Relocation from New York New York

I realize that many New Yorkers believe that California is just a little dot "out there by the ocean somewhere" (with the rest of the country kind of a random and largely empty wasteland in between).

So my first suggestion would be to take a good look at a map, and notice how very large this state is.

The northern, middle, southern, eastern, and valley areas are VASTLY different from each other in terms of weather, mentality, economics, politics, cost of living, and nursing opportunities.

Get some idea of where you want to wind up and just what kind of nursing work you want to do, and then research the kinds of working environments in that area, as well as cost of living, housing availability, etc. In many places, you will have little choice but to work at a hospital; in others, many opportunities are closed if you don't speak Spanish; others will require a lot of freeway driving; and so on.

Once you have narrowed down just what you want and where you want it, then perhaps members can be of more use to you in your search.

If you have no idea where you want to live, then you might find it useful to work for a nurse travel outfit on a number of assignments in various parts of the state. While you will most likely be working in hospitals only, at least you will get a taste of different areas.

Get ready for the housing market.

I do believe our housing market is worse than NY, especially since the fires took out nearly 5,000 homes. Even rents have gone up as a result.

I just heard a report the other day that only 25 percent of Californians can afford homes in the areas where they work.

The travel nursing suggestion is a good one. That way you could get a feel for things before you actually move.

You might want to check out this travel nurse board. Lots of California jobs posted there.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/travelnurses

"I just heard a report the other day that only 25 percent of Californians can afford homes in the areas where they work."

And that is only 16 percent in San Diego.

I left the snow of Bufffalo 8 years ago, and am looking for seasons, Southern Ca is warm, dry and very different.....other posts about the variety in this state are not kidding. If you have time to travel or try traveling nursing I would strongly suggest it. There are all kinds of opportunities out here, be ready for some sticker shock on cost of living, gas, housing etc, but lots to see and do.
Welcome,