Future Move 2 TN, can u advise rents/wages?

[havedirtwillplant]

Hi all,

I'm planning a move to Tennessee next spring/summer. SO has family there, and we desperately need a change and a fresh start. I've never been to Tennessee, hoping to visit this fall just to get a feel for the area we'll be moving to.... which is Memphis, or thereabouts.... His grandmother lives fairly close to Graceland, so I'm assuming we'll want to be within decent driving distance...... 30-45 minutes or so.....

At this point I'm open to any suggestions. I'm an LPN of 21 years, all of it in LTC. I prefer to stay there, obviously, and would love to find a place that offers weekend option; with OT available. LOL I'm used to working average 56 or so hours a week.....

No kids coming with us, 2 dogs. COL is almost same here (central IN). We'll be looking for 2 BR, preferably fenced yard, garage and/or basement. Soooo, what do I have to look forward to, as far as wages and housing? Current area offers $19-22 base rate, with UP TO $5/hr for wkend option, and $2/hr eve shift diff.

We currently rent a 2 BR home in nice neighborhood (1 block from hospital), fenced yard, basement, garage, CA for $675. (I got a good deal, it normally rents for about $750).

And last but not least, my SO is black, and I'm ......... not. LOL I'm Caucasian...... are there any areas where this may pose a problem? I hope not, sheesh, this IS 2007, but......... you never know. Any advice/suggestions/ etc. would be *greatly* appreciated........ :)

TJ

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

TJ,

I moved your post to the TN Forum so that you get the best responses. Good luck to you!

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Hello TJ and welcome to the TN forum and welcome to TN.

I live on the other end of the state, but hopefully others who live in the Memphis area will post here and answer some of your questions.

[TNNurse92]

Hello and Good Luck in your move!!

I am from TN and will be moving back next spring as well. (I am a Navy wife and have spent the past 5 or so years away from TN). Although I do not consider Memphis my home, I lived there for 5 years. I would suggest that you visit Memphis prior to your move to the area. Although there are many positive aspects of Memphis, it is also an city with high crime rates and areas that I do not feel that it is safe to live in. I'm sure you may laugh but try and avoid the areas with State names-- that is a joke in Memphis-- for some reason those areas have are known for high crime rates.

I worked in acute care while living in Memphis thus I can not advise regarding LTC. I wish you much luck in your move.

A

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

You shouldn't have any problems finding a job in LTC. I don't know how the wages compare to CA. I would assume less but the cost of living here is considerably less. I don't think you'd have any more problems being an interacial couple in TN then what you would have in California. There are no mileage limits on ignorance. I hope you will enjoy living in Tennessee.