moving to DFW Texas.

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Hey Guys and girls

I am finishing up a LPN program at Concorde in Colorado right now. I graduate next week and then take the NCLEX PN soon. I am going to move to the DFW area and was wondering what the pay was like around there. And if anyone had any advice on where to buy a home for about 150 to 170.000.00 with at least five acres in a decent neighborhood. I am looking at the northeast side 20 miles outside of dallas. Or would fort worth be better home and job wise? any help is appreciated.

Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.
I shall add that Texas property taxes are expensive. I was paying $1,800 yearly in California. Now I pay $3,700 yearly in Texas.

But you probably saved double that in state income tax which we don't have here!

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Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

Yep, plus the fact that cost of living is so much cheaper here. Everytime I go to California, gas is at least 20 cents higher, and even groceries are more expensive.

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When I first moved to Dallas I did think folks were rude, but that's because I had moved from a small town in Nebraska were the greeters in Walmart would greet you by NAME! :lol2:

After travelling awhile I realized Dallas folks are among the nicest "big city folks" in the US. Some of the transpalnts are ornery, but it si still a wonderful place to live. Fort Worth folks are VERY nice. Dallas has a lot of old money (or at least folks who like to think they have old money, lol) so it can get a little thick, but I still LOVE that city.

I try to dress nicely when I go out, but I much prefer comfortable clothes to expensive outfits. I've never been refused service.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

One of the things I love about Dallas is that you CAN dress up or down no matter where you go. I dont know why anybody would think you have to dress up around here. Three Forks (and anywhere else) will let you through the door as long as you look like you are there to eat or drink! LOL

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/Education.
One of the things I love about Dallas is that you CAN dress up or down no matter where you go. I dont know why anybody would think you have to dress up around here. Three Forks (and anywhere else) will let you through the door as long as you look like you are there to eat or drink! LOL

Yep...just show 'em the money!!! :chuckle

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.
Yep...just show 'em the money!!! :chuckle

EXACTLY!!!!! And frankly - some of the most moneyed people in this town are the WORST dressers!

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I was born and raised in California and completed a Los Angeles-area LVN program in October 2005 before moving to Fort Worth. I like living here and the LVN pay is decent. I'm a new nurse who earns $18.50 hourly at a nursing home. My friend is a new nurse who earns $20.00 hourly at a nursing home in the Mid-Cities area of Tarrant County. My brand new 1,800 square foot house in a desirable part of town cost $104,000.

I shall add that Texas property taxes are expensive. I was paying $1,800 yearly in California. Now I pay $3,700 yearly in Texas.

But you probably saved double that in state income tax which we don't have here!

I don't think it's double. The savings is probably more like $900 since California's state income tax is 8 percent on a base salary of about $35K.

35K x .08 = 2800 + 1800 property tax = 4600 total tax

No income tax + 3700 property tax = 3700 total tax.

So there's some good savings there at $900 a year but, it's not double.

:typing

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Base salary here is far above 35k in the DFW area - mid 50's

(with experience that is) (Salary.com reports the median base salary for an ICU RN as 59k - I'd say thats about accurate - I know a few who are making more and a few who are making less)

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Base salary here is far above 35k in the DFW area - mid 50's

(with experience that is) (Salary.com reports the median base salary for an ICU RN as 59k - I'd say thats about accurate - I know a few who are making more and a few who are making less)

TheCommuter is an LVN ... she said she was making $18.50 an hour, which was the basis of my estimate.

;)

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.
TheCommuter is an LVN ... she said she was making $18.50 an hour, which was the basis of my estimate.

;)

Yes that would make difference.

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Hey I am planning on doing the EXACTLY same thing!!! I am attending Concorde hear in Colorado and we are planning on moving to Fort Worth once I am done=)

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Thanks for the info on salary. However, I do believe the original question was about the range of pay for an lvn seeing that the poster's base pay is $18.50. After one year licensed I now make $19.25 w/ $1.00 hr. differential. My first job out of school was at a SNF at $23 hr, but the work was hard and transportation was a big problem. Also, how is the job situation there? Are there jobs for a 1 year lvn? Also, I'm planning to move to DFW from So. CA. So, how do I contact the Texas LVN Board?

Please, if possible, answer all the questions as best as possible so I'll have a good idea on what to expect to get the ball rolling on this new chapter of my life. Thanks :rcktku:

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