Which property type serves a unique community purpose such as a school or government building?

The correct choice is special-purpose property, which is specifically designed or adapted for a unique community function. This category includes properties such as schools, parks, government buildings, and other facilities that serve the public interest or a specific community need. The distinguishing feature of special-purpose properties is that they are often not aimed at generating profit in the same way that commercial properties do; rather, they support educational, social, or governmental objectives.

Properties categorized as residential typically focus on providing housing and living spaces for individuals and families, while commercial properties are generally geared towards business activities and often involve generating income through sales, rentals, or services. Vacant land refers to parcels that have not been developed or utilized for construction, which does not necessarily fulfill a community-specific function.

Therefore, special-purpose property is the best fit for structures like schools and government buildings, as they provide essential services that benefit the community, rather than being purely residential, commercial, or undeveloped land.