Looking for a change in scenery

[rldubz]

Hello, all. So I'm an ED nurse in the suburbs of New Orleans. My wife and children (1 and 5) are looking to move to a new area some time within the next two years. The reasons are many, but some of the biggies are crime, terrible public schools, and weather (it's like..110 heat index and 90% humidity today).

Maybe we're being idealists, but we're trying to find some place where the nurses are paid fairly well, there's some nature to be seen, maybe some actual discernible seasons (New Orleans gets cold and gray for about 3 weeks out of the year and that's about it), and basically just a fun place for a young family. Decent-good public schools are also a giant factor, as we're currently shelling out around 7k a year for both of our kids to go to private institutions. Affordable housing would be great too (under 250k is kind of what we're thinking).

Does this place exist? Do you live in this place? Any ideas? Most of our friends are NOLA lifers, so we haven't gotten a ton of great feedback. Our ideal situation would be a suburb of Denver, but it's SO expensive out there. But, to give you an idea of what we're kinda looking for, Denver would be it.

Thanks a bunch. I know this isn't necessarily a nursing question, but I'm a nurse, and you all are nurses, so I figure we must have a little bit it common, right?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Indianapolis indiana!!!!!

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

Upstate SC. Seasons, snow, mountains, waterfalls, fall colors, spring flowers, proximity to other cities. And a need for nurses. Who could ask for more?

[bagladyrn, RN]

Flagstaff,AZ and Reno, NV are two areas that come to my mind immediately. New England has some great areas as well but is more expensive as far as cost of living. Southern Colorado has some good smaller cities and towns - Durango is one a lot of people like.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Let me Google that for you. I have worked in the paradise of Hawaii, currently live on a lake.

You have the most excellent skills that gives you the opportunity to work any where.

Best of luck to you and your family. It is an individual choice.. let us know where you landed.