Ideal Places to Live and Work as Nurses

[brown eyed girl]

Hello All!,

Answer this: If you could live and work ANYWHERE in the US, where would it be and why? If you are happy with where you are, explain why you like it. Im looking to for a new place to live; that is, after I get my highly coveted RN degree. I look forward to reading your posts!

[Bill E. Rubin]

Depends on what you like; city girl or rural, cold weather or tropical, mountains or beach? For me, perfection would be the Pacific Northwest, or Western North Carolina, like Asheville NC.

Exactly! I live in Boston and can't imagine living anywhere else. Of course the cost of living is high, but I bought my home more than 20 years ago (though have refinanced it twice -- the second time to repay debt incurred during nursing school).

But I happen to love the city and, for the most part, enjoy the change of seasons (though do like to get a break from winter sometimes). I also love the caliber of the hospitals in Boston. Patient ratios are good -- though the acuity is often much higher than most hospitals so even with three pt's on my general medical floor, I am hopping all shift. Pay is good (though cost of living is high).

Of course, other people feel differently.

[MauraRN]

Somewhere between Tampa and Sarasota, Florida. I love New England but can't afford the cost of living, heating, taxes any more.

[shoegalRN, RN]

I love Dallas TX. I will be looking for a travel assignment there within the next couple of years.

I am visiting Houston TX sometime this year and will probably be looking around down there for hospitals.

I absolutely love Virginia Beach. Only if I could afford the cost of living there.

[hope3456, ASN, RN]

Northern CO is an excellent place to live and work - Ft Collins is rated the #1 small city in America. Beautiful area, good schools, reasonable living costs......consequently it is quite competitive to get a RN position in the local hospitals.

[fuuchan]

I know the pay compared to some states is a bit less, esp. a place like the Boston area where I currently reside.

I am in love with that state, though. Have spent so much time there throughout my life. I wonder if the pay equates with the cost of living well.....

No not really. A lot of it is quite expensive considering what you make. No reliable public transport so you most definately have to have a working car.