Best Cities for Teachers Where educators are valued

Sunnyvale isn't just a tech hub; it's a place where teachers can actually build a life. That’s why it topped our 2026 list. The city’s median household income sits at a staggering $189,443, and with 71.9% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, you’re teaching in a community that deeply values education. The public schools are consistently high-performing, and the district’s support is strong.

But let’s be real about the cost. A median home price of $1,712,500 is a brutal barrier to entry, and renting a one-bedroom averages $2,694. Your paycheck, while competitive for teachers, will be stretched thin by the area's overall cost of living, which is nearly 13% higher than the national average.

For a local tip, explore the Lakewood neighborhood. It’s a quieter, more residential pocket with older, more affordable housing stock than the sleek new condos downtown, and it’s a short bike ride to Murphy Avenue’s cafes.

Best for: Teachers seeking top-tier schools, a safe community (violent crime is low at 178 per 100k), and who are willing to be a long-term renter or have a dual-income household.
Skip if: You dream of homeownership on a single teacher’s salary or crave a bustling, affordable urban vibe.

Carmel, IN lands at #2 on our "Best Cities for Teachers" list, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just about the paycheck—though the median household income of $143,676 helps. The real draw is the community investment in schools, with ample resources and strong parental support that makes teaching here rewarding, not just a job. With a cost of living index at 94.6 (below the national average), that teacher’s salary goes further.

The catch? It’s a suburb in the truest sense. You’ll need a car for everything, and the vibe is more "quiet family" than "vibrant arts scene." The median home price sits at $502,450, which, while reasonable for the area, can still feel steep on a single teacher's salary. It’s peaceful, but you might miss the buzz of a bigger city.

Insider tip: For a slightly more established feel with mature trees, look in the Carmel Village area near the Monon Trail. It’s walkable to local coffee shops and has more character than some of the newer subdivisions.

Best for: Teachers seeking a stable, family-oriented community with excellent schools and a high quality of life.
Skip if: You crave walkable nightlife, a diverse cultural scene, or a short commute without a car.

Naperville isn’t just a suburb; it’s a community built around its schools. That focus is why it lands at #3 for teachers, offering a blend of strong support and a deeply invested parent base.

The key advantage is the sheer investment in education, reflected in its 71.6% bachelor’s degree rate and a median household income of $152,181. Teachers here aren’t just educators; they’re respected professionals in a district with resources many others dream of. The catch? That prestige comes with a price. The median home is $541,000, and the overall cost of living is 2.6% above the national average, so that salary needs to stretch.

Insider tip: If you move here, explore the historic Jackson Avenue neighborhood. It offers more character than the newer subdivisions and you can walk to the beloved local coffee shop or the Riverwalk.

Best for: Teachers seeking a stable, community-centric environment with top-tier support. Skip if: You’re looking for affordable housing or a gritty, urban vibe.

Cary, NC snagged the #5 spot for teachers for good reason: it’s a high-performing, stable community that invests in its schools. With a median household income of $129,607 and a highly educated populace (71.5% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher), you’re teaching in a supportive environment where parent engagement is the norm. The cost of living index sits at 98.0, and a median 1-bedroom rent of $1,176 is surprisingly reasonable for such a polished suburb.

The catch? It’s not cheap to buy in. The median home price is $570,000, which can feel out of reach on a teacher’s salary, especially with the property taxes to match. The vibe is also very suburban and family-centric; if you’re looking for a bustling arts or nightlife scene, you’ll be driving into Raleigh.

Insider tip: Look for housing in the West Cary area. It’s a bit more affordable than the posh Preston or MacGregor neighborhoods, has great access to the American Tobacco Trail, and still feeds into top-rated schools.

Best for: Teachers seeking strong community support, excellent schools, and a safe, quiet family life.
Skip if: You crave a walkable urban core, a tight home-buying budget, or a vibrant, youthful social scene.

Bellevue’s #6 rank for teachers isn’t just about the paycheck; it’s about the whole ecosystem. The median household income here is a staggering $158,253, which directly fuels well-funded schools and engaged, supportive parent communities. You’re not just teaching—you’re building a future in a district with resources many can only dream of.

But that funding comes at a steep price. The median home is $1.535 million, and a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,269 a month. With a cost of living index of 113, your salary, while strong, will be stretched thin by housing, groceries, and taxes. It’s a classic trade-off: top-tier school support for a top-tier cost of living.

