Naples--ANYthing positive? (budget, debt, work)

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by square-deal

Yoww! I've been browsing the comments about Naples. I've 99% decided to take a teaching job at one of the private schools there. BUT, I'm pretty shocked by all the negative comments I've discovered on this site about Naples, in particular, and the whole southwest Florida area, in general (not to mention almost the WHOLE of Florida)! Maybe I should just remain here in Kansas City, Kansas! (The winters are preeettty bad, though!) I'm actually thinking of moving into a unit at the Serano in Hammock Bay that is for rent. I believe I will be able to afford that, OK.

Does anybody have anything positive to say about Naples? About SW Florida? About living in a highrise like the Serano? Anything?

The Serano! Holy cow! Hammock Bay is very high end. The only drawback there is it is somewhat isolated from the rest of Naples. It is very close to Marco Island so if that is where you are working you will be fine.

[Rachael84]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

I agree, I would much rather raise my kids in the wonderful family envrionment of Queens! That's also pretty disrespectful to talk about the pay at the private schools when the OP has already basically confirmed their job. I don't know what would make you think that private schools pay any lower than the public schools anyhow...private schools in Florida typically pay high. As far as public, Collier pays like crap to my knowledge but teacher pay in Florida is actually midpack. When you factor in that the state has no income tax, your takehome pay is very similar to the national average Teacher Salaries by State. Oh and at that, the average pay was higher than Kansas. Read the post throughly before you assume something about someone you have never met before and do your research before you assume something about a state that you have never lived in before.

First off, I don't plan on raising a family in Queens. I lived in Queens as a kid and I loved it, but the city just isn't for me. There's nothing wrong with a kid living in Queens. You get to experience the most cultures out of any area in the entire country, probably world (since it's the most cultural county out of the whole country). So don't diss anyone who raises their kids in the city, because my entire family has. That sounds like a personal attack to me. Seems like you never spent any extended time there.

Teacher salaries are pitifully low there considering the cost of living. I would hate to be making 30k when houses cost 300k.

[firemed]

Originally Posted by Tarastomsgirl

It will be hot and humid in the summer.. Thats a given. Just take the proper measures to make sure you are comfortable.. A/C in Fla unlike most northern states is standard in apts/housing. You won't find one that rents without it. I could not however find one with it up north and it was needed badly!....

Hi Tara welcome back to the swamp! The hardest thing for people to do is get used to the change. South Florida is HOT!!!!!!!!!. Northern states are COLD!!! I have been in the swamp all my life but when I go past NC its Cold. People that move here have to remember with out A/C, Florida is miserable. Just as in the winter up North you have to have heat. The funny thing is we have a code that states you must have heat!

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

Teacher salaries are pitifully low there considering the cost of living. I would hate to be making 30k when houses cost 300k.

Did you even click on the link? Teachers in most districts here where the cost of living is high start at around 40k and peak at 70k, just a tad lower than anywhere else. Except your income isn't taxed. There are counties that start lower but they are mostly in the panhandle or north Florida which don't have a high cost of living.

Originally Posted by Rachael84

So don't diss anyone who raises their kids in the city, because my entire family has. That sounds like a personal attack to me. Seems like you never spent any extended time there.

Actually I'm from Queens (Ozone Park) and I'm surprised your offended that easily if you are too. I really didn't intend that personally at all. Not to stereotype you, but most of us tend to have a thick skinned nature. Come on, you know that Naples isn't any worse of a place to raise kids than Queens, and in fact any level headed person would say it's has many, many advantages. If we were talking about Westchester or LI that would be a different story.

[Rachael84]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

Did you even click on the link? Teachers in most districts here where the cost of living is high start at around 40k and peak at 70k, just a tad lower than anywhere else. Except your income isn't taxed. There are counties that start lower but they are mostly in the panhandle or north Florida which don't have a high cost of living.


Actually I'm from Queens (Ozone Park) and I'm surprised your offended that easily if you are too. I really didn't intend that personally at all. Not to stereotype you, but most of us tend to have a thick skinned nature. Come on, you know that Naples isn't any worse of a place to raise kids than Queens, and in fact any level headed person would say it's has many, many advantages. If we were talking about Westchester or LI that would be a different story.

Ok, I see your point. Glad you understand my attitude since you're from NY too lol. I wouldn't raise kids in Queens simply for the fact that they wouldn't have as much room to play, so that's why I'm going to Long Island, where I did most of my growing up.

Anyway, sorry to go off-topic, just had to clarify that.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

I wouldn't raise kids in Queens simply for the fact that they wouldn't have as much room to play

See, we think alike after all .

