When using the preposition near in spatial meaning, then both près and proche is possible, however près is more usual. In figurative meaning only proche is possible (English: close).
près de = near / proche = close (to)
Près
de chez moi, il y a une piscine.
Proche
de chez moi, il y a une piscine.
Near my house there is a swimming pool.
Il habite près de l' école.
Il habite proche de l' école. More usual: tout proche de l'école.
He lives near the school. / close to the school
Figurative meaning
Ses idées sont proches de celles du gouvernement.
His ideas are close to the ones of the government.
