Question for teachers.. Special Ed teacher moving from SF Bay Area .. possibly (San Diego: rental car, apartments)

[Locali]

I’m in a great community just outside of SF. Incredible school district. I’m paid well. They want to attract and retain good staff. I’d stay forever based on the job, but the Bay Area in general is too high strung. I’ve lived here for 10 years, and would love a change in pace. I know SD isn’t “slow” but whenever I visit, I can’t get over how friendly and chilled out people are in comparison. I really like that!

I did look at other states first, which really isn’t smart being a CA credentialed teacher, but I’d heard how great Austin and Denver were. The Austin forums were so hostile toward Californians, I was really taken aback, one lady asked me to understand how difficult it is to be priced out of your city (and lose the artsy vibe) because of newcomers. Yeah lady, I live in SF, I remember what it was like before the tech boom and all my recent college grad friends were comfortably renting one or two bed apartments to get their start in the city. I also remember all the fantastic musicians who used to live here too. So yeah, I get it, but we aren’t hostile toward newcomers. That’s just how it is. Good for them that they get to live there and have done well.

Denver told me flat out, “teachers can’t afford to live here” sadly, they’re right. Teachers in CO are paid very poorly.

So, outside of moving to Sacto, I wanted to check out San Diego. I’ve got a BA plus 76 units post grad (a ca multiple subject credential and Ed specialist credential). 14 years experience. Any recommendations for higher paying districts close to areas I may want to live. I’m in my 40’s. Single. I’d love to be able to rent a nice one bed (would two bed be too much to expect?) and also save to maybe one day buy in the area. I’m close to making 100,000 in current position, and am comfortable on that salary here in SF area, renting a large studio. Like I said, I’m just sick of the SF Bay Area. The vibe had changed so much, and people are almost manic.

Any suggestions regarding school districts, reasonable (but still kind of fun cute places to live) would be helpful. Yes, I know SD is pricey too. I know teachers are not paid extremely well. I do know that special Ed teachers are in high demand though. Any teachers or people in school districts .. would love your input. Please be kind. I was battered in the Austin forum. Lol. Sad.

[cruitr]

Special Ed teachers are in big demand here. Based on comments from my neighbor (who is a Special Ed teacher), you probably won't $100k here.

[Locali]

Originally Posted by cruitr

Special Ed teachers are in big demand here. Based on comments from my neighbor (who is a Special Ed teacher), you probably won't $100k here.

Thank you. I don’t need 100,000 if the cost of living is less. I’m wondering what districts would be good to look into as far as salary schedule, and if they are areas that are affordable or close to affordable areas so I won’t have to do a crazy commute. Quick research is showing I might make between 75 to 80,000 in better paid districts. I just don’t know if that’s a comfortable salary for SD, and also good areas to target. I’m not married, no kids. In my 40s and I like to socialize and am active. Looking for a community of adults that’s still vibrant but also affordable for my salary.

Thanks for answering,

[cruitr]

My wife has an office in Pleasanton. She's there at least once a week. Once in awhile I fly into Oakland with her. So I take her rental car and cruise around the East Bay area. I need to stay in the Pleasanton area because her meetings could end at any time. And she hates to wait.

For housing, I'd say Pleasanton housing costs are comparable to areas we know as University City/UTC, Sorrento Valley, and Eastern La Jolla. Zip codes: 92122, 92121, and 92037. And some parts remind me of Carmel Valley - 92130. Other people may have other opinions.

But San Diego County is huge. Roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. Don't look for housing until you get a good feel for your school district. If you get a job in the San Marcos area, forget living in the places I just mentioned. You're not coming to San Diego to spend 10-15% of your day in a car.

As for the best Special Ed school districts in San Diego County, there are people on here who are much better qualified to answer that question.

[Locali]

Originally Posted by cruitr

My wife has an office in Pleasanton. She's there at least once a week. Once in awhile I fly into Oakland with her. So I take her rental car and cruise around the East Bay area. I need to stay in the Pleasanton area because her meetings could end at any time. And she hates to wait.

For housing, I'd say Pleasanton housing costs are comparable to areas we know as University City/UTC, Sorrento Valley, and Eastern La Jolla. Zip codes: 92122, 92121, and 92037. And some parts remind me of Carmel Valley - 92130. Other people may have other opinions.

But San Diego County is huge. Roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. Don't look for housing until you get a good feel for your school district. If you get a job in the San Marcos area, forget living in the places I just mentioned. You're not coming to San Diego to spend 10-15% of your day in a car.

As for the best Special Ed school districts in San Diego County, there are people on here who are much better qualified to answer that question.

Great! Thank you! Your comparison of Pleasanton prices is helpful.

Yeah, I’m really looking at districts in San Diego Area first, before places to live. I’m wanting to know what the best paying districts are first, then see which communities are near enough to those districts that might be affordable, and I wouldn’t be spending my life commuting.

No joke, during non rush hour times, I get from my place to school in 7 mins tops. During rush hour, it’s 45 mins. Feels like sitting in a parking lot. I’d like to avoid that! Lol

[moved]

Look for information on www.edjoin.org.

[Locali]

Originally Posted by moved

Look for information on www.edjoin.org.

I’ve used Ed join extensively. Wondering about cost of living there in a teacher’s salary... estimating between 75 and 80,000 I’m guessing.

Thanks though

[moved]

Rosie could answer your question better than anyone else. But everyone will tell you the same thing - get the job first, then look for a place to live, otherwise you could have a very long commute.

[Locali]

Originally Posted by moved

Rosie could answer your question better than anyone else. But everyone will tell you the same thing - get the job first, then look for a place to live, otherwise you could have a very long commute.

OK,!totally get that. My main question is this ... Let’s say, I get a job in Del Mar, is there anywhere around there that I’d be able to afford to live? Or Schools in Encinitas? Could I live in Encinitas on their district’s teachers salary or are there areas near Encinitas that are affordable and I wouldn’t have a horrific commute. I don’t want to take a job, only to find I can’t afford to live near that job,

For instance, my current situation.., I know Marin county well enough to know the districts that pay well and also the communities within a quick drive of those high paying districts where I could afford to live on that salary, and not spend my life commuting. I don’t know the layout of San Diego well enough to make that call. I’d hate to accept a position in a great district, only to find that I can’t afford to live anywhere around there,

I know it’s a tough one to answer if you’re not familiar with the well KSU’s districts in San Diego, but if anyone could help with that type of info, I’d be really grateful.

Thanks again,

[bigdaddy5]

San Diego Unified is the largest and arguably the best school district in the area. My wife is a tenured elementary school teacher with over 30 years tenure there. We have a son who has special needs and it's crucial for us that he goes to a district that fulfills his needs. SDUSD provides that, mostly. We had to transfer our son from one school to another because we were unhappy with his needs not being addressed and indifference from the staff.

As usual, teaching tenure will dictate your payscale especially if you stay within the same school district and don't jump around frequently. This only pertains to full time teachers, not subs. My wife did 30 years within the same district but didn't break the six figure payscale until very recently. Take this with a grain of salt as it may be different for special ed teachers and other teaching specialties.

Yes, it's best to secure the job "first" before looking for a place to live. We know folks who commute from Eastlake/Chula Vista (South SD) to Carlsbad (North Coastal SD), every day. Your mileage will vary, no pun. I'd suggest someplace central and reasonably cheap (anywhere near the beach is always expensive, so be realistic). More inland and central places like Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mission Valley, University City, Clairemont come to mind. You may need to go more inland if your budget dictates. Places like La Mesa, Santee, Eastlake/Chula Vista, El Cajon, Grossmont, Escondido, San Marcos. These areas are easy to access via freeway.