Foo - Hawaii? Miami? Denver? Bay Area? Where would you go?

I'm about to graduate this year and will be applying for Teach for America (www.teachforamerica.com). Essentially you give them two years in low income districts, they teach you how to teach (often get you certified). I want to teach high school but am not an education major...

I live in the chicago area and kind of want to leave, at least for a little while. Keep in mind that anywhere i go is not going to be in very "nice" area's, nor would i be able to afford such a thing.

That said, i get to request where i want to go...i'm just not sure yet.

Oh I wish I had YOUR dilemma.......*sigh*

Oh I wish I had YOUR dilemma.......*sigh*


:love: :beer:

Don't kid yourself though, i'm certainly not. There is a reason why this program exists...people don't want to teach there. There is a reason why people don't want to teach there.

Then come to Cali. I'll introduce you to Jon. ;)

Having been to each of those places, I vote for Denver. If housing wasn't so dang expensive, San Francisco would have been my first choice. Oh, and it's closer to Siu. :)

Dude......Hawai'i


No question

Look at the pros and cons, and evaluate what lifestyle and activities you enjoy. The places you've listed are very different.

Miami would be scratched pre-emptively, if that was my list. It's dead flat, super congested, has a high crime rate, has miserable weather in the summer, and lots of locals look down their noses at you and treat you rudely if you don't speak Spanish (Cuban-Spanish) fluently.

I'd be torn between the Bay area and Hawaii (I've lived both places). If you like bike riding a lot, choose the Bay area. If you want to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life and a pleasant year-round climate, Hawaii wins. I guess that if you're a ski bum, Denver would win out.

Really zorro they all fit my life style.

My ideal place to live would be close to the mountains in the winter and close to the beach in the summer. I like to ski, i like to cycle, i like to take photographs. Now while Denver doesn't have an ocean, it has lakes, and while CA has an ocean, its mountains are not the Rockies...i say they balance.

I really think i'd enjoy a place like San Diego, but that isn't an option. This is all likely temporary, as ya'll know i slipped and fell in love with a girl and she's a bit of a homebody, unfortunately. In the meantime...

Really zorro they all fit my life style.

My ideal place to live would be close to the mountains in the winter and close to the beach in the summer. I like to ski, i like to cycle, i like to take photographs. Now while Denver doesn't have an ocean, it has lakes, and while CA has an ocean, its mountains are not the Rockies...i say they balance.

I really think i'd enjoy a place like San Diego, but that isn't an option. This is all likely temporary, as ya'll know i slipped and fell in love with a girl and she's a bit of a homebody, unfortunately. In the meantime...
The Bay Area isn't that far from Lake Tahoe, so getting away to ski isn't that tough. You won't get island fever after 3 months (I need to get off this rock!), and has way more options for rides than you'd have in Hawaii, and you won't have unescapable cold for 6 months of the year like you would in Denver. There is the peril of earthquakes there, and traffic kind of bites, but it definitely will set you up for the most options out of the four locations on your list.

The Bay Area isn't that far from Lake Tahoe, so getting away to ski isn't that tough. You won't get island fever after 3 months (I need to get off this rock!), and has way more options for rides than you'd have in Hawaii, and you won't have unescapable cold for 6 months of the year like you would in Denver. There is the peril of earthquakes there, and traffic kind of bites, but it definitely will set you up for the most options out of the four locations on your list.

Hmmm, how's the golf? :D

Hmmm, how's the golf? :D

I think I only played a single round while I lived there (in Petaluma with my boss), but they do have some decent courses. I suppose you may have heard of Pebble Beach? :D It's likely to be rather pricey, but that would be the case in Hawaii too, unless you're in the service. I'd ask bikingshearer that question, as he's a longer time resident, and as a lawyer, probably has far more disposable income than I ever dreamt of.

Maybe check out: Charlotte, Nashville, Fayetteville, Tulsa, Austin, and Colorado Springs.

Maybe check out: Charlotte, Nashville, Fayetteville, Tulsa, Austin, and Colorado Springs.

Yeah. Great skiing and beaches right out your door in those first five locales. :rolleyes:

My options aren't as flexible as that anyways.

I'd opt for denver. Safer than any of the other options, including Hawaii since they have such strict gun laws. And Colorado is quite a pretty place.

