Ohio to Charleston... (fit in, apartment, to rent)

[mrspink]

My husband and I are from a small NW Ohio town. He is a teacher and I will have my degree in Middle Childhood education in December. So, that is when I will have to begin my job search, as will he if we decide to move. Opportunities around here are slim and pay is not great.

I was just wondering if I could get some feedback about the Charleston area. You know...places to look to rent (as we would rent for a year or two before buying), areas to avoid. What areas have the best school systems, are considered safe etc. We would like fairly close proximity to the beach (10-20 minutes). Can anyone give me an estimate of what rent of a 2-3 bed. 1-2 bath apartment would cost in an area with this description? We are thinking around $1100ish...but it all would depend on our salaries...if anyone could give me an average salary for a teacher Charleston I would be able to give you a better idea of what we could afford.

A little more about us might give you some idea of location or where we'd fit in. (my husband has been there but I never have) We are in our ealy 20s (I would be 23 and my husband 24 when we moved). We are both active people and like to do a variety of activities...walking, biking, swimming, concerts, plays, dancing, restaurants, shopping (for me!) etc. We also have a small dog (<10lbs). We do not have children yet, but would like an area that is kid friendly and safe...as this will be a part of our future.

I hope this helps some. I have posted in several forums since I first joined to get a feel for what different areas are like and we have decided we really like the east coast and charleston is a consideration. Thank you for your help!

[SCBeaches]

Where in NW Ohio are you from? I grew up in Waterville and attended Anthony Wayne Schools, then BGSU. I have been living and teaching in Charleston for 25 years...lived on James Island for 10 years and here on Johns Island for 15 years. Most apts. here start at around $1,000 + per month. Keep in mind that the closer you are to the beach, the higher your rent is going to be. Chances are if the rent is below 1k, it's not going to be a safe area. I would think James or Johns Islands might fit your criteria, West Ashley, or maybe even Mt. Pleasant. I'll let realtors answer that one....

As for schools....with our budget cuts, school closings, and possible teacher layoffs for next year, I would take what I could get. You can DM me if you want any specific advice....
Good luck!

[mrspink]

Thanks for your help! We are between Lima and Findlay. My husband does currently have a job, but he has to drive 45 minutes to get there...then of course the trip back. We are just trying to plan ahead and figure out where is right for us. However, the job market back here is horrible. Very few college grads get jobs in the state and our college is pretty well known (in the area/state) for a good education program.

Yea, we definitely want a safe area, so we would rather sacrifice a little in cost than in safety and quality. I've heard Mt. Pleasant is nice and the same for the two islands you mentioned. When we decide where we will be heading, we will take a trip down, do some exploring and see the area first hand. We just think that is a very important part of the process.

Can you comment on general salary for beginning teachers/teachers with a year or two of experience? Although I'm sure it beats what the average salary around here is!

[OleTomCat]

All of the school districts post their pay scales online, just do a google search for Charleston County school salary, or Dorchester or Berkeley county.

Not hard to find, you need to contact the district offices directly before contacting any school for an interview.