Thinking about moving to DC area (apartment, safe area, public schools)

[msolution]

Me and my wife are 20 somethings thinking about going to Howard's graduate school. We are both teachers and would like to do the same in the DC area. In Texas(Houston), we both together make about $70,000 a year and live a pretty good lifestyle. I do understand the price of living is very high in the area but I don't know much else. Does anyone know the situation with schools in the area? Is there a demand at all for teachers? What are the salaries? Also could we live decent off(in a safe area) of two teacher's salaries in that area. I do have cars so commuting from Maryland or Virgina is not a huge deal(especially if I could get more for the money) but if not I would be very happy in D.C. I only plan on living in the area until I get my degree so some type of apartment would be fine but I would need at least a two bedroom. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[LIS123]

There seems to be good demand for Teachers almost anywhere in the country. The situation in DC (troubled public schools, high COL) should increase this demand even further. You both should be able to find jobs.

Will you be able to work on an FT basis while in school? Two-bedrooms in nice neighborhoods are very expensive in the district itself, but should be cheaper in the MD or NOVA areas. That said, they say the area has horrible traffic, so living further away can be frustrating. Plus, parking in the city itself is difficult (and expensive).

You should be able to get by on your combined income. However, it can be tough to live in a place like DC on a very tight budget so you could consider other programs in more affordable locations (so long as they are no weaker than the similar program at Howard).