Questions Picking a City, New Grad Opportunities

[TheAverageMan]

So, based on my limited research here on the Texas forums, I am thinking about Corpus Christi. