[undertheironsea]

Hello.

In two years I will be graduating from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Level Education (grades 4-8, Language Arts/Social Studies). I will probably get a Masters degree in the same.

I plan ahead too much, I know, but I love to make an informed decision. I figured since a lot of people will weigh their options for weeks before choosing a car, choosing a home and a new life should be looked at 2-4 years in advance.

Alabama is one of the many choices I have...but I do want to stay in the South. I was born and raised in Brookhaven, Mississippi and I moved away when I was 11 (21 now). Since then I lived in Kentucky, Georgia, Nebraska, and now Arkansas. I wasn't welcomed with open arms in Nebraska, so the South is where I'll keep my home (and my future family.)

I want out of Arkansas after masters graduation because of several reasons. It's just different here than other areas in the South (the housing and land prices are starting to go way up, a lot of California people are moving into this area (no offense to those who are), etc etc) and I don't feel like I want to set up shop here.

I just wondered, what do you think is the best place for me in Alabama to teach? I don't really want to go south of Birmingham and I don't want an "urban" school persay. I want towns in the 2,000-50,000 range, but that's it. I know that means less pay, but I would be much happier that way. I'd like to find a little house or maybe a doublewide and set it up on 2-8 acres, have some animals out, and live quietly the rest of my days.

If not in Alabama, I wouldn't mind similar areas in Georgia, North Mississippi, Tennessee, or Kentucky. I know it's early to ask this, but I'd appreciate greatly if someone could give me an idea.

[RonHei]

Georgia salaries are WAY higher than Alabama for teachers.
Fort Payne, AL (where the group is from), would "fit" what you described, as would Rainbow City, AL. Perhaps Anniston as well.

[llwags1]

Hoover, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Trussville, Chelsea and Pelham which are suburbs of Birmingham would be good places to teach.

[bamagirl06]

Auburn is a nice town. It may be bigger than you're looking for.. but the schools are wonderful and everyone is friendly.

I think Eclectic would be a good place too. Elmore county schools are wonderful. But it's a reallly, really small place.