What probably irks people the most is the price tag that comes with admittance to these schools. Properties that get your kids into these schools are sky high. Someone thinking about moving to these areas for the schools should ask themselves "What is the difference between buying a house in a descent area and sending the kids to private school? Or, is it more beneficial to buy in a premium area paying the hefty price tag"?
As always, you have to look at it from many angles, short and long term. Some will argue that it is indeed worth it to pay the price for the schools because it will translate into higher resale. Others will say you might give up to much for a particular area like choosing between a house and a condo. It's possible a house in Sunnyvale with pretty good schools might fit you more than a small condo in Palo Alto.
Believe it or not, there have been a few condos that have sold for around $400K in South Palo Alto. I believe there is one for sale on West Bayshore Ave (Palo Alto address) for $389K. It's smaller, a two and one, but still Palo Alto schools. If you need a house, say for a larger family, buying a house in a good area and sending your kids to private school may satisfy more of what your after without spending as much. I'm not saying which one is better, just comparing different situations. The resale will still be there as long as it's a good area. I know it's never going to be perfect, but it's just good to go through everything that's on your checklist. I'm just staring off with RedFin, Hope this helps.
