We don't have much choice at all where we live as most we are out of zones for. But our closest seems to have a good rep, its a 5 - 10 min walk down the road, DH will be able to walk kids to schhol then cross rd and another short walk to station to go to work, has before and after school care and good programs in music.

I guess you need to be happy with everything about a school and if it doesn't tick all boxes keep looking. Being close does mean that your kids will know other local kids which in time will give you friends to ask for kids to go home with there kids sometimes if needed.

Good luck