How important are schools when you search for properties?

[Lisa Maceda]

We are looking for our first 'deal' and have a question about school districts. We have secured a pre-approval for an FHA 203k loan for our first house in the suburbs of Chicago Illinois but we are finding the towns we think will will be good for selling our renovated house in a year or so (Oak Park, Riverside, River Forest, etc.) have really high property taxes and its partially because they have wonderful schools. Berwyn, specifically South Berwyn, attracted us with lower house prices, lower taxes, and a good feel as we drive around, but the schools don't have very good ratings. I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to sell our house when it comes time if we take the chance on this area. Any thoughts or suggestions?