From Las Vegas to Savannah

[imanedrn]

I've never lived east of the Colorado River. I've never visited the south beyond Orlando FL, and I don't think that really counts.

I'm considering a total move from Las Vegas NV to Savannah GA. Wouldn't be until this time next year, but I'm giving it thought for now. I would be moving without any family or friends - just to 1 loved one.

I noticed there are few hospitals in Savannah & some of the surrounding areas. I work in ER now. I'd prefer to stay in ER, but I'm not opposed to returning to the floor temporarily.

Any one moved from some region completely different? How'd you handle it? Love / hate Savannah compared to where you came from? How's public transportation? Thoughts on hospitals / units in Savannah? I can't imagine not working an acute care hospital. It appears average pay is a little lower than Las Vegas, but I assume cost of living is a little lower too.

Any comments are appreciated.

TYIA.

[Medi-Kate]

Savannah is a lovely city, I grew up in NYC and spent a few years here as a child and last year chose to move my family back here. Savannah just grows on you I guess. While the rate of pay may be lower, the cost of living here is decidedly lower than Las Vegas. There are some great neighborhoods and some cruddy ones, there will be times when you are bored out of your gourd, but you'll be swimming in the ocean (30 mins away) until October. I've actually never used the public transit here... all the transferring makes it seem a little inconvenient (due to urban sprawl), but I do know people who use it exclusively, and they're okay with it. If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer them. As far as the hospitals go though, I don't have a lot of information since I am just starting nursing school this Fall.

[rojahs3]

I lived in Savannah for about a year or so, it is truely a beautiful city and alot to explore. The area I lived in was considered midtown, only a walk to the city park (Forsyth Park), that's the place you really want to be. It's also a college town, you have SCAD unversity that brings a diversity of students from around to world to Savannah every year, Savannah State (historically black college) and Armstrong University which is really in the suburbs of Savannah. Even though I've never used public transportation, its seems to get everyone around the city. Buses are everywhere but I think that's also because of the large population of students downtown. Unlike the previous poster, I find the cost of living very exmemberive compared to where I live now (Atlanta) because it's a tourist city and there are alot of historic homes/river front homes/beach front homes which bring the cost of living up unless you choose to live away from the city. The city is thriving during the good months when school is in, with lots to do in and around downtown but on the downside when the kids leave, the city becomes dead. Most people either love it or hate Savannah, I find most people actually enjoy the city. I wish I could give you info on the hospitals but if I can remember correctly Memorial and St. Joseph's hospitals were the top hospitals in the area.