New Grad from FL relocating to Newport News area/single parent

[evansmum]

This may be a shot in the dark, but I'm hoping someone can give me insight from experience? I recently graduated with an ADN this past May, and received an excellent opportunity at a facility in Newport News. Only downside is that I live in Florida right now, lol. I traveled up the other weekend and shadowed the department, and really, really fell in love with the facility and the staff. Not to mention, again, it's a really, really awesome opportunity that I never dreamed I would receive as a new grad.

I am in the Tampa region and it is brutal down here for new graduates, as many of the hospitals are moving towards hiring only BSN nurses. I wish I would have known this three years ago, haha. I believe all things happen for a reason, though, and am planning the pertinents of a huge change and move.

There are benefits--I'm former military (medic, actually), and was stationed at Eustis, so I'm familiar with the area. Having lived on base, though, and under military pay, I am completely ignorant of living expenses in the NN area. I am a single mother of two, so I need to factor child are expenses into the mix.

The starting pay is actually a little less than what I based at in a facility here, but the shift differential compensates. I'm just nervous that I may not bring enough in to pay all of the bills and have extra money at the end of the month to love comfortably. Naturally, when overtime becomes a possibility, I am all for it, so I'm keeping that in mind.

Can someone please share their experience as a new grad in NN? Any areas or complexes I should look into that are affordable (and in a good area)? I'd prefer to stick to the Oyster Point area, but have looked into williamsburg and Yorktown, also. The commute doesn't really phase me, but it seems out of my price range. Is it feasible to stick to a budget of 1200 a month including utilities? So many questions, lol. I am also hoping to find a military spouse willing to watch my children for less than I would pay in a facility, but am willing to pay of needed. Any good daycares someone can recommend? I'm looking to move up the first week of August and am literally starting over. Oh, the anxiety. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond!

[evansmum]

I'm commenting to bump this thread--can anyone offer some insight or experience? Recommendations?

Are there any areas you would recommend outside of NN but still within commute distance?

Neighborhoods to rent within NN? I am looking for an apartment/townhome, and would ideally like to keep my expenses to under 1000 before utilities. 2 bedroom a must, at least.

Sounds weird, but is anyone a family of 3 that can say how much they spend on groceries? Trying to work my budget, lol.

Does anyone know of any resources that might be of assistance if you overqualify with income? At this point I'm looking at picking up a second job at a LTC/rehab to supplement my FT job....

Thanks SO much! Can't wait to get back to VA and embark on my career.

[smn2010, BSN, RN]

$1200 month is doable. check craigslist. it will give you an idea of what's out there (search for newport news) in the apts/home rental section.

don't limit yourself to just newport news.

for additional information, check the city-data website - city-data.com forum: relocation, moving, local city discussions go to the virginia forum. then hampton roads (for newport news information). right now, someone has posed the question re: neighborhoods in newport news!!! you will be surprised at the amount of information you will find. if you don't find the information you need in a search, just create an account and ask the question yourself. :) everyone is very helpful and they will point you in the right direction.

good luck!!