Moving to Oahu (Kaneohe, Ewa Beach, Kailua: appointed, home, school district)

[gailalice2000]

Hi: Moving to Oahu with kids (Middle school and college aged) in spring/summer of 2008 from the Chicago area. Hopeful people will give me all the pros and cons of the move. Husband will be working in Pearl Harbor area. Most important to us is the school system, safety/community and affordability. I would welcome all input to help us make the best decision. We would love to be close to the water; but it appears the closer to the water, the more expensive. We have looked on-line at the central areas of the island. Thanks in advance for all your help.

[MsHell]

Originally Posted by gailalice2000

Hi: Moving to Oahu with kids (Middle school and college aged) in spring/summer of 2008 from the Chicago area. Hopeful people will give me all the pros and cons of the move. Husband will be working in Pearl Harbor area. Most important to us is the school system, safety/community and affordability. I would welcome all input to help us make the best decision. We would love to be close to the water; but it appears the closer to the water, the more expensive. We have looked on-line at the central areas of the island. Thanks in advance for all your help.

Pearl Harbor is centrally located, you could live on the Windward side (Kailua, Kaneohe) and your husband take the H-3 to work. Coming from the East side, he'd be driving opposite of most rush hour traffic. If you lived near his work, of course it would be a short commute. Coming from the West side, he would be caught in rush hour traffic, although it would not be too bad, as he doesn't need to get all the way to town.

Personally I'd suggest basing your choice of neighorhoods to look for a home by the school district. If you can afford private school - that would be the best. If you will be sending them to public school(s) I'd suggest looking more on the East side (Kaimuki, Kahala, Hawaii Kai).

How big is your family? What size place are you hoping for (# of bedrooms)?

[rsoloma98]

Hi! I don't think my last message went through. But I found this message while looking for information online. Coincidentally we're from Chicago as well! And have a middle school age son. We've been on the island for about 2 months, and my son works at Schofield. I'd love to hear how this past year has been for you! Best to you!

[gailalice2000]

It has been an very "interesting" experience. We moved to Ewa Beach and were greatly disappointed with the middle school. My sons teachers were eager to help, but resources were not available. We chose this area because it had new developments at a price that we could afford, very expensive compared to the mainland, but the most affordable for us. We also thought with Kapolei booming-up as "the 2nd city", the area would over time improve in many ways. We have found a hybrid charter school that is fantastic so far. My son is much happier and he in an atmosphere where he can actually learn. Is your son going to school on base? Feel free to pick my brain and ask me anything. I am starting to be able to get around without the map and calling it "Home" now. I wish you a wonderful time while you are here. I am assuming a 2-3 year tour is the timeframe that you will be here. Where in the Chicagoland area did you come from? We were in Gurnee.