Can I afford to live in CA as a new grad?

love-d-OR · Mar 24, 2008

New grads here are doing it, so I see no reason why you could'nt. It all comes down to your priorities (i.e safety vs. cost), lifestyle (enjoy going out to dinner/bars/trips vs. stay at home and watch a movie), privacy (alone vs. roommate).

You obviously know California is expensive, hence your question. So, ask yourself how much of your pay you are willing to spend on rent, car, savings etc. Were will you be working? Start looking for a new grad position if you plan to move this summer, competition is fierce!

Just to give you a heads up, if you plan to move towards the westside (Brentwood, westwood, santa monica, miracle mile,west hollywood), don't hope to find a one bedroom for less than 1100. Brentwood and Westwood 1bd start at about 1400! They are very nice neighborhoods close to everything. Good luck, and let me know if you have more questions.

soccer · Mar 24, 2008

So competition is pretty fierce in that area. I am currently in Philly and its hard to get a job here too. Too many nursing schools located in this area. I am origionally from the West Coast and I just love that feel and I want decent weather.

Thanks for the information.

love-d-OR · Mar 25, 2008

Yeah, there is a shortage of nurses not of new grads. There are a lot of nursing schools pumping out graduates at a fast rate. A classmate of mine stated she went for an interview where 80 applicants applied for 5 slots!

Again, good luck!

sweetnoel · Mar 25, 2008

I think it's definitely possible. Some areas in california may be a bit more expensive for rent/utilities ect. Definitely do some research on apartments in the area you wish to choose compared to starting new grad pay. Some hospitals also offer relocation pay for your moving expenses. Make sure to talk with the nurse recruiter at prospective hospitals. Their a great resource. Good Luck!

miss_cy · Mar 26, 2008

hey! this topic got me interested..me and my fiance will soon get an apartment for ourselves. were planning to move somewhere in carlsbad.i just passed the nclex so if ever il work as an R.N. that would be my 1st work. my question is, does fresh nclex passers gets job immediately? do you have any ideas how much does a beginner earns in southern california?my fiance is an electrical engineer and ofcourse, wewill help each other on the things we need to pay.i just like to estimate what would be the cost of living for us.

tnx guys! all ur suggestions wud be of great help:redpinkhe

duckies · May 19, 2008

You can totally afford to live in San Diego as a new grad! San Diego has different areas where apartments vary in cost.

I lived in Imperial Beach, which was close to 3 hospitals within 10 minutes driving distance. It's a small, beach town with nice and decent neighborhoods. I had a modest 2 bedroom apartment for less than $1000. The beach was less than two miles from my apartment, and Mexico is a 10 minute drive away.

AmNorton84 · May 22, 2008

hi i read your reply to a thread about living in san diego. i saw that you lived in imperial beach? im not as familiar with san diego but i am moving there mid july..i will be working at UCSD..any tips for locating apartments?? thanks so much!!

miss_cy · May 22, 2008

oh wow! the UCSD is open for R.N.s? that sounds great!

goodluck to you

could you share your application experience? :up:

AmNorton84 · May 22, 2008

since i am from Illinois i decided to start applying back in january, and i got a call late january from the nurse recruiter but then didnt hear anything back for a little while, i had also applied to scripps and sharp. i finally made a few emails and phone calls to monica, the nurse recruiter who i had spoken with and she was surprised that the nurse manager from the unit hadn't called. i finally received a call that same week from the nurse manager on floor 6 (hillcrest location). i spoke with her, set up a phone interview with her and then interviewed and they offered me the job the same day. :)

portobello · Jun 18, 2008

since i am from Illinois i decided to start applying back in january, and i got a call late january from the nurse recruiter but then didnt hear anything back for a little while, i had also applied to scripps and sharp. i finally made a few emails and phone calls to monica, the nurse recruiter who i had spoken with and she was surprised that the nurse manager from the unit hadn't called. i finally received a call that same week from the nurse manager on floor 6 (hillcrest location). i spoke with her, set up a phone interview with her and then interviewed and they offered me the job the same day. :)

im here in SD finding a job. i'm very much interested in SHarp and Scripps hospital or any other hosp located here in SD. can u ask them if they have a newly grad program too? i have a BSN-RN right now. just passed the nclex last year dec. with NO experience at all as an RN.can anyone give me any advice and any hospital that can hire newly grad just like me???

AmNorton84 · Jun 18, 2008

well they do have new grad programs (as far as I know)...but the thing is..most of the jobs that start in july/june are already full because we applied back in march/april (i applied january/feb...)...so you are most likely not going to find a new grad program until october...that's what i would say...good luck :)