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Top 25 Cities for Teachers
Photo: Franco Folini | CreativeCommons
Tania Khadder, Anna Hennings, Adam Starr, Alice Handley | Monster
Now more than ever, it’s important to get the best bang for your buck. And there’s no question about it — when it comes to value, not every U.S. city is created equally.
Why chase a great salary if your rent swallows most of it, unemployment is skyrocketing and you spend two hours a day just to get to and from work?
So, which cities offer the most overall value in 2009?
Only the top 25 have made the list — and some may surprise you! After examining various city lists, weighing the rankings and taking note of our personal opinions, we’ve produced a list of cities that’s sure to offer something for everyone.
Our Criteria
We looked at cities' growth rates, average salaries and costs of living.
We factored in average commute time — which, according to experts, has a colossal impact on your overall happiness.
We looked not only at unemployment figures, but also at the rate that unemployment has actually increased since February 2008.
Thinking of relocating for better job prospects? Need to compare two top contenders? Just curious to see where your city ranks? We’ve got you covered. Read on!
Start Here! City #25 >>
KSt
4 months ago
2 comments
I'm sorry but I think this study is baloney. They don't need teachers in San Diego. The article might say it's a good place to teach, but you can't get a job there.
NOTYOURPRIZE
5 months ago
4 comments
Denver sounds nice to me! <3
terry387
6 months ago
6 comments
any teaching positions at community college or university level available in the portland, OR metro area?
texgirlandrea
6 months ago
6 comments
Austin is listed as number one for teachers...which is odd to me. I am currently a teacher looking for a job here and am told that we have a surplus of teachers, which shouldn't make this the number one option for those looking for a teaching job. I know from my own experience and those of several other teachers that it is very difficult to get a good teaching job here because of the amount of applicants. In fact, many of my fellow teacher friends have left to Houston or Dallas because there is a higher need there. I'm not sure if this list is specifically for teachers looking for a job- I feel like it is just listing places based on being a nice place to live and work in general.
vahsteach
6 months ago
2 comments
Interesting because Virginia Beach is very hard and competitive to get a teaching job. And they wait until very last minute to hire. I received a call from them a week before school started for a position that had been open for awhile.
SARATCHANDRAN
6 months ago
4 comments
It will be great if you could give the sites through which one can apply for teaching positions - both schools and universities -in these cities.
Tcher2b
6 months ago
2 comments
I don't know when they did this list or what they based it on but Teachers here can attest that they are treated like noncitizens with layoffs, and pay freezes being the most recent atrocity they are asked to stomach while administrators continue to bring in $150k+ salaries
tulaoshine
6 months ago
2 comments
the list is informative. The Zip stuff does not make meaning to me In Nigeria West Africa. Are the teaching opportunities available for foreigners? - kay
dusharidesilva
6 months ago
8 comments
I am a Trained English Teacher employed by the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. When you ask for a "ZIP" it is Greek to me. And again you ask for a state.
I cant pick or choose any state, though I like some states in U.S solely because I am living in Sri Lanka. Is all these opportunities and openings are only for U.S Residents, theres no point in going through all this information. Please explai me this situation - Dushari Senasinghe De Silva
krodgers
6 months ago
4 comments
I will be relocating to Salem, Oregon and was curious as to the job market for teachers there and the average salary? also will investigate teaching/administration with community colleges there.
sandwist
6 months ago
2 comments
I've been looking for a teaching job in the Buffalo area for 2 years now - peole are moving away. Sadly we are a dying city. there are no teaching jobs here!
mrslankford
6 months ago
2 comments
I am so proud to see San Antonio and Austin at the top of the list. I actually work in the middle going up IH35 in New Braunfels. The average teacher begins over 40,000 a year, there are vacation and fun spots all over the place, not to mention all sorts of historical sites. I actually live an hour away from New Braunfels, but the long commute is worth it to me in order to teach at a great school and make a good living.
Melissa
6 months ago
22 comments
I was surprised about Hartford, Conn on the list and the Boston area, though the teachers there make decent salaries, in order to purchase a home you will need to pay a lot of money. Now if you want to live IN Hartford, it is much cheaper.
Honestly, this whole list seems to be made from information compiled a few years ago.
LRodvien
6 months ago
20 comments
I live on O'ahu, near Honolulu. Its beautiful here, but Honolulu should not be on this list. The current unemployment is actually near 8%. Many schools are making staff cuts due to budget constraints. If you are willing to work on one of the other islands, you can probably find a job, but cost of living is very high statewide. We have a governor who is always trying to cut the education budget. She recently supported cutting health coverage from retired teachers!! Class sizes are large and working conditions are pretty tough all around. Many school facilities are in dire need of upgrades and repairs. While Hawaii is a beautiful place to live for many obvious reasons, Honolulu should not be on this list.
LRodvien
6 months ago
20 comments
Useful article, but please don't put each city on a separate page!! On a slower connection this article takes forever to read! :-(