I'd opt for denver. Safer than any of the other options, including Hawaii since they have such strict gun laws. And Colorado is quite a pretty place.
Hawaii is really safe - unless you flip off one of the large local dudes, or take somebody's wave, or join a pick-up rugby game against Samoans and Tongans.

I'd say SF, if it wasn't for all the darn hippies.

My vote: hawaii

Temporary - Hawaii
Permanent - San Francisco Bay Area

Hawaii, when do you figure you will ever get paid to go to Hawaii again?
I agree with emagic, if you are going to stay permanently stay on the mainland, SF sounds nice.

Since its temporary, I'd go to Hawaii, but if you wanted to stay in the continental US and relatively close to home, Denver. You could probably make the drive in one (long) day.

Denver mon.. Skiing up I-70, great biking.. even some good golf courses and you can hit some 300+ yard drives no sweat..

I don't know how to say this tactfully, so I'll just come out with it. You are waaaay too young to teach in a high school setting. It seems every time I turn around I hear another story about a young high school teacher getting in one kind of trouble or another. You just aren't significantly older than the students and that can lead into many problems:
1) Students not giving you respect you deserve
2) Girls (only a few years younger) throwing themselves at you (do NOT assume you love your girlfriend or are too "solid" to let that be a problem......everybody who had the problem thought that too).

Many others if you think about it.

If I were you, I'd consider middle school/junior high for a few years before jumping in to high school.

Having just moved to FLA Id have tp agree with USAZorro.....
FL would be scratched right away. Im lucky I that Im in a
'civilized' area, but still, the shootings and crime are out
of control. If its like this in West Palm area, I can only
assume that all the negative stuff they say about Miami
here is true. A war zone. Id go Bay area. At least you
have great riding and cities close by.
And, my Wife is an educator, ditto what King T sed....
Go with as young an age group as you can. Middle
School kids are the WORST in her opinion. Try to get elementary.
You shouldnt have too much trouble though, men teachers are
in great demand.

I grew up in Chicago, moved to the Bay area for 10 years and have now lived in Miami area for 3 years. I've also visited Hawaii. So from my experience the winner is Hawaii, followed by the Bay Area. Fl has nice winters but that is about it, no scenery, no hills, boring, boring, boring. The Bay area is great if you can afford it and don't have to commute 2-3hrs a day.

Out of your list, I'd say Denver without a second thought.

I don't think I ever want to live in CA and, having been stationed in FL twice, I know for a fact that I never want to do more than visit again. Hawaii? Visited there, but for me, I just wouldn't want to live there.

Do you have other options? What about Seattle? Portland? The northeast? These places have the ocean, lakes, mountains and pretty much any other outdoors activity you're into or want to get into. They all have different weather issues, but being from Chicago, I'm guessing you know how to deal with the cold and snow and Gore-tex solves most rain issues.

I don't know how to say this tactfully, so I'll just come out with it. You are waaaay too young to teach in a high school setting. It seems every time I turn around I hear another story about a young high school teacher getting in one kind of trouble or another. You just aren't significantly older than the students and that can lead into many problems:
1) Students not giving you respect you deserve
2) Girls (only a few years younger) throwing themselves at you (do NOT assume you love your girlfriend or are too "solid" to let that be a problem......everybody who had the problem thought that too).

Many others if you think about it.

If I were you, I'd consider middle school/junior high for a few years before jumping in to high school.

That's probably really good advice...

I'm about to graduate this year and will be applying for Teach for America (www.teachforamerica.com).

I just want to say good luck, my man. I applied for TFA earlier this year and didn't make it. I'll definitely be jealous of you if you get in. Now I'm stuck in Indy for 3 years and I'll be trying to get into this (http://www.indianapolisteachingfellows.org/overview.html) instead. I was hoping to be able to go to New Mexico for my own reasons.

What is your major? Why did you decide you want to teach instead? We might have similar stories.

Fl has nice winters but that is about it, no scenery, no hills, boring, boring, boring.


and, having been stationed in FL twice, I know for a fact that I never want to do more than visit again.

As somebody who just moved from FL (living nearly my whole life there, 30+ years), I'd say both of these statements are 100% true.

Some people love it, I'll admit, but IMO, other than a few nice beaches, it is very boring. Nothing really that interesting to do, again unless your a beach nut. Biking is great on trails, but FL is one of (if not THE) most dangerous place for biking on roads. The summer is sooo hot and humid, it's pretty tough to bike or anything like that in the middle of the day, you either have go go early in AM or late in PM.

