Moving to Phoenix! (Chandler, Flagstaff: daycare, student loans, how much)

[khogue]

Hi. I would love to get information about the Phoenix area. I am graduating in May from college, and I have decided to move to Arizona. The main reason is because my degree is in Speech Pathology and I can work in the school systems as an SLPA or Speech Language Technician while I obtain my master's part time at ASU (if I get accepted that is). Originally, I was planning on moving to the Flagstaff area, but I have had more responses for employment in the Phoenix area. That said, I have many questions! My first concern is school districts. I have 3 children and two are in elementary school, and one will be in daycare. We currently live in Arkansas, and I have them in one of the best districts here. I want to keep the same quality education for them. I willing to travel to work in order for them to attend a great school (I currently travel an hour to get to my college now so it isn't a big deal). My second concern is living expense. How much is the average rent, utilities, etc.? After struggling for over 4 years for me to attend college and living in the cheapest thing we can find, I am ready to pay more for a nice home. I expect between my husband and I will make between $60,000 t0 $65,000. Our vehicles are paid off (and I plan on driving them until the wheels fall off ) so that is one expense we will not have. Other than that rent, utilities, childcare for 1 child, and other basic living expense will be all we have unless I have to pay for my student loans for a while before I start back to college. Sorry for the long post, but I am trying to figure out if we are making the right decision. Thanks in advance for any information!

Also, my husband will be looking for a job in warehouse or construction. Are these jobs scarce?

[homesweetazhome]

Oh my gosh, a Speech Pathologist!!! The school districts will be dueling to the death over you!! There is an incredible shortage of SLPs here. Come to Chandler Unified School District, highly rated schools, very competitive pay + bonuses (up to $3-5000 per year), year round school schedule which gives you two weeks off in October, Dec, and March as well as 5-6 weeks in June/July. (I can give you names of HR people to contact) Housing is affordable, it is a buyers market here with a glut of homes on the market, taxes are very low and there is so much to do here for your kids and you, year round. Phew! Convinced yet??

[khogue]

Thanks homesweetazhome for replying. One of the reasons I choose Arizona was because of their lack of SLP's. However, I have found that finding a job may not be as easy as I thought. It seems Arizona has passed a law prohibiting bachelor level SLP's to bill for medicaid which has put a halt on some hiring (or I have been told). On the other hand, I have had a few job offers already to work as an assistant in the schools (but the pay isn't as good ). I am still going to get my license as a SLT, but I am going to get my license as a SLPA as well. During my time off during the summers, I am going to pursue my master's (then they will be begging for me LOL). I have thought about bribing a few school districts and promising to work for them for a couple of years after I finish my master's so they will hire me now . Thanks again for replying. Your response was very positive, and I am looking forward to making the move to Phoenix!