26 yr.old Teacher bored with NJ. Where should I relocate? (2015, employment)

[myramissy]

Hi,

For the past year I've been contemplating moving to a new state. My goal is to be in a new job and state by September 2015. I'm 26 yr old, female, African American/Black, a school teacher, and I currently live in North Jersey. My current income is a little over 52,000. I have grown bored and impatient with New Jersey. There is nothing to do, especially for young African American professionals. Yes, there is NYC however, I'm over it!

I want to live in a city/town that is affordable and safe to live, has a decent size professional African American population, and has some form of entertainment after work hours and during the weekends, museums, plays, etc... Also, parks are important to me because I will be getting a dog soon.

As far as weather, I would like to live in a place that is warm most of the year. I'm tired of winter! But not too hot! I don't mind 90 degree temp here and there but it can't be consistently 90 degrees daily...I would melt!

Before I posted here, I've done months of research about this but nothing really answered my questions completely.

I just need insight and assistance from people who have the knowledge to share with me and point me in the some sort of direction.

Thanks in advance!

[kyle19125]

I think Atlanta probably best speaks to your criteria and would recommend the Sandy Springs-Dunwoody area on the northside which is an employment epicenter with easy access to MARTA for commuting/leisure trips into Atlanta and is a safe, desirable area with a good number of young professional African Americans.

[sonofaque86]

I would suggest Charlotte

[BrightNSunny]

Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh.

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

Originally Posted by myramissy

Hi,

a school teacher.... My current income is a little over 52,000.

Originally Posted by sonofaque86

I would suggest Charlotte

Originally Posted by BrightNSunny

Charlotte, Raleigh.

I would love to recommend NC as well, but it's tough to suggest that a teacher early in her career accustomed to a 52k salary move to NC in the current legislative environment. Yes, there have been some concessions to teachers recently, but the overall climate is still problematic and the pay cut you'd take would likely not be offset by the lower cost of living.

[citylove101]

Baltimore County Md, Columbia Md, Prince George's County Md.

All have winters, but generally milder than metro NYC. And all tick off all your other boxes. I would say Baltimore itself, which I think is a truly underrated city, but from what I've seen, I wouldn't want to teach school there. All these spots have a good number of other black professionals around + access to either DC or Baltimore for more social life and city amenities. (These 'burbs I've found have more singles in them than you might expect.)

Also consider the Va. side of DC, with Arlington and Alexandria, though they may be a bit pricey for a schoolteacher's salary, but I don't know that for sure. Again, DC weather is similar to New York's -- sort of hot and humid in summertime, but winters that are milder.

[MAXIALE02]

We need teachers in Las Vegas. You may be hesitant because of the summer heat but I argue that 100+ degree dry heat could be compatible to a 90 degree humid heat; and it's only for 3 months out of 12. Also, teachers get summers off. You could hit the road and come back in time for the fall session. I'm not sure about a black professional community but there are black professionals here. You said you were bored. Maybe you can start a BPC. Just submitting another suggestion.