Hawaii, when do you figure you will ever get paid to go to Hawaii again?
I agree with emagic, if you are going to stay permanently stay on the mainland, SF sounds nice.

+1

I just want to say good luck, my man. I applied for TFA earlier this year and didn't make it. I'll definitely be jealous of you if you get in. Now I'm stuck in Indy for 3 years and I'll be trying to get into this (http://www.indianapolisteachingfellows.org/overview.html) instead. I was hoping to be able to go to New Mexico for my own reasons.

What is your major? Why did you decide you want to teach instead? We might have similar stories.

I always wanted to teach, i just didn't take a normal rout :).

YGPM

Having just moved to FLA Id have tp agree with USAZorro.....
FL would be scratched right away. Im lucky I that Im in a
'civilized' area, but still, the shootings and crime are out
of control. If its like this in West Palm area, I can only
assume that all the negative stuff they say about Miami
here is true. A war zone. Id go Bay area. At least you
have great riding and cities close by.
And, my Wife is an educator, ditto what King T sed....
Go with as young an age group as you can. Middle
School kids are the WORST in her opinion. Try to get elementary.
You shouldnt have too much trouble though, men teachers are
in great demand.


Not that there is much intellectual interaction with high school kids...the absolute lack of it in elementary school would bore me. Middle school kids are little cock bags, the activities i can make/participate in in high school makes up for the attitude of high school kids...football, various clubs etc. I think i'll enjoy it. there is a reason i want to teach high school, part of it is probably a bit romantic and unrealistic but i know what was missing from my high school education in terms of what i got from the school, and i'd like to think i could do it better.

Hawaii may be a good choice given your circumstances. You would have the opportunity to live in a culture that's unique and quite different from anything you'll probably experience on the mainland. Send me a PM if you want any more information about Hawaii.

Seems like the Bay Area is kinda pricey, especially considering the paltry salary you're going to be making.

Denver is not too bad. I assume since it's only for a couple of years, you'll be renting. There are nice, well used bike paths all through Denver and the suburbs. Dozens of excellent mountain biking trails within 30 minutes of downtown. Hundreds within 100 miles.

The mountains have everything. Skiing, road and mtb riding, hiking (see this (http://www.14ers.com/)). I'd say the scales tip to the Denver area with our ski passes though. There are two big deals that I know of, I think there are more. One lets you ski/ride A-Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge all season long for $379. Add $40 and you get 10 days at Vail or Beaver Creek. The other one gives you unlimited skiing/riding at Winter Park or Copper for $389. Add $100 to that one and you get 6 days at Steamboat.

If you were to pay daily for skiing like you have to do elsewhere, figure $100 with gas. Not sure anywhere else in the country has deals like this for locals. Skiing is actually cheap if you use the pass frequently. Downside to these cheap tickets is traffic up and down the mountain. You just have to learn when not to be on the roads and you'll be fine. Same issue exists most other places everyone wants to go.

Here are a couple of road rides I did this week. Copper Triangle I did with 3 others. Copper is 1.5 hours from Denver. Spectacular ride: http://www.coppertriangle.com/course.html

Yesterday, 13 of us rode up Mt. Evans from Idaho Springs. Idaho Springs is 30-40 mins from Denver. The ride up is on the highest paved road in the country, ending at 14k+ feet. I'd say conservatively there were 300-400 other people doing this ride yesterday! Unparalleled scenery from a road bike. Marmots and mountain goats. http://www.bicyclerace.com/BCMHC_Map_3.pdf (sorry, PDF).

Not all of the riding is this hard. Actually the Mt Evans one isn't so hard as it is long and uphill all but maybe 1 mile.

You could also sign up for the Triple Bypass, a single day 120 mile ride with 3500 others climbing 3 mountain passes, with over 10k of elevation gain. http://www.teamevergreen.org/HTML_MAIN_PAGES/triplebypass.html

Go where you believe you'd be need most.

Hawaii in a heart beat. Not even a question.

Hawaii may be a good choice given your circumstances. You would have the opportunity to live in a culture that's unique and quite different from anything you'll probably experience on the mainland. Send me a PM if you want any more information about Hawaii.


Miami has Hawaii beat in this respect. :D

I can't even believe you have to think about this. Hmmmmm DENVER!!!

