Knoxville or Nashville: Family of teachers (Memphis, Chattanooga: 2015, homes, find a job)

[cwen]

My wife, 2 boys (elementary age) want to relocate to TN. We want to live in suburbs but work in cities (higher teacher salaries there for sure). Education for our 2 boys in paramount. Any suggestions on small rural town outside the cities of Nashville or Knoxville with good schools and fairly priced homes that are pretty close to one of those cities? I mean within 20 mile each way commute.

Thanks

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by cwen

... live in suburbs but work in cities (higher teacher salaries there for sure).

This ^^^ is a misconception.

http://www.teateachers.org/sites/def...ing_report.pdf

I would focus on growing areas that are building schools and facing definite hiring needs. Have jobs lined up before you consider moving. You may be able to find a job in a community where you choose to live.

[Rangerred]

This might surprise you, but Metro Nashville and Knox County (Knoxville) schools have nowhere near the highest salaries in the state. That distinction belongs to the various districts in Shelby County (Memphis). Davidson County (Nashville) is 12th and Knox County 45th.

If you're looking for higher teacher salaries combined with good schools, check out Maryville, Alcoa, and Oak Ridge (effectively Knoxville suburbs) along with Johnson City and Kingsport in the Tri-Cities region of Northeast TN. I'm partial to Johnson City but you'll get many different opinions here.

[Serious Conversation]

In the Tri-Cities, salaries are far better in the city school systems than counties. That may not be true in suburban areas around larger areas that are more affluent.

[jabogitlu]

This might surprise you, but Metro Nashville and Knox County (Knoxville) schools have nowhere near the highest salaries in the state. That distinction belongs to the various districts in Shelby County (Memphis).

This was my thought. Unless you're ruling out Metro Memphis for various other reasons, it's possible to live in/near a small-ish town, receive a decent salary and get quality education for your kids. For example, living in Piperton and sending kids / teaching at Collierville. Also, Memphis has a larger variety of cultural / society offerings than Knoxville, but fewer than Nashville --- but is more affordable than Nashville. If you have a focus on outdoor recreation, though, Knoxville, Chattanooga or Johnson City are hard to beat.