Insider tip: Skip the downtown high-rises and explore the Crossroads neighborhood. It’s more affordable, has a fantastic community center, and hosts the weekly Bellevue Farmers Market, which gives you a genuine local feel.

Best for: Ambitious teachers who want to invest in a high-performing district and are willing to budget aggressively for housing.
Skip if: You’re looking for an affordable start, a walkable urban core, or a slower-paced lifestyle.

Fremont might be #7 for teachers, but don't picture a sleepy suburb. This is where Silicon Valley's ambition meets family life, with the Mission San Jose district offering some of the state's highest test scores. That's a key draw: you’ll be teaching in a system where 65.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, meaning you're often working with highly engaged parents. The median household income is a staggering $170,934, which reflects the local economy.

The catch is brutal, though. That paycheck will be eaten alive by a median home price of $1,460,625 and a cost of living index 18.2% above the national average. Rent for a one-bedroom is $2,131, so you'll be commuting or splitting costs. The violent crime rate is 234 per 100k, which is manageable but not negligible.

Best for: Teachers who want top-tier school resources and don't mind a long, traffic-heavy commute to San Francisco or a life of roommates to afford housing.

Skip if: You're seeking an affordable starter home or a vibrant, walkable nightlife scene. You'll be driving everywhere, and your paycheck won't stretch like it would in the Central Valley.

Fishers made the list because it’s a rare place where teachers can actually afford a home. With a median home price of $430,000 and a cost of living index of 94.6 (below the national average), your salary stretches further here. The city is also safe, with a violent crime rate of just 89 per 100,000, and the community is highly invested in its schools.

The catch? It’s a quintessential suburb. You won’t find a bustling downtown scene or the cultural density of Indianapolis. Life revolves around the Nickel Plate District, which is charming but small. Your social life likely depends on joining a local sports league or PTA, not stumbling into a cool indie bar. The city is overwhelmingly family-oriented, which can feel isolating if you’re single or without kids.

Insider tip: For a slightly more established vibe with mature trees, look at the Sunblest or Avalon Lakes neighborhoods. They’re walkable to some of the top-rated schools and offer better value than the newer builds.

Best for: Teachers and young families seeking safety, community, and affordability. Skip if: You crave urban energy, nightlife, or a diverse, walkable city core.

Sugar Land might have snagged the #9 spot for teachers in 2026, but don't let the rank fool you—it's not some sleepy suburb. The real draw is the Fort Bend ISD, a district with serious resources and a median teacher salary that's comfortably above the state average, especially when you pair it with the city's median household income of $133,144. You can actually afford to live here.

The catch? You're paying for it. The median home price is $400,000, and while a one-bedroom apartment might run you $1,135, the overall cost of living is still slightly above the national average. It’s a trade-off: great schools, but you'll need to budget carefully.

Insider tip: Explore the First Colony area. It's not just cookie-cutter subdivisions; it’s where you'll find the best mix of parks, shopping, and community events, and it's a quick hop to the Brazos River for a weekend paddle.

Best for: Teachers seeking top-tier districts and a safe, family-oriented community with amenities. Skip if: You crave a vibrant, walkable urban core or are on a strict entry-level budget.

Thousand Oaks consistently lands on "Best for Teachers" lists because of its unique blend: a supportive, well-funded school system and a genuinely family-friendly vibe. With a median household income of $139,172 and over 55% of adults holding a bachelor's degree, the community strongly values education, which translates into engaged parents and local support for schools.

The real advantage is the work-life balance. The city feels like a series of interconnected villages, and a commute to schools in the Conejo Valley Unified District rarely feels like a chore. You're trading a bustling urban energy for more space and safety—violent crime here is just 123 per 100k people, significantly lower than national averages.

However, that tranquility comes with a steep price tag. The median home price is a staggering $1,030,000, putting homeownership out of reach for many teachers without significant dual income. The cost of living index sits at 113.5, meaning your dollar stretches less here than in many other parts of the state.

Insider tip: Look for rentals or more affordable homes in the northern pockets like Newbury Park. It offers the same top-tier schools and access to the Conejo Valley's network of hiking trails, but with a slightly more attainable price point.

Best for: Educators seeking stable employment in a top-tier district who prioritize community and safety over nightlife and urban buzz.

Skip if: You're a single teacher or a couple without a high combined income hoping to buy a home within a few years.

Allen makes the list for teachers thanks to its high median household income ($126,549), which directly fuels a robust, well-funded school district. With a low unemployment rate (4.2%) and a cost of living just slightly above the national average (103.3), you can actually afford a life here. The violent crime rate is a reassuringly low 134.0 per 100k.

