Relocating From NYC To Raleigh (Durham, Chapel Hill: apartments, rental, health insurance)

[msdiva777]

I want to relocate to NC but I am a little nervous because all my family is in NYC and its a big change. I am currently a NYC public school teacher and wish to continue teaching there. I would like some advice from other people from large major cities about the transition. If anyone teaches can you please share your experiences. I am also expecting my second child right before I plan on moving, how are the daycares in Raleigh?


Thanks

[leighbhe]

I would suggest looking at the trianglemommies.com board. I am a member there, and it is a group of moms and dads who live all over the triangle to get together for playgroups, parents night out, but also has a forum for questions. There are a number of working moms (they have great day care resources and can help you with prices, etc) and there are a number who have been teachers, or who still are teachers. They would have more information that I would!

Hope this helps
Leigh

[NCHomeFinder]

I didn't teach in an urban setting, I taught outside Tampa in a suburban Title I middle school. We had gang issues, drug issues, and I taught classes for at risk kids. I loved the people I worked with, and I had wonderful support from my principal, especially when I was threatened by a student, but the curriculum resources were sorely lacking - I had a textbook and a filing cabinet with old worksheets, and there was little to no collaboration even within the school, much less the county.

We moved to Wake County when I was expecting my second child. When I went back to work, I ended up at a middle school with vastly more resources than I'd ever seen - with those resources came very high expectations, as well as strong parental support and support from administration, both at the school level as well as the county level. For math, the county sent a representative to the school monthly, sometimes bi-weekly to meet with all math teachers for our input on what was working and what needed to be redone next year. I put in longer hours, but I felt much more effective as an educator. I'm not teaching anymore, but if you need contact info for HR, or any additional advice, either email or pm me.

This post is already getting long, but do a search to read about the "year-round" versus "traditional" debate. I've posted some detailed info in the past on this subject, as have many others.

Oh, my son is at a terrific daycare, too - NC has the "5-star" rating system, which at least gives you a starting point, but isn't the final word on quality. Ask around for discounts for teachers, too - I didn't even know the daycare I had selected offered it, until I was filling out the paperwork. At the time it was 15% off, which was huge! (I think now it's only 10% off for teachers.)

[msdiva777]

Thank you so much for your reply. You gave me alot of insight on teaching as well as daycare. I really do appreciate it. The more I search through this site, I begin to feel more excited about my decision to relocate to Raleigh.

Thanks Again

[kirk902]

Raleigh is a nice place to live and and is a great place to raise children. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill also known as the triangle offers students a prety good edcuation here and there are many colleges.

[2ndeleducation]

I too am from NY...Manhattan more specifically...I lived in Long Beach as well as the Hamptons during the summer...It all depends on what you are looking for. Most move down here due to the cost of living...You can certainly find an apartment down here in you budget. Do yourself a favor and get an Apt in NORTH RALEIGH...It is a bit nicer than most areas...and the prices are def fair. Living in downtown isn't what you think it might be! Hedingham is also an option...I say that because as far as location is concerned, it might be the best around. Close to all Hwy's and close to downtown. No matter what you do...6 MONTHS ONLY! Then you can figure out what area you really like and go from there! I taught in the NYC Public School System and Wake County is a great place to work!

[saturnfan]

A few points to consider:

1. Housing is lower here, but salaries are much lower than NYC
See my apt site for an example of good rental prices http://www.northridgecrossingsapartments.com/
2. Family health insurance is $500/month
3. No union representation here for public employees
4. Almost no public transportation
5. Taxes are quite high for the South
6. No employer contribution for dental/vision coverage if desired
7. Daycare is far from cheap. Try faith based sites for best rates.

I used to live in Manhattan (my wife in Long Beach) and have enjoyed North Raleigh for 20 years. Just be sure you have all facts in place before deciding.

Good luck.