Upstate New York (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse: houses, job market, middle school)

[kate_12]

I'm looking into upstate New York to move to after I graduate from college. I'm wondering what the job market is for teachers? And also, what is the cost of living like? I like cold and snow, so that won't be a problem, but are the summers terrible? I'd like to be within distance of a decent sized town, but I'm not sure which one. Any suggestions?

[Goldy Oakley]

Dear Kate. I think the Albany area is a great place to look. You didn't say if you were HS or Middle School or elementary. Have you tried "Teach Out America?" or something like that. You teach in an impoverished area in the USA and then the Fed Gov gives you a free master's degree . It's a one year commitment andthen you have references and experience under your belt. Schenectady and Latham have excellent school systems and maybe they have their share of people chomping at the bit to teach there; perhaps less so in Troy and Green Island. So depending on the type of student you want to teach, try these 4 places first. Best of luck.

Originally Posted by kate_12

I'm looking into upstate New York to move to after I graduate from college. I'm wondering what the job market is for teachers? And also, what is the cost of living like? I like cold and snow, so that won't be a problem, but are the summers terrible? I'd like to be within distance of a decent sized town, but I'm not sure which one. Any suggestions?

[Goldy Oakley]

I forgot to answer about the heat in the summer in the Albany area. The building where you may live may not be well insulated and in that case, it is hot. But as a teacher you're not stuck anywhere in the summer. Travel or get an air conditioner. It's bearable and only about 4 really oppressing hot days each summer. Best of luck....

[I'minformed2]

The summers in Western New York around Buffalo and Rochester are probably the best you could find. The great lakes (Erie and Ontario) act as a natural air conditioner so it stays relatively cool (usually in the low to mid 80's, compaired to the 90's elsewhere, and it's not very muggy or humid) durring the summer. That area also celebrates summer unlike anyplace else on earth. There is not a day from late may to early september when you don't see kids our riding their bikes, playing in the park, fishing in the ponds, eating icecream at the beach (charlotte beach in Rochester). It really lifts your spirits. The job market could be better overall in Upstate NY thats for sure, but teaching jobs shouldn't be too hard to find. The schools in Suburban Rochester are some of the best in the country, especially in areas like Brighton and Pittsford... both of which had at least one school in the top 50 in the nation this year and every year. I'm so enthusiastic because I'm headed up there in two weeks too visit family and look at houses. I moved away to NC a long time ago and I'm now moving back because I miss it so much!

[kate_12]

Thank you so much for both of your replies, you were extremely helpful! I'll look into all of these things...if you don't mind another question...is it extremely expensive to live up there? I've heard that taxes can get high...and on a teacher's salary, I sure won't be rich!

[homeward bound]

Hi, Kate_12. You might want to take a look over on the "escape from NJ" thread. There I went on at (great!) length about Upstate's virtues, and several others had plenty of good input too about all the issues you've raised. To be brief here (applaus, ya'll?), i'minformed was exactly right in what he said. My wife and I are teachers too, and we're going to move up there as soon as we can. You can't beat the overall quality of life, housing prices and options, and, especially for teachers (if you don't have to take a summer job to make ends meet), the summer weather AND the summer customs up there. The snow isn't all that bad, and if you like to get out in it, you'll enjoy it (we miss it down here in Virginia!). We've raised two kids in Virginia in college towns, and they've had a good upbringing. But we can't wait to do it *right* and raise our youngest two kids in NY state. Best of luck!

[I'minformed2]

Thanks homeward bound. To be honest, yes, taxes in Upstate Ny are pretty high, but the overall lower cost of living more than makes up for it. Groceries are cheaper, and houses are WAY cheaper.

[immattsbabygirl]

Kate,
in my opinion try for the largely populated areas such as Utica,Syracuse or Rome. Usually the small communities do not have very good job markets depending on the area.

[lakeman]

I am also in the process of moving back to upstate NY from NC. Yes taxes can be quite high in NY, but I think it all evens out. However, the quality of life, and environment for children, can't be beat in upstate NY. Not Even Close!!!

[I'minformed2]

I agree with you 100%. And as you know lakeman, I'm also in the process of moving back to the Rochester area. Just a better quality of life and community atmosphere than can be found down south.