Best neighborhood in Honolulu on a teacher's salary? (Waipahu, Pearl City: best neighborhoods, apartment)

[zotbrad]

Hi everyone,

I will be moving to Oahu in July as part of Teach for America. I am hoping to get placed in Honolulu, Pearl City, Waipahu, or Ewa Beach (those are where the partner schools are), but I might end up as far as Waianae or Waialua. I will be earning approximately $3000 a month.

I am hoping to find a 1-bedroom apartment in Honolulu or as close as possible. What are the best neighborhoods to live in? I am in the $900-$1300 price range. I want something at least 450 square feet. I want somewhere that is freeway accessible but not too congested during rush hour. Ideally there would be amenities within walking distance, but that is secondary. I've been looking on Craigslist but I'm not sure which neighborhoods to search for.

We need to be close to the city because my fiancée will be studying at UHM or working in Honolulu, but she doesn't drive. We would need to be in at least busing distance.

Thanks!

[kaimuki]

E Komo Mai (Welcome)!

The two of you will be heading in opposite directions everyday, so I think you should choose a location that's in between Waianae or Waialua and Manoa (Honolulu). With your budget, you should be able to find a studio or 1 bedroom apartment in the following locations: Aiea and Salt Lake (Honolulu).

Keep in mind that you'll be driving against rush hour traffic, which is a good thing. Your fiancee can reach dowtown and Manoa by bus from the locations I recommended. Good luck!

[zotbrad]

Thank you so much for your advice! I really appreciate it. Sometimes I forget how welcoming Hawaiians can be :-)

[hotzcatz]

There are so many variables in choices, how about finding a monthly vacation rental for the first month or two? Then you will have time to be able to look around to find exactly the perfect place. Vacation rentals already have the utilities in place and are ready for your use while you are waiting for your things to be shipped over as well as while you look around for a nice rental.

[hawaii718]

i think you can find a small apartment (450sq ft) in kapahulu. then you can walk to the beach or take the bus, its close to UH and close enough to the freeway to get to work easily

[zotbrad]

What neighborhoods have vacation rentals? How much do they generally cost? I think I just want to get set up as quickly as possible? How much does it cost to ship things over? I think I am going to bring what I can in two flights.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by zotbrad

What neighborhoods have vacation rentals? How much do they generally cost? I think I just want to get set up as quickly as possible? How much does it cost to ship things over? I think I am going to bring what I can in two flights.

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Homeaway Rentals

[kaimuki]

Zotbrad:

I'm sorry, but I disagree with another poster about you living in Kapahulu. Driving to Waianae or Waialua from Kapahulu is a VERY long drive. Tons of time and gas.

[survivorqt]

check out aiea/pearl city area, smack dab in between ewa beach and honolulu.