Moving? We think... (Huntington, Kingwood, Wayne: relocation, real estate, military)

[Asherpaiger]

Okay...so I just recently finished my teaching program in Colorado. My husband is in the military and for the past two years we have been living on an enlisted soldier's pay only. So we haven't been living fancy, but we have been getting by. We don't go hungry or really "want" for much. However, when he gets out of the military (another year or so) then we are wanting to move back to the eastern part of the country. Here is what I am looking for...and a few of my concerns....and I'd love any advice you can possibly give me. We have been thinking of West Virginia...because on the surface it seems to meet our requirements:

1. A small town where you generally know everyone. The kids are safe to play outside. You don't have to worry about leaving your car parked outside or your house unlocked.
2. A good town to raise a family. Meaning...there needs to be more for the kids to get into other than drugs, alcohol, and sex.
3. An area where we can purchase a sizable piece of land (think hunting and fishing haha...)
4. Good schools (or decent schools...doesn't have to be #1 in the state or anything, but not against that either)
5. A place where my husband will be able to find a job post-military
6. No neighbors for miles...but still be within driving distance of a wal-mart.

All of this sounds nice...and I am hoping we can find a town that fits all this. However, my other concern...and perhaps someone can provide some insight....I have been looking at various salary schedules for the school districts out in West Virginia. I will be taking a considerable pay cut coming from Colorado Springs to West Virginia (basically any town). When we first move I will be the only income for the family. My husband wants to finish his degree (probably online). So...will we be able to survive comfortably on just a teacher salary? I don't mind living in a place where we aren't making as much money as long as we aren't begging for food.

So, any advice or suggestion will be very welcome.

[tbailey1138]

Check out the Huntington area as you look. Large pieces of land like you are talking about that are close to everything will likely be hard to find just about anywhere, but you may get lucky in this area. In Cabell County, you might search the Martha or Salt Rock areas and you might also check Wayne and Mason Counties as well. These areas are all a short trip to Huntington but are less populated and may provide the type of setting you are looking for but still let you be fairly close to the jobs and convenience of Huntington. Since your husband was in the military, Huntington is also home to one of the top rated VA hospitals in the nation but it is also home to 2 of the largest hospitals in the state. Living in the Huntington area would also allow you the opportunity to teach in OH or KY which have higher teacher salaries but provide you with the low cost of living in WV. Here are some links to consider. Hope this helps.
Tim

Huntington, West Virginia (WV) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders
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[David Kennedy]

I'm thinking Preston County...about as country as you can get...and a real winter at Kingwood. Penn State, Carnegie-Mellon and WVU can get you on line with that degree. those campuses are within 15 miles of each other...

If hubby is taking classes now at UC or CS check as to what will transfer. University of Maryland is only 3 hrs to the east from there and their online cirriculum is fab...and in the Army ed-web already...

thanks for giving Wv a look...its the place to be for us...my car keys are in the 4 vehicles as we speak...front door is wide open for the dogs to return from their walk...

[tbailey1138]

DK's post reminded me, I forgot to mention that Marshall University is in Huntington and may provide your husband with the schooling that he needs. Here' a link.
Tim
Welcome to Marshall University

[TrsrHuntr]

You can also try the Eastern Panhandle of WV! Close to DC, MD and Va. We also have West Virginia University subschools where he can study here. Housing is great and a wonderful place to raise your kids.

[Georgia]

Originally Posted by David Kennedy

I'm thinking Preston County...about as country as you can get...and a real winter at Kingwood. Penn State, Carnegie-Mellon and WVU can get you on line with that degree. those campuses are within 15 miles of each other...

If hubby is taking classes now at UC or CS check as to what will transfer. University of Maryland is only 3 hrs to the east from there and their online cirriculum is fab...and in the Army ed-web already...

thanks for giving Wv a look...its the place to be for us...my car keys are in the 4 vehicles as we speak...front door is wide open for the dogs to return from their walk...

I would second this suggestion. Preston is very nice with the small location in regard to your suggestion as to knowing your neighbors.