Philly area nurses, students..I need some info

[iliel]

Well, here's my situation. Just about an hour ago my BF told me he was thinking he may want to move back to Philly so he can be around family and if and when we decide to have kids we have family around.

Our plan was to move to Denver, but we both are a little uneasy not knowing a soul (I already did one move, to Vegas, where I didn't know anyone, don't know if I want to do that again). He has a large fam that I love and I would feel comfortable around. I'm from Pittsburgh, but was really raised in Southern Cal so it would be a change but I sorta know what to expect.

Any advice..good places to live (fam lives in West Chester) Likes, Dislikes.

Thanks!

[pixiel]

Well, I finished nursing school a few years ago. However, I live in a suburb of Philly and went to school and work here too. I would never want to live in Phily, just my opinion. However, if you lived in a suburb you could still go to school in Philly. There are MANY good nursing schools in the area from community college to hospital based programs. West Chester is less than 2 hours from where I am so you weould be pretty close to famiy but not too close. Not sure if that is what you want or not. I am also not sure what kind of nursing school you are looking for etc. However, if you need to move to Philly, I would recommend a burb. The best of both worlds. I hope that is what you were looking for?????

[RN-PA, RN]

I think I must live near pixiel, because she/he pretty much describes where I live. Certain suburbs of Philadelphia have higher costs of living. My suggestions would depend on how close you want to be to a city and to your BF's parents. I looked on a map to see where West Chester is and the Lancaster areas ("Amish country") are not too far away. But I don't know about hospitals in that area or cost of living.

The area where I live outside of Phila. can be expensive for housing, depending on what you're looking for, but the pluses are that you're less than 2 hours from the NJ shore, NY City, the Pocono mountains, and near Phila. for cultural, shopping, or sporting activities without living there.

You can PM me for further info about the area if you want. I could steer you to less expensive area outside Phila. if you could be more specific about what you're looking for in the way of work and housing.

[iliel]

Thanks everyone! Since I've posted I've decided to go to Villanova for the RN-BSN-MSN program. I've been in contact with them and they have approved my prereqs so I'm going to go for it.

Don't worry, we're not thinking of living in Philadelphia, I wnat to live just outside ot it. We're looking into homes along the "mainline" area. We don't want to be too far from the city and need to be close to the light rail ( I don't know how to drive in the snow...but I'm getting some good tips!) I think the farthest out will be West Chester. We're not worried about the price of the homes so we have lots of options!

As far as work, I'm still unsure of what are I will want to work in. I'm sure by the time I move I'll have it narrowed down!

Thanks again.

[RN-PA, RN]

Good to hear your update-- I hope you'll be happy here and best wishes for your move and schooling!

[pixiel]

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!!!!!!

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

I live in the city, in the Roxborough section, which is more suburban and not too expensive, but still really close to center city. The Main Line area (around Villanova) is REALLY pricey. New Jersey tends to have much cheaper housing.