Trying to learn the area from a long way away... (Chicago: relocation, apartment)

[chitownbound]

Hello all,
I am a first year, elementary teacher who is interested in relocating to Chicago this summer to be closer to my family in Michigan and Chicago. I currently live in Portland, Oregon and while it's a beautiful town I just don't think it's the place for me in the long run. As I mentioned, I am a first year teacher and single woman, so I don't have the funds for some of the higher price areas right now, but I hope to find a place where I don't have to compromise safety for cost. As a teacher I would also love to find a decent school district to work in. I don't mind a bit of a drive for work, but I would like to stick to living in the Chicago suburbs. I have family members living in downtown, but they just moved there so none of us really know the area. I'm kind of going into this blind and just looking for someone who can help me get a better handle on the area. Any suggestions or information you could give would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful new year!

~J

[bradleygene03]

I'm from a small small town. I can't help you

[emmi605]

Vacancies for Cook and other suburban counties will be on the websites that are below. Find a job first if possible. The traffic in Chicago can be horrible and you don't want to settle into an apartment and find yourself 90 minutes away from a job. New growth in Kane County and the areas southwest may provide good opportunities. Teaching positions are very competitive. If you speak Spanish (or another language) or are a teacher for special needs you will have an easier time finding a job. Salary varies greatly. The Champion - Education Issues and School Reform gives salaries for state teachers. If you can give more specific information on your major/minor and any specialties maybe I can point you in a few directions that are more specific. Chicago is an amazing metropolitan area. You will meet so many people with the same hopes, dreams, and fears. Good Luck.


Lake County Illinois Regional Office Of Education
Kane ROE - Welcome to the Kane County Regional Office of Education
Suburban Cook County Regional Office of Education > Home
DuPage Regional Office of Education

[prairiestate]

Originally Posted by bradleygene03

I'm from a small small town. I can't help you

It's good to see such an insightful and useful post.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by bradleygene03

I'm from a small small town. I can't help you

North Carolina, eh? No comment.


To the OP.... how much do you want to spend on rent, or how much can you spend on a home? Whats the maximum commute you can tolerate (time wise)? What are you looking for in a community (ie shopping, dining, cultural experiences, etc)? Do you want more of a rural suburban experience? A more urban suburban experience (yes, it can be had)? If you could answer these questions I, or somebody else, can point you in the right direction. Chicagoland is HUGE and there are literally hundreds of suburbs to choose from. Its a really great place that you can spend the rest of your life exploring.

[toonces93]

i would second finding a job first! There is a lot of competition in good districts. If you have a desired specialty that improves your chances (Sp Ed., ELL, bilingual, etc.) In my district new teachers (B.A.) make about 40K. Some districts pay a little more, others less. There are many school districts here, as in town-by-town instead of county by county, but some of their websites list salary schedules.

[brenty]

I have heard that they are hiring more teachers in Wilmette and at New Trier High School. Wilmette is an affluent suburb that is close to the city. You can get nice cheap rentals for as low as $750 month. Street parking in Wilmette is available. I assume you are young so if you live in Wilmette you will be close to Chicago and Evanston. Evanston has some fun activities to do. You could also live in Evanston where housing is a little bit cheaper, but rent is much higher because of demand from Northwestern University. I would recommend you secure a job then look at relocation. The worst thing you could do would be to move somewhere and then not be able to find a job. The North Suburban districts pay very high. Some of the West Suburban districts pay high but most pay average. You could also look at working at a school called Roycemore School in Evanston. They are always hiring. They are affiliated with Northwestern so you can take free courses. Roycemore Private School in Evanston Illinois Serving the North Shore.