Just talk to Superdex if you need to know why :)

Kidding. I choose Denver. UNBELIEVEABLE BIKING both road and mountain. Yes, we don't have an ocean but you will quickly forget about that. :)

If your really serious about Denver give me a ring and we can chat.

Snowy

Miami has Hawaii beat in this respect. :D

I think they meant in a good way.

Notice that the only people who are advising you go to Denver are those who have been breathing oxygen depleted air for months or years on end. ;) Colorado is quite beautiful, but all the beauty seemed to me to be variations on the same theme. I also quickly learned that if the road you want to drive to get to another part of the state is closed (let's say due to wildfire :o ), you can be in for a 200 mile detour. :(

I think they meant in a good way.

Notice that the only people who are advising you go to Denver are those who have been breathing oxygen depleted air for months or years on end. ;) Colorado is quite beautiful, but all the beauty seemed to me to be variations on the same theme. I also quickly learned that if the road you want to drive to get to another part of the state is closed (let's say due to wildfire :o ), you can be in for a 200 mile detour. :(

HUH??
Zorro lay off the pot smoking. ;)

No major wildfires here right now. Now Utah yes but not Colorado. Do we have wildfires YES. but I've never not been able to bike somewhere cause of this.

Plus, he would be working in Denver more likely so he'll be fine. :)

Honolulu, go on the wrong side of AlaMoana Ave, you could be in Brooklyn. Hawaii is awesome; but,if you are into cycling- I'd go to San Diego. South Central San Diego. You can find crime and someone more than ready to rip off your fine bike. Yet, you get incredible weather. And great cycling. As they say about San Francisco. Never spent a colder winter, then the summer in San Francisco. While the exurbs of Frisco fry. I'd look into San Diego. The flight to Hawaii is only five hours and great discounts are to be found. Sort of get dizzy on the bike on Oahu- its just a big circle. Beautiful as that circle is.

HUH??
Zorro lay off the pot smoking. ;)

No major wildfires here right now. Now Utah yes but not Colorado. Do we have wildfires YES. but I've never not been able to bike somewhere cause of this.

Plus, he would be working in Denver more likely so he'll be fine. :)

Me? Smoke pot? Not in your lifetime. ;)

Last summer, we had planned to go from Dodge City to Pagosa Springs via a direct route. Alas, there was a fire that had closed one of the summits along route 160, which precipitated a long, but scenic detour. The fire, along with a wrong turn allowed us to find Bishop's Castle, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/COBEUcastle.html - but it made for a much longer day than had been anticipated.

I'm not knocking Denver, but I think the OP would find more of what he says he likes in the Bay Area (probably Oakland or East Palo Alto). :)

Plenty of hood in S cal, do you get a rent break? If not Denver is probably the most affordable. Don't forget it gets nasty cold in the winter. Being from the snow you may want a break.

Plenty of hood in S cal, do you get a rent break? If not Denver is probably the most affordable. Don't forget it gets nasty cold in the winter. Being from the snow you may want a break.

Southern California has nothing to do with the bay area.

Having been to each of those places, I vote for Denver. If housing wasn't so dang expensive, San Francisco would have been my first choice. Oh, and it's closer to Siu. :)

That would mean you'd be teaching oakland kids... oh HELL no

don't leave illinois. they need you there!

Having just moved to FLA Id have tp agree with USAZorro.....
FL would be scratched right away. Im lucky I that Im in a
'civilized' area, but still, the shootings and crime are out
of control. If its like this in West Palm area, I can only
assume that all the negative stuff they say about Miami
here is true. A war zone.
but I thought all those Fl dudes are claiming that Florida is so safe because it's an on-demand gun carry state, are you saying that they all are liars?!?!?

:eek:

:o

Randya, go back to your hole.

I think they meant in a good way.

Notice that the only people who are advising you go to Denver are those who have been breathing oxygen depleted air for months or years on end. ;) Colorado is quite beautiful, but all the beauty seemed to me to be variations on the same theme. I also quickly learned that if the road you want to drive to get to another part of the state is closed (let's say due to wildfire :o ), you can be in for a 200 mile detour. :(

For the record, I live in the Denver area and love it. But the chance to live and work in Hawaii for two years? No question. Aloha

Southern California has nothing to do with the bay area.

Then you should edit your first post :D




That said, i get to request where i want to go...i'm just not sure yet.