Move to Chattanooga?

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Specializes in ED, ICU, BICU.

I am interested in moving to Chattanooga from California. While looking on-line many things appealed to me...cost of housing, no state income tax, Tennessee River, outdoor activities. I was wondering what ICU nurses can expect to make in the Chattanooga area. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Clinical Risk Management.

Less than California, I promise you. Housing here though, is considerably less expensive. Decent houses in good neighborhoods are usually under $200,000 with many below $150,000. Our electricity rates are among the lowest in the nation due to TVA. Our sales tax is awful...9.25% on nearly everything, including food.

We don't make as much but then, things don't cost as much. I really love living here.

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I'm in Chattanooga and I've heard ICU nurses make really good money. You can get a great house in a great neighborhood for under $200,000 but you won't make as much as you would in California. Many of my family members are from California (Vallejo- sp? and LA) and are moving back because they've missed Chattanooga's beauty and atmosphere so much. We're known as "the scenic city".

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I'm making the opposite move going from Chattanooga to San Francisco in the fall. The greatest difference of course is the pay scale/cost of living factor. You will most likely be getting between 50-70% of what you're making now unless perhaps you do travel. But housing costs are quite a bit cheaper. I don't mind having to pay higher rent in San Francisco because I'll pay off my student loans about 5x faster this way. I recommend working your tail off to horde up money while in CA :idea:, your money will stretch a long way in good ole Chat-town.

PS If you're not familiar with "Southern livin'" you may be in for a culture shock.

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Specializes in Hospice, Med Surg, Long Term.

5-19-2007

So nobody is actually saying how much an RN makes in Chattanooga? Is it that bad?

a21chdchic in AZ

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5-19-2007

So nobody is actually saying how much an RN makes in Chattanooga? Is it that bad?

a21chdchic in AZ

New Grads at Erlanger, Memorial and Parkridge started at $17 last year. I worked per diem at a mental health facility for $23. I don't know what an ICU nurse makes, I believe that there isn't actually a higher pay specifically for ICU nurses, just higher pay depending on total experience but I could be wrong about that. Hope that helps

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