Move to Pittsburgh?

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2008

The cost of living is way lower than NY....you will have lots of opportunities as a nurse. Tons of jobs and your pay will got up. UPMC is not the only hospital system in the city.

K98 · Apr 10, 2008

I had been considering moving to the Pittsburgh area (long story) but I'm a little concerned about the job market. I currently live on Long Island, starting salaries can approach $70,000 but the cost of living is outrageous - ex. I pay $5800 a year property taxes on a 2-bedroom 1 bath house on a 60x112 lot - no garage or basement!
I know the starting pay for new grads in Pittsburgh is around $20+ but cost of living is way less. I would actually be able to sell my house here and buy one in PA for cash.
I thought UPMC would be a good place to work (I'm interested in their RN to BN or MSN), but I keep reading about how shortstaffed they are and how lousy their pay is. I know it's probably because of consolidation, but we're also experiencing hospital consolidation here (North Shore LIJ is gobbling up everybody, and there is already a Catholic Health Systems chain of hospitals in place, fewer independent hospitals). It makes me worry it will affect wages, and I can't afford to live here if it does. I considered going to North Carolina, but a friend of mine says the growth is ridiculous and crowding is making is very unpleasant where they live in Charlotte. I've read some articles indicating Pittsburgh is going thru a renaissance, kind of like Atlanta about 15 years ago.
Can anybody offer me reasons to move to Pittsburgh as an RN? Are you happy there? Or should I keep looking?

I have lived in a number of places in 48 years, from southern CA to the "new" south. My wife and I are both from western PA, and won't live anywhere else. The area is relatively inexpensive, safe, has plenty of entertainment, and is a great place for healthcare workers. There are two health systems to work for, or a number of smaller community hospitals. Pittsburgh is a very pleasant place to live.

nursecher · Apr 11, 2008

I don't see why anyone would want to live in the Pittsburgh area unless they are from here or have family here. I live about an hour from pittsburgh now and used to live in cranberry (15 minutes from pittsburgh). I did really like Cranberry but it is very expensive for this area.

Pennsylvania is at the top of the list for states that have people leaving it. I think it's #2 in population decline.

The weather here sucks, there are healthcare jobs but they don't pay squat, if you have any other type of degree or trade you will have a difficult time finding a job. The area in general is slow for growth. I live near the Ohio state line and if you go over it they pay about $4.00/hour more for new grads to start.

Yes it can be cheap to live here but did you ever hear "you get what you pay for?"

Sorry to discourage you. Yes some people love it here but I find those are the people that are originally from here.

Good Luck in whatever you decide.

K98 · Apr 11, 2008

I'd have to disagree with you, CB. If you want jobs that don't pay squat, head south. The jobs in this area are pretty much on par with other locations when cost of living is factored in. So far, our real estate market isn't tanking, and we have plenty of fresh water. Yes, it gets cold and gray in the winter, but we don't have to deal with wildfires, earthquakes, and tornados. The lack of exciting natural disasters appeals to many of us. Lastly, I'm all for population decline. Too much traffic on the roads when I'm commuting to work, especially in Cranberry. Reminds me of a sign I saw on the Oregon/California border...it said, "Welcome to Oregon, Go Home".

nursecher · Apr 12, 2008

I'd have to disagree with you, CB. If you want jobs that don't pay squat, head south. The jobs in this area are pretty much on par with other locations when cost of living is factored in. So far, our real estate market isn't tanking, and we have plenty of fresh water. Yes, it gets cold and gray in the winter, but we don't have to deal with wildfires, earthquakes, and tornados. The lack of exciting natural disasters appeals to many of us. Lastly, I'm all for population decline. Too much traffic on the roads when I'm commuting to work, especially in Cranberry. Reminds me of a sign I saw on the Oregon/California border...it said, "Welcome to Oregon, Go Home".

