To wonder which would be better

[Thebrowntrout]

Buy a (small) house in a horrible area with schools littered with social problems or

Rent a home in a nicer area to access better school?

Rent in the nicer area, no brainier.

Brainer

Do you think? I thought hone ownership might be more beneficial.

why would living in your own home in a shit area be beneficial?

To get the best chance at increasing equity you're meant to buy the worst house in the best area you can afford,then when you make it nice it massively increases in worth.

Well, because you own it, don't you? :) Not at the mercy of landlords etc.

I'd rent too. Especially if you've got children.

as you mentioned schools i presume you have kids and the best thing you can do to help kids is give them a good education

equity in a slum wont help your kids