[shamrockrover]

In December 09, I will graduate from a small University in the Arkansas River Valley (I don't like being too specific) with a degree in Middle Level Education. Really only interested in 4th, 5th, 6th grade. How's the market in Eastern Oklahoma? I'm only asking because I'm limited to a few certain places here in Arkansas, and if I can't find a job, I need a back up plan. Your state minimum salary schedule actually beats the salary schedule for several of the towns I want to work at here in Arkansas. I'm only interested in towns below 25,000. I'm a single man, so there's no additional income or job from someone else--it would be me and me alone. I'll be beginning to put out feelers in January 2010, but I like to start early when thinking. Especially when it comes to where I'm going to live.

Places like Poteau and Sallisaw come to mind. I'm a country boy from Mississippi so a few rednecks here and there don't bother me a bit. I know I'm probably SOL with Tahlequah because of NE State university.

Any help? Any insiders?

[eddie gein]

Tahlequah is easily the best town of the three. NSU would be a definate asset for somebody your age. Pretty good proximity to Tulsa and NW Ark.

Poteau is good if you like the outdoors. Access to the national forest. Not too far to Ft. Smith.

Sallisaw is on I-40 and is quick to Ft. Smith. It would be my third choice.

[shamrockrover]

Well, I have to add that I HATE college life. I'm 24 but after moving around a lot as a kid, I grew up very quickly, so think of me as a bit older in personality, haha. In other words, if it's a college town, I kinda want to avoid it. I'm more of an outdoors, small town kind of guy.

By the way, I forgot to ask before: what are property taxes like in OK? In the east, I mean...

[colleeng47]

Originally Posted by shamrockrover

By the way, I forgot to ask before: what are property taxes like in OK? In the east, I mean...

Hey Shamrockrover, I moved several months ago to OK from NJ. My house in NJ was a 1000 square foot cape cod with a small (150 x 50) lot. My property taxes were almost $4,000. Here in Mustang, my house is 1500 square feet on 1/2 acre. My property taxes are about $1200. Big difference. But -- be prepared to pay a lot more in homeowners insurance. Mine double.

[karibear]

Originally Posted by colleeng47

Hey Shamrockrover, I moved several months ago to OK from NJ. My house in NJ was a 1000 square foot cape cod with a small (150 x 50) lot. My property taxes were almost $4,000. Here in Mustang, my house is 1500 square feet on 1/2 acre. My property taxes are about $1200. Big difference. But -- be prepared to pay a lot more in homeowners insurance. Mine double.

I can't compare taxes, since I didn't pay them in WA, but my homeowner's insurance is lower, considering how much more this place is compared to a small doublewide. I mean, I pay more now, but it's my choice, as I picked a policy that would completely rebuild my house in case of a tornado or fire. If I'd chosen just reimbursement for what I paid, it would have been the same, or a bit lower here.

[linicx]

Talequah is the tribal headquarters of the Cherokee Nation. As long as you are looking, why not check out Grove? The problem with most little towns is there isn't anything to do except get into trouble. Grove offers a pretty good schools and school system. There are all kinds of sports, events and things to do including a movie theather, Japanese garden, recreated turn of the century village on the banks of the lake. Grove is country with spice. I know several people who currently teach or are retired that speak very highly of the school system and the adminstration. Grove is about 5,000 but the demographic area is larger. .