We moved from the east coast to the Midwest when our daughter was two. We were warned not to buy in the city because the schools were a disaster. We bought in the city anyway and watched our neighbors and friends move out of the city when their kids reached kindergarten age. When our daughter was ready for school we decided that if you’re not part of the solution you’re part of the problem. She and her younger brother went all the way through the city schools and graduated from them. No regrets.