Arizona, California, Texas?

Calzonan RN · Feb 23, 2006

I have a friend who is a new grad here in AZ and she's making around $24/hr. Housing used to be reasonable but during the last year housing prices have increased by 50%. I think the median is somewhere around 250k now, but check with the dept of commerce (I think that's who has the stats). One good thing, in AZ it's not a problem to find a job as a new grad. There is a severe shortage here and there are great programs in place if you want to further your education. A lot of the hospitals will even pay for that. The downside to AZ is the heat. I"m sure you've heard that it's hot here, but it's a dry heat. Well, so is fire. You really can't comprehend living through 6 months of unbelievable heat, until you've lived through it. It doesn't even cool down at night, it's over 100 at 2:00 in the morning. Sure, there's ac everywhere, but you can't do anything outside (other than swim) all summer long, it's just too hot. I've lived in CA before and I know the cost of living is unbelievable. I have a friend who has a friend who is an RN in CA and she's looking for somewhere else to move because of the expense. Also, if you have kids, the CA school system is horrible (but actually AZ isn't much better). I don't know anything about Texas, but I'm looking to move to CO after NS so I've done some research there.

Good luck with your search

MSUnurse · Feb 23, 2006

Thanks so much for the info! I love the beauty of the desert, but I'm not so sure I could stand that much heat. I lived in CA for five years in the late 80's and early 90's, and fell in love. I also have an ex sister-in-law out there who is a R.N. and does home health for Kaiser. She loves it. I'm just very concerned about making it on my own (I'm single) and being able to save towards retirement. I also realize owning a home is probably an impossibility for me without the added income of a spouse. I just hate it here in Louisiana and want to escape the awful humidity. Considering Austin, Texas because I've also lived there and loved it. No mountains, but beautiful hill country and less humidity. Maybe I should do some more research on that area.

Thanks again!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2006

I lived in Southern California for 22 years; also, I lived in Central California for 2 years. California is filled with beauty, excitement, glamour, and lack of affordability. I've also heard that the cost of living in Arizona is skyrocketing.

I moved to Texas nearly 3 months ago and enjoy it here. More specifically, I am in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. There are plenty of high-paying nursing jobs here and the cost of living is reasonable. My brand-new 1900 square foot house cost $104,000. As a new grad, I found a job after only 1 day of job-hunting. The nice thing about living in the 'Metroplex' is the fact that you can choose to live in the city, a small town, or an outlying suburb.

Austin is a pretty city, but the nursing jobs don't pay very well.

Town & Country · Feb 24, 2006

I would opt for AZ.

Doesn't matter to me about what homes cost....I rent.

dorimar, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2006

Wow, $104,000.00 for a new 1900 square foot home??? I had to check the date for your post.

maolin · Mar 5, 2006

Considering Austin, Texas because I've also lived there and loved it. No mountains, but beautiful hill country and less humidity. Maybe I should do some more research on that area.

I vote for Austin!! We'd love to have you! Cost of living is higher than other Tx cities, but not as high as Cali - manageable on RN pay. Lots of stuff to do - especially for singles (but family friendly too) - music scene, outdoor stuff, tons of restaurants. C'mon - you KNOW you want to come back!!!

SFCardiacRN · Mar 5, 2006

I live in CA now and love it. However, I really enjoyed TX also. Too hot but great people. Austin is a world class city but I prefer San Francisco (despite how cold it is).

military spouse · Mar 6, 2006

Hello,

I grew up in Orange County, CA and my family still lives there. Housing cost,including rents, are outrageous! We can't afford to go back.

We lived in Sierra Vista, AZ and it was reasonable in price when we first moved, but when we left housing costs had gone up quite a bit (we bought at $188,000 and sold at almost $300,000). Of course, rents haven't quite kept pace with buying and selling, but they too are going up.

Lived in El Paso, TX and housing was very reasonable and jobs paid nurses quite well. Of course, property taxes are high. My vote is for somewhere in Texas. We almost relocated to Ft. Worth when hubby retired from the Army, but he got a great job offer in MD and so we moved here.

Good luck with your decision!

Calzonan RN · Mar 6, 2006

Actually I think Texas doesn't have state income tax, so even if the property taxes are high (and actually AZ property taxes are pretty high too) than that would offset it. My vote would be for Texas if I were you. Do you know what they pay new grad nurses in Texas? My dh and I have been looking into Colorado after NS, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of opportunity for new grads there.

Keli

Kabin · Mar 6, 2006

I almost moved to the northern Dallas area. Had a job and everything. There were a few things we didn't like though. Humidity, lack of mountains, and the biggy was bible belt oddities like being a "member" to have alcohol at a restaurant. :uhoh3:

Kabin · Mar 6, 2006

I forgot to mention we really like the Sante Fe area but it's a bit too expensive.