Top 5 places to live if you want to be a teacher

It’s not easy being a teacher, but it’s even harder trying to pick where you want to live if you want to be one! Picking the perfect place can feel like having an impossible task, especially since there are so many things to consider – Do you want to live in the city or the country? Does the weather matter? How about cost of living? These five cities will have everything you need and more to live happily as a teacher.

1) St. Louis, Missouri

The average salary for teachers in St. Louis is $44,456 and that's about $10,000 less than Missouri's overall average of $54,928. Still not great, but it will save you some money compared to other major cities on our list. Plus, Missouri offers a tax credit of up to $1,500 off your state taxes (which is good) and up to a $250 local tax credit (which is also good). It may not be as high paying as some of these other cities but St. Louis makes up for it with its low cost of living! #GoCardinals! *Pro Tip: The downside of moving here? You have all four seasons so plan accordingly!*

2) Washington, D.C.

Many big cities are magnets for teachers because they have strong school districts, but there are other reasons why teachers flock to Washington, D.C. Teaching jobs in D.C. tend to pay above average; they’re also easier to find since teaching is more of a need than an option in many areas of Washington. District-wide, 94 percent of students attend public schools and 75 percent qualify for free or reduced price lunch due to low income families. When considering your commute, it’s also important that D.C.'s school district covers 88 square miles making it one of the most densely populated in America!

3) Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee is one of my favorite cities in America. It has it all; an active art scene, great schools and plenty of shopping and dining options. Not to mention, there are plenty of job opportunities in music and education. If you’re looking for a slower pace and low cost of living, then Nashvile might be right for you. Teachers can easily make $50,000 or more while paying less than $500 per month on rent or mortgage payments. There is an abundance of public transportation which makes it very easy to get around town without needing your own car. Nashville is also located in close proximity to mountains where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking and camping year round.

4) Dayton, Ohio

Ohio has more certified teachers than any other state in America. This of course means there are more jobs available for newly-certified educators. In addition, schools in Ohio have higher-than-average starting salaries for teachers at $39,174. That’s compared to a national average of $36,141 (according to state data from 2016). Of course, pay isn’t everything when it comes to finding your dream job—but it doesn’t hurt either! That's why Dayton tops our list of best cities for teachers. In fact, one survey ranked it No.

5) Buffalo, New York

Teaching in Buffalo is an excellent career move for those who enjoy great professional opportunities, low living costs and ample personal time. Some of Buffalo’s highlights include: beautiful scenery (the city sits right on Lake Erie), easy access to other big cities and year-round cultural activities. The average cost of living in Buffalo is much lower than that of other major U.S. cities such as New York or Chicago; meanwhile, housing is quite affordable and taxes are very low, giving new teachers a chance to save money and establish financial stability right away.