week, the country saw the biggest monthly increase in foreclosure activity since March 2010 as scheduled auctions posted a 24% rise during October, according to a report from RealtyTrac. Foreclosure filings increased 15% from the previous month, but are still down 8% from a year ago.