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I am a first year teacher currently living and working in Oklahoma. I moved back here two years ago to be by family but I can not afford to live beyond paycheck to paycheck on Oklahoma teacher salary, even with Oklahoma's low cost of living. I am wanting to move to another state that I can make enough to survive as a single parent without having to get a second job.
The following is what I am looking for with new place..
1- Decent teacher pay
2- Low cost of living
3- Country life but close to a city
4- great schools
5- low crime
6- I love to be active and be outdoors, such as hiking, so a place close to many outdoor activities is a must. Possibly by mountains.
7- I also would like to live somewhere that recycles and encourages a healthy lifestyle
Thank you for any suggestions and guidance on where to start looking would be great
I would take a look at states like New York or Maryland which offer places to live outside of the bigger cities that are somewhat affordable. New York is ranked 3rd for starting teacher salary and is Maryland is 5th, both starting at just below 44K. In New York areas like Albany or Poughkeepsie would be good options along with places in Maryland like Frederick or the northern suburbs of Baltimore. In terms of cost of living you might do a tad better in Maryland.
Teachers are a dime a dozen in the East. Yes, the pay is higher but that only makes the positions more competitive. They are union jobs that everyone wants. Here in PA, you have to know someone to get a teaching job. I know of one position that had 500 applicants. I've heard NY is just as competitive.
The South: Teacher pay, I generally agree. Healthy living: You're statement was too broad-brushing and not true. Though some areas are not the best in terms of health, most do well overall.
I am a first year teacher currently living and working in Oklahoma. I moved back here two years ago to be by family but I can not afford to live beyond paycheck to paycheck on Oklahoma teacher salary, even with Oklahoma's low cost of living. I am wanting to move to another state that I can make enough to survive as a single parent without having to get a second job.
The following is what I am looking for with new place..
1- Decent teacher pay
2- Low cost of living
3- Country life but close to a city
4- great schools
5- low crime
6- I love to be active and be outdoors, such as hiking, so a place close to many outdoor activities is a must. Possibly by mountains.
7- I also would like to live somewhere that recycles and encourages a healthy lifestyle
Thank you for any suggestions and guidance on where to start looking would be great
Why not explore different areas of Colorado? Go on the Colorado forum and see what communities people recommend.
You might want to live in a resort area. People tend to be educated and tend to have a bit more wealth and care about good education, the environment, etc.. Crime tends to be lower. People care about their health and are active / athletic and high altitude living is good for you.
And if you can find a job in your field and a good little dwelling, it's good living.
You may have to sacrifice "close to a city" though.
Good luck.
The South: Teacher pay, I generally agree. Healthy living: You're statement was too broad-brushing and not true. Though some areas are not the best in terms of health, most do well overall.
True, but the combination of both is hard to find anywhere in the south.
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