[lookingtorelocate33]

My wife and I are looking to relocate from the suburbs of Chicago, IL and are considering Oklahoma (Tulsa or Oklahoma City suburbs). However, in researching Oklahoma, it seems the salary for teachers are over $10k less than those where we currently live. Since my wife is a teacher this is a huge factor. Why are teacher salaries so much less and is there any increases in the coming future?

[eddie gein]

Originally Posted by lookingtorelocate33

My wife and I are looking to relocate from the suburbs of Chicago, IL and are considering Oklahoma (Tulsa or Oklahoma City suburbs). However, in researching Oklahoma, it seems the salary for teachers are over $10k less than those where we currently live. Since my wife is a teacher this is a huge factor. Why are teacher salaries so much less and is there any increases in the coming future?

They have been working on upgrading teachers salaries pretty fervently since the teachers strike a couple of years ago. But Oklahoma was so far behind it will still not look good relative to other states.

That being said, the cost of living in Oklahoma is significantly lower than a lot of other states (particularly housing). Energy and fuel is relatively cheap. But then you have to throw in the fact that there is roughly a 4-5% state income tax and they tax food here.

By adding all that together I think you are still going to take a hit on salary but not the full 10K. Maybe 5K?

The other good thing though is that the suburban schools with just a couple of exceptions in Tulsa and OKC are pretty good school systems. Mostly decent kids and parents. Safe places to live etc.

[lookingtorelocate33]

Thanks! I am an accountant so I may be able to make up the difference (and then some) if I can find a better paying job.

[StillwaterTownie]

Everybody in Oklahoma who buys gasoline has been paying 3 cents more tax on the gallon, so I certainly hope teacher pay is more competitive by now with neighboring states.

[lookingtorelocate33]

Gas is $2.18 for unleaded here in Illinois. How much is it there?

[grampaTom]

Originally Posted by lookingtorelocate33

Gas is $2.18 for unleaded here in Illinois. How much is it there?

Varies from $1.85 to $2.09 depending on where you live. Oklahoma usually has lower gasoline prices than national average.

[lookingtorelocate33]

Do most newer houses in Oklahoma have basements? Most of the listing we are looking at don't mention them.

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by lookingtorelocate33

Do most newer houses in Oklahoma have basements? Most of the listing we are looking at don't mention them.

No, basements are uncommon.

[lookingtorelocate33]

Why is that? Seems like a huge safety issue with all the tornadoes. Is that why houses are so cheap?

[eddie gein]

Originally Posted by lookingtorelocate33

Why is that? Seems like a huge safety issue with all the tornadoes. Is that why houses are so cheap?

Two reasons.

The water table is too high in a lot of places and there is clay soil a lot of places which can crack foundations. If you come here make sure you find out if your house is on clay soil. If it is you will need to pay some attention to your foundation in the summer and water the foundation a little bit if it gets really hot and dry. I

There are some basements in older homes (Pre WWII) but not a whole bunch. And generally they are too musty to be liveable but can be used for tornadoes.

These days many people are building above ground safe rooms in newer homes. Below ground yard cellars have gotten really cheap.