Moving to Texas: What Can I Expect?

[Plagueis]

Well, I have been thinking about making a change and moving to a new state for some time now, and I have decided that Texas is the state that I would really like to move to. I can't move right now, but I would like to go in a year or two. Why?

Well, I'm a CNA right now, who is struggling financially to live in New Jersey. The cost of living here is crazy! I have to work serious overtime just to make ends meet. My rent is $800, which is killing me, plus all the other bills to add with it. (this doesn't even include credit card and money owed to college.) I don't think it would be possible for me to go to nursing school here and work because I would have to still work overtime just to cover bills. I don't even have internet access at home. (I use the library and the local college's computers.)

Texas is a place that I have been to before (Houston area), and I liked it, and I've read many posts here and other articles about how the cost of living is low, so I am really wanting to get some more feedback from any of you about Texas.

First, I have considered areas around certain cities such as Fort Worth/Dallas and Houston. Would any of those areas be a good place for a CNA to be able to work and make enough to live on with one income? Also, are there any other towns that would be a good place for a CNA to work and live?

Also, I would like to be able to buy a house soon after I move. I can't afford anything around here, so would I be able to afford a home when I become a nurse with one income?

Finally, what is the scary-looking creature/insect factor like? I ask because I know I will just die if I see a snake! (After running away screaming in terror, of course. ) Bugs freak me out, so this is something I have to worry about.

I'm sure I will have more questions, but I will appreciate any feedback. :)

[redranger]

Hot Summers. Great Spring and Falls. Not Much Snow.

Handguns are legal in your car without a permit.

Low Cost of Living, Cheap Housing, No State Tax

Lots of jobs in most fields.

[horus2001]

i can't answer the question about CNAs or Ft. Worth but i can tell you that the Med Center in Houston is one of the largest if not the largest medical centers in the world so i am sure there is some work. the housing is cheap, the further you get from the city center the cheaper it becomes. i have seen new homes from 110 off of beltway 8 in the south.

bugs, we got 'em: we have the asian tiger mosquito (a recent import, almost 1/2 dime sized) so at least you can feel them when they land on you. we also have the roaches you may know, the german cockroach. easy to control, just spread boraic acid in dark damp areas. and...something we have in tropical areas, the 1-2 inch flying cockroach. they are great, you think you have them trapped then BOOM, they take to the air and fly about wildly causing hysteria and fun.

snakes, i have seen a few in my yard but they don't bother people. leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I'm an LVN in Fort Worth, and I'm able to live quite comfortably on my single income. My 1,800 square foot home is only 4 years old and was affordable, since it only cost $100,000. My two vehicles are newer (2005 Silverado truck and 2006 Corolla). Also, I don't live from paycheck to paycheck, since I have enough money saved to live 2 to 3 years without working.

Most of my CNA coworkers are easily able to afford decent apartments on their incomes. You can get a spacious 1 bedroom apartment in a decent area for about $450. If you're willing to live in a less desirable part of town, you can get away with paying $325 or so. The CNA pay rates in DFW are probably lower than what you were earning in NJ. On average, they range between $9 and $13 hourly.

[Plagueis]

Most of my CNA coworkers are easily able to afford decent apartments on their incomes. You can get a spacious 1 bedroom apartment in a decent area for about $450. If you're willing to live in a less desirable part of town, you can get away with paying $325 or so. The CNA pay rates in DFW are probably lower than what you were earning in NJ. On average, they range between $9 and $13 hourly.

Thanks to everyone who responded. Commuter, those pay rates for CNAs are very similar to the rates here in southern New Jersey. Where I work, starting pay is $10.50 per hour, I believe, and at other nursing homes, the starting rates vary from $8.50 to $14 per hour. Considering that the rents you mentioned are quite lower in Texas, moving there sounds like a sweet deal. :) Plus, I would definitely prefer the warmer weather.

I wish I could go now, but I do want to try to somehow save some money, and I know that I want to become a nurse and eventually buy a house so I can stop throwing my rent money down the toilet.