Orlando?!?! Do or Don't (Tampa: job outlook, safe neighborhood, middle school)

[anwill14]

I'm about to graduate from college soon (in Tampa, Fl) and looking to move to either Orlando or Atlanta as a teacher. I have lived in Orlando before and have some family in Atlanta so I know a bit about both cities. However, I'm torn between which major city to move to and it's getting down to the wire where I need to start making plans. How do the cities compare for a single person and for the sake of hypothetical situations doesn't know anyone in either city? How easy is it to be social based on the cities activity offerings to meet new friends, how is the safety, job outlooks for teaching elem. ed, cost of living on a small salary in a safe neighborhood, and any other valuable information. Thanks so much, God Bless!

[annerk]

What type of teacher? They have been laying off teachers in the Orlando area.

[anwill14]

Originally Posted by annerk

What type of teacher? They have been laying off teachers in the Orlando area.

Elementary edu. I'm a non-education major and planned on taking the certification exam

[Pete C]

For a single person, depends...what are you into? Bar and nightclubs?

[anwill14]

Originally Posted by Pete C

For a single person, depends...what are you into? Bar and nightclubs?

I'm not a big drinker but I love dancing so I'm really into Citywalk and Pleasure Island but it would be so uncomfortable to go to these places alone so are there any activities that promote meeting people?


Thanks so much for all the replies so far

[annerk]

Originally Posted by anwill14

Elementary edu. I'm a non-education major and planned on taking the certification exam

Your chances of finding a teaching job around here are about zilch.

[GLS2010]

There are many places to meet people at. especially outside of the attractions area.

[GloryB]

I would check out the job opportunities in your specific field before making the big decision. The cost of living may be a little less in Orlando, and there are a lot of things to do here, but without a secured job....it might not end up on the top of your list at this time. You could always come back here at a later date once the economy levels out a bit.

[boy3365]

I would think that the Atlanta area would be more expensive than Orlando. However, some Atlanta suburbs may be significantly more expensive than ours.

As far as teaching is concerned, yes, there is a shortage of jobs. However, in my field, I saw many first year teachers given jobs while experienced teachers who were laid off or cut were left with nothing in August. Even with the predicted budget nightmare, people still go off to grad school, get married and move, etc., so there will be jobs available. The difference between 2010 and 2006 is that the districts won't have to go to the ends of the earth to get people to apply. They will have so many applicants that they won't be able to think about going to the ends of the earth.

[zookeeperto6]

Originally Posted by annerk

Your chances of finding a teaching job around here are about zilch.

really? My husband has had 5 interviews in the last week and an offer on the table from an Orange County School. (The other interviews were Lake county).

He plans to go down to finish this school year and make sure its stable before we sell our house, but hoping it will be secure!? He has a middle school math and science degree.

Looking for temporary housing for him now, thats why I'm on these boards.