I guess there are positives and negatives to anywhere you live. Again you are originally from this area, and as I said before, people that are from here tend to love it.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2008

I moved to Pittsburgh a couple of years ago from Florida, another expensive state in which to live (South Fl. anyway). I don't regret the move. Admittedly, I did have family here and that was the draw. Once I got here, I liked the region. I live in the city. The drive to work is a non-issue. My heart is outside the city in the country.

allnurses Guide · Apr 13, 2008

CB, I could not disagree with you more. I find that people who are the most down on Pitt ("You came HERE from Australia? Why???!!!) are the born-and-bred Pittsburghers. Imports can often see the benefits better than the locals.

I came from (what I think is) the best place in the universe, but I am in Pitt for my career. There are healthcare opportunities here in Pittsburgh that I cannot access at home, and that's why I am here. I am gaining experience I just couldn't get at home.

In addition, I find Pittsburgh to be a friendly, pleasant city to live in with plenty of things to do. It's easy to meet people because they are so nice. I am earning a decent wage, and my rent is only a quarter what I paid in Sydney. There is a great bus network, and I get free bus travel to work. With a few notable exceptions, I feel safe walking around at any time of the day or night.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2008

CB....why are you still in the area?

nursecher · Apr 15, 2008

CB....why are you still in the area?

Well, I live about an hour from Pittsburgh now. New Castle is a very small, underdeveloped, economically disadvantaged town (where I live). They are putting a Methodone clinic 5 minutes from my house. So it's probably this town that makes me hate this area. I don't really think Pittsburgh is nearly as bad. All is ok except for the weather and the pay. Like I said, I lived in Cranberry and did like it there but it is expensive. We are on one income while I finish up school and could not afford to stay. If I did stay in the Pittsburgh area that is where I would want to be.

In the meantime I would have loved to drive to Pittsburgh everyday and work BUT they are paying the same as the small community hospital 20 minutes from my house. So why would I spend the gas and time for the same pay? I know it has to be cheaper to live here than in Pittsburgh, so I wonder why they don't pay more? Like I said, our Ohio friends make $4.00 more an hour (at least).

I think there are much worse places to live but maybe somewhere by a beach would be nice. Can't help my luv for the sun. We are looking into relocating in about a year. Looking at the Raleigh, NC area. We are here in PA now because I am originally from Ohio and hubby is from PA. Our families live here.

Anyhow, I'm a Browns fan so whattaya expect??? :lol2:

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2008

Oh . . . . . that explains everything. :lol2: Say no more.

SueRN07 · Apr 22, 2008

CB:

Let me start off by saying: Yes, I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and I am proud of it!!

I graduated from nursing school a year ago and I am very happy with my current position on a step-down cardiac unit. I interviewed with several big hospitals and was offerred positions following each interview. I currently live 5 miles away from work and the drive is very minimal every day. I do not have to pay for parking (that's a huge savings)! I work three 12 hour shifts a week and the chance for OT is endless. My rate started at almost $22/hr and has increased in the past year. While there are pros and cons with every job, you really need to think things through prior to accepting a position. I feel sorry for you because from your postings it appears that you have put more effort into 'why you don't like Pittsburgh' and not on 'why I want to be a nurse'.....

If you are that against the Burgh, why don't you go back? Yes, we are declining in our population however we also have the largest Senior population and Dade County, Fl is second to us (did you know that....probably not). With that in mind, did you ever think that our population is declining because our Seniors are passing away? (yet again, probably not).

As far as people leaving the region, I hate to tell you.....they almost always return! I know several people, some born and raised here and some transplants, who left and returned because they love the city.

The weather in the Burgh is absolutely beautiful. Yes, it gets gray and gloomy at times but a true Pittsburgher gets through those days by going to Steelers games! Today is an gorgeous Spring day.

I hope your thoughts do not deter others from coming to Pittsburgh. Nursing jobs are plentiful and our city is changing by the day; it all depends on what you want.