But here's the catch: your paycheck might feel stretched thin at the start. While the median rent for a 1-bedroom is a surprisingly low $781, the median home price sits at $510,000, making that first-time home purchase a significant hurdle. It’s a classic suburban grind, and you’ll need a car for everything.

Insider tip: The Watters Creek area offers a walkable, modern hub for dining and shopping, a rare respite from the typical strip-mall landscape.

Best for: Career-focused teachers seeking stability, great schools for their own kids, and a safe, family-centric environment.
Skip if: You crave a vibrant arts scene, walkable urban energy, or are priced out of the competitive housing market.

San Mateo cracked the top 15 for teachers for one clear reason: it pays. With a median household income of $152,913, the district can afford to offer salaries that keep pace with the brutal Bay Area cost of living. The community itself is highly educated—58.3% hold a bachelor's degree—meaning you'll find parents who deeply value education.

But let's be real: the cost of living index is 118.2, and that median home price of $1.335 million tells you everything. Budgeting over $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment is standard. The trade-off for that teacher's salary is a commute; many work in San Francisco or Silicon Valley, sitting on the 101.

Here's the insider tip: if you land a job, look for housing in the Baywood neighborhood. It's quieter than downtown, has more single-family homes, and you're a short drive from the excellent food at Sushi Maru.

Best for: Teachers seeking top-tier compensation and a family-friendly, suburban vibe with great schools.
Skip if: You're a young professional who craves a vibrant, walkable nightlife scene or wants to buy a home without a massive down payment.

Irvine often lands on teacher-friendly lists for one huge reason: the Irvine Unified School District is exceptionally well-funded, thanks to a median household income of $127,989 and a community that deeply values education. With 71.8% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, you’re teaching in a city where parental support and resources are the norm, not a luxury. The district’s reputation is a genuine career asset.

The catch, however, is brutally simple: housing. That median home price of $1,580,699 is a formidable wall for most, and even renting a one-bedroom averages $2,344. You’re trading a lower cost of living index (115.5) for a paycheck that may feel stretched thin despite the area’s affluence.

An insider tip: explore the Woodbridge neighborhood. It offers the classic Irvine master-planned feel—tree-lined streets, two lakes, and top-tier schools—but with a slightly more established, less sterile vibe than newer developments. It’s where many teachers and young families plant roots.

Best for: Educators seeking a safe, academically focused environment with top-tier district support and stable, long-term career growth.
Skip if: You’re unwilling to have a significant portion of your income dedicated to housing or crave a walkable, culturally dense urban core.

So you're a teacher eyeing Gilbert? You're not alone. It landed at #14 for a reason: a strong community of educators, with nearly half the population (48.4%) holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $122,445 backs up a robust tax base for schools, and the violent crime rate of 123 per 100k is notably low for a city its size.

The trade-off, bluntly, is cost. The median home price is $579,250, and the overall cost of living index of 105.5 sits above the national average. That teacher's salary has to stretch further here than in many other states. The commute into Phoenix can also be a grind on the 202 freeway.

For a true neighborhood feel, look at the historic Gilbert Heritage District. It’s walkable, with a weekly farmers' market and a sense of community that’s increasingly rare.

Best for: Educators seeking a safe, family-centric environment with strong school districts and a tight-knit community feel.
Skip if: You're on a tight budget, crave a dense urban vibe, or want to avoid a car-dependent lifestyle.

Carlsbad made the "Best Cities for Teachers" list for a reason: it pays well and feels safe. The median household income is $131,257, and the violent crime rate is a low 145 per 100,000, so you can afford a comfortable, low-stress lifestyle. The local school districts are well-regarded, and the community genuinely supports its educators.

But here’s the unvarnished truth: the cost of living is brutal. It’s 11.5% above the national average, and the median home price clocks in at a staggering $1,650,000. You’ll likely be paying over $2,200 a month for a one-bedroom rental. While the 5.5% unemployment rate is reasonable, your salary will be stretched thin against these housing costs.

The real insider move is to look at the Calavera Hills neighborhood. It’s quieter than the beachfront areas and offers more space for your money, while still being a quick drive to the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields and the top-tier schools.

Best for: Teachers who prioritize a safe, coastal community and are comfortable with a high cost of living.
Skip if: You’re looking to buy a home on a single teacher’s salary without a significant savings cushion.