New Atlanta Contract

NedRN · Feb 19, 2015

Try posting a housing wanted ad on Craigslist. That often gets results not found by passive looking. I would also research properties that you would like to live in on someplace like rent dot com. Reviews may be helpful, not only about quality, but also about other similar properties. Once you have some target properties, Google the property manager and contact them. Look also at Med Temp Housing, Travelers Haven, and Furnished Finders as they may control units in the high rise properties of interest (many agencies use them to find turn key housing for travelers, but you can use them directly).

Bluebolt · Feb 19, 2015

Thanks Ned, those were all sites I've never used before.

Atl-Murse · Feb 19, 2015

You will be paying premium for those condos especially the newer ones, you could easily get a place just 10 min away and save hundreds Norcross is only 10 min away

NedRN · Feb 19, 2015

10 minutes away by car? A 20 mile round trip is over $10 at 56 cents a mile true cost and that is in a small car. Another $20 in parking means 3 trips a week is $90 or about $400 a month and four hours quality time in traffic. The convenience of just being able to walk outside and be where you want to be 24-7? Priceless!

Atl-Murse · Feb 19, 2015

10 minutes driving due to traffic , it's maybe 6 miles away, parking is free for employees and plenty of parking for $5 all day I will do it to save $400 a month or 1200 over 13 weeks

NedRN · Feb 19, 2015

Parking is free for downtown parking? No one goes to the hospital to party! In addition, if you value your time at say the same rate as your normal pay, that four hours lost commuting per month is a couple hundred dollars.

For me, commuting puts me in a bad mood. Not how I want to start a day of work, or a night of fun.

But to each their own. Some are so focused on a few hundreds of savings on housing they lose sight of quality of life. I can tell you a personal anecdote that will sound silly but it is true. When I entered nursing school, I left an apartment on the beach in Venice for a rent control apartment in Santa Monica 5 blocks from the beach. It was like night and day and I hardly ever went to the beach after that, and I certainly did not go out for a skate (top of a hill) or run daily. Nor did I just pop out my door to enjoy the crowds, music, and fresh ocean smell. I had to do it to be able to afford nursing school, and it may have helped my studies. But I don't have to do it now with an income.

Since I've been a traveler, if I have a job in DC, I live in DC. I don't live in the suburbs. If I have a job in Manhattan, I live in Manhattan. I don't live in Queens. If I work in Atlanta, I don't live in Norcross. If I wanted to live in Norcross, I'd take a job there!

This thread starter specifically asked about high rise housing. Clearly suburban life is not what is wanted. I've been in several high rises in downtown areas and let me tell you they are a kick. If you are trying to save money with false savings of a few hundred a month and car based living that takes that apparent savings back, you will miss out on the larger adventure travel nursing affords.

Bluebolt · Feb 19, 2015

I appreciate the opinions. I tend to agree with Ned on the experience and the actual cost of commuting with traffic, etc. Norcross is a nice area, but it does take you out of the experience of the downtown high rise in ATL. If I were to purchase a home for my family it would probably be in an area like Dunwoody/Sandy Springs or Norcross but for a few months traveling, I want the experience downtown. Even those of us who don't like to party or go to clubs still enjoys a cup of coffee on the high rise balcony at night with a Star Wars marathon playing in the background. Now that's an experience!

chicagonurse2b · Feb 20, 2015

Bluebolt, BSN, RN, I have used airbnb several times. You may be able to negotiate a decent deal. Start by choosing places with many good reviews. That has worked for me. They have been safe, clean and most times cheaper than a hotel stay; Rented a room for $38 bucks/night in ATL last year. We wanted to be close to the airport. Follow your instincts of course. Anyway, good luck and congrats on the new contract!

MsConstrued · Feb 22, 2015

I left ATL for traveling and know several people who work there and it is a great hospital! I suggest finding a place to live as close to work as possible. The traffic is horrible there, especially around that area both times of day. If you need any suggestions on things to do in the city feel free to PM me.

allthesmallthings · Mar 12, 2015

I live in Midtown Atlanta in a 100-year-old building, and I'm doing a travel nursing job 3 miles up the road at Piedmont Hospital. I'm sorry, I can't give you any advice on high-rises, or downtown. My 2 cents: are you taking/have you heard of MARTA? The 110 bus goes right up and down Peachtree Road past Piedmont Hospital, if you're not into driving (although it may take you longer than driving...I don't really know about traffic, because I don't drive, but I imagine that it won't be too bad, if you're coming and going for day shift. If you're driving for night shift, that's probably a different story).

Anyway, Piedmont seems really great! I'm about mid-way through my 3-month assignment on a cardiac/pulmonary floor. There were lots of travelers during my orientation week (maybe 40, 50% of the orientees). One couple is married, and I think they're working in CV-ICU together, which I thought was cute.

I guess you'll be starting at Piedmont pretty soon; congrats, and take care! PM me if I can give you any other advice/input. :)

garn12 · Mar 13, 2015

I know their offering a $20k sign on bonus for their CVICU...take it as good of bad