[novanative75]

I would NEVER move to Naples to get into education. I work for Collier County Schools now and am being laid off because of the cuts with the budget. The education down here is so bass ackwards, it is sad for the kids.
I know you said you might have a job but with the salary you will be making at a private school, nonetheless, and the cost of living here, no way, stay where you are. You would be better off moving to a better public school system and making a better salary.
I did not read if you were single or not, but this is NOT the place to be for a single person, unless you are 70 and retired that is.
This state is in shambles when it comes to education, do not come near it.

[ChrisA70]

Originally Posted by novanative75

I would NEVER move to Naples to get into education. I work for Collier County Schools now and am being laid off because of the cuts with the budget. The education down here is so bass ackwards, it is sad for the kids.
I know you said you might have a job but with the salary you will be making at a private school, nonetheless, and the cost of living here, no way, stay where you are. You would be better off moving to a better public school system and making a better salary.
I did not read if you were single or not, but this is NOT the place to be for a single person, unless you are 70 and retired that is.
This state is in shambles when it comes to education, do not come near it.

I must agree with you 100%!!!!!!! It's not just the Collier schools, Lee county are no better... My daughter hates her school. Out of here in 4 months, not soon enough.

[compelled to reply]

What does this have to do with the OP? They clearly stated they are taking a job at a private school, moving from Kansas, which if he was taking a job at a public district, has lower wages than Florida (already proven).

PS- Latest newsflash, Florida schools ranked 12th place in the US based on accountability, and it was one of the few national school districts that did NOT lower it's standards. If your child's school or your local school district sucks, that doesn't mean the whole state sucks. You probably don't want to move to an area known as a retirement capital for good public schools anyway, you probably want to be in a city where young families are the rule and a driving force in local districts, like Tallahassee, Oviedo, or Weston to name a few.

Layoffs are occurring because that part of the state is losing families for various reasons. The only other district talking about major layoffs is Miami-Dade which is a district that has been losing students for years.

Study gives Florida C-plus for reading, math test standards -- -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

OK, so no, it's not advisable to move from NY or New England to Naples for better education, but once again, what the hell does this have to do with the OP's question? It's like you all just want to wallow in your misery or push your own personal agenda instead of just replying to the OP's question.

[novanative75]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

What does this have to do with the OP? They clearly stated they are taking a job at a private school, moving from Kansas, which if he was taking a job at a public district, has lower wages than Florida (already proven).

PS- Latest newsflash, Florida schools ranked 12th place in the US based on accountability, and it was one of the few national school districts that did NOT lower it's standards. If your child's school or your local school district sucks, that doesn't mean the whole state sucks. You probably don't want to move to an area known as a retirement capital for good public schools anyway, you probably want to be in a city where young families are the rule and a driving force in local districts, like Tallahassee, Oviedo, or Weston to name a few.

Layoffs are occurring because that part of the state is losing families for various reasons. The only other district talking about major layoffs is Miami-Dade which is a district that has been losing students for years.

Study gives Florida C-plus for reading, math test standards -- -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

OK, so no, it's not advisable to move from NY or New England to Naples for better education, but once again, what the hell does this have to do with the OP's question? It's like you all just want to wallow in your misery or push your own personal agenda instead of just replying to the OP's question.

My point was, the OP is moving to Naples to be in the education field. Yes, I do understand that she would be working in a private school however, job security down here, especially in education, public or private, is not good. I would not advise moving her for any type of education. Should she have trouble maintaining her job at the private school, I would hate for her alternative to be working for CCPS.
Yes I do not have first hand knowledge of all schools in Florida and aside from your facts on accountability, do you? Perhaps there are other districts in this state with better schools but, as you pointed out, the OP is talking about Naples, NOT Tampa, etc.
I DO, however, have firsthand knowledge about schools in Collier County, where the OP is moving and I am very qualified to speak to the dismal state that is currently Collier County Public Schools.

You say that Florida ranked 12th in accountability and then you go on to say that it was one of the 'few National School Districts that did not lower its standards'. What district in Florida are you talking about? As you pointed out, there are several 'districts' in Florida, that statement does not make sense. As for lowering standards, the massive budget cuts are forcing Collier County to have no choice but lower standards. For example, every secondary school in Collier County will be losing at least one guidance counselor and NOT losing any students. All schools will be losing their full time ESE (special education) chairperson and now having one that comes 1-2 days per week to do the job that a full time person at each school is doing now. All title one schools are losing their parent involvement specialist, the person in the schools who was the main contact between non-English speaking parents and the school.
I could go on and on.

Again, I can read and do realize that OP is going to work in a private school however, IMO, moving to this area for ANY kind of education is not a good idea and leaves you limited with options.

Oh, and BTW, I really have no personal agenda. I honestly could care less what anyone does with their lives but would not wish moving to Naples for a career in education on my worst enemy.