Dallas,California or Seattle? Which place is better for RN and family?

sunnyjohn · Jun 2, 2006

North Dallas has great schools (some of the best in the country). You can still get a house (new construction) 3bedroom 3 bath for less than $200K, sometimes WAY less. Finding that in Seattle or Cali is a 1990's dream.

Dallas is hot as HECK in the summer and pretty warm all year round. If your concerned about that kind of thing Texas is a conservative state, but you can find liberal pockets.

Dallas has Group One issues and not big on unions. Dallas has TONS of work for RN's. The papers are packed with jobs.

Seattle and CA may be more "fun" but Texas gets my vote.

studentforlife · Jun 2, 2006

Having lived in both Dallas and Seattle I would say that, although sunnyjohn is correct, the price of a home is MUCH cheaper in Dallas, there are other factors to consider when calculating the cost of living. The price of homeowners insurance is so much higher in Texas than it is in Washington that it has a huge impact on your monthly mortgage payment. Your insurance company could give you estimates on the price of a homeowners policy in each state. Additionally, because weather is extreme in Texas, the cost of heating and cooling a home is considerable. That is not the case in Seattle. Just my 2 cents worth.

RNcool · Jun 2, 2006

Could you please tell in detail how huge the impact on the mortgage? Thanks!

Jane

sunnyjohn · Jun 2, 2006

Property taxes in North Dallas are high. That's no doubt. Texas has no state income tax or city taxes (another boon) so property taxes are one of the ways localities pay for those lovely schools.

I've never lived in Seattle so I wouldn't argue with studentforlife's expertise there. Still for my research for my financial dealings (I'm a part-time planner IRL) even if you factor in property taxes, heating and cooling, you come out cheaper in Texas (as compared to California). There have been threads here about this that have shown the math.

Master planned communites in Dallas are very common. The trend now is to include an elementary school in each new home community.

Heating a house in Texas isn't the problem. It's the cooling that get ya'. There are about three months in Dallas/ Fort Worth you could consider temperate.

studentforlife · Jun 2, 2006

Regarding insurance - it would depend on the value of the home, amount of deductibles, etc. An insurance rep would be better qualified than I to tell you the true impact on like valued properties.

I can only say that my insurance is just over $150, and property taxes are twice that - that's in addition to the monthly mortgage payment.

You could google "cost of living estimator" and probably find more pertinent information.

You didn't say where you're from, or if you did, I missed it. Do you adapt to new climates and lifestyles easily? That could be a factor in your decision.

I'm a native Texan, currently living in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. I love it here and plan on staying here. That said - I very much enjoyed the years we spent in Seattle. Both areas have so much to offer. I'd advise doing plenty of research on job market and housing. And if you've not spent time in each area please take time to visit. Good luck!

rgrgray · Jun 2, 2006

I have lived in all 3! not quite seattle but the Tacoma area.. My choose is Texas could not wait to get back.. Dont get me wrong I liked all 3 but Texas was more affordable, better bigger homes for half the money, better schools in my opinion.. texas is HOT!! But I love it here.. California is beautiful and so is washington. I couldnt stand the constant rain in wash. It made me crazy. California I could never afford to buy a home and live comfy.. But it really depends on you.. I hope you make the right desicion

lexcourben · Jun 2, 2006

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, moved to Seattle after I graduated from college and moved to Plano, TX (a suburb of Dallas) when I realized homeownership wouldn't be possible in Seattle. I also had to get away from all those gray and overcast days. It doesn't rain as much as people think but it is gloomy alot.

We were able to move into a nice house in a good school district. I was able to stay home with my kids until they got in school without having to stress out about how we were going to pay the bills. Overall, I do like it here in the Dallas area but when it gets hot around this time of the year I start thinking maybe gray and cloudy isn't so bad. :lol2:

Sandy

bahamabread · Jun 2, 2006

My husband wants to move to Dallas. I guess I gotta go too?!!! Where to work?.............Not looking for the most money.............but the most peaceful and pleasant place to work ( of course the money is good too!!)

sunnyjohn · Jun 2, 2006

Bahamabread.

Parkland=PMH (in terms of facilities, with just a step up). I still love Parkland though! Dat palce gat my hart! I only work scrub in da OR's in DFW so udder people could give you da full story about da nursin' 'siddeation'

Chile when I finish up wit my schoolin' and move back to Dallas, you betta break open ya deep freeze and haul out dat conch and snapper! I 'ein had a good conch dinner since king hatchet was a hammer!

I gun bring da Vitamalts and da potato bread!

Can you imagine if the two of us end up on the same "ward" in the same Dallas hospital? Dem people wil tink dey gone crazy!!!! :rotfl:

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 2, 2006

while i've never lived in texas, i've heard it described as "just like cardboard. flat and brown."

[color=#556b2f]

[color=#556b2f]never lived in southern california, either, but northern california is beautiful! the weather is gorgeous, too. if i had my choice, i'd live in seattle, but the entire pacific northwest is beautiful. it doesn't rain as much there as people say, but the skies are pearl gray most of the year, and when the sun comes out the rainbows are awesome! the weather is lovely -- never gets really cold, nor really hot, either. summers are absolutely beautiful. the mountains are spectacular and the sound . . . i'm homesick just thinking about it!

[color=#556b2f]

[color=#556b2f]cost of living is pretty high in california, or seattle. that said, i bought a three bedroom house all by myself when i was single in seattle. if you're married, it should be easier. my sister, a nurse, and her husband (an rt) also bought a house in the east bay area (pittsburg, ca). they have a lovely townhouse right on the water. it can be done. and the lifestyle in either place is wonderful -- lots of opportunity to do outdoor activities, yet the cultural opportunities are there too.

[color=#556b2f]

[color=#556b2f]ruby