new start (Atlanta, Decatur, Clayton: salary, rent , jobs)

[MISSKENYA]

I am a single mom thinking of re-locating to Atlanta. I currently hold EC-12 Special Education teacher certificaton with three years of experience. what are the best areas for living and working in atlanta or surrounding areas with salary and cost of living comparable to what i spend now. salary currently $44,000, rent for 2 bdrm 2 bath townhome $900 monthly.

[lastminutemom]

Get the job first, but you shouldn't have any problem at all. Are you elementary (is that what ec stands for)?

Because you are special ed, I would start by calling the different school systems directly -- the human resource offices.

The systems in and around Metro Atlanta are:

Fulton
Cobb
Gwinnett
Atlanta
City of Decatur (be careful there is a Decatur county too)
Fayette
Rockdale
DeKalb

[Mawoods]

Try Coweta County schools too.

[pinetreelover]

Steer clear of Clayton County Schools!

You shouldn't have too much difficulty with a degree in special ed - find the job then find housing as close as possible in order to keep your gas costs low (and improve your quality of life).

Atlanta is also home to many private special education schools such as The Atlanta Speech School, St. Sophia Academy, The Schenck School and Brandon Hall.

[netdragon]

Pretty much anywhere. I'd choose the areas with the best school systems (w/ the best special ed) with jobs available and solely on the edge of the metro so your kids can benefit from good schools and you can get an affordable home.