Back in elementary school, I remember being very glad I walked a little ways before reaching my house. Reason being, kids are sometimes nosy/annoying/rambunctious. If you lived close to the school, everyone knew where you lived.
– If your parents happened to be in the yard after the bell rang and were wearing something funky looking – got teased.
– If you were an innocent girl walking home, sometimes the teasing boys would follow you home. And walk into your front yard. And refuse to leave.
Those are just two examples off the top of my head. Now, I lived about two blocks away from a high school at one point. I can tell you that THAT comes with a whooooole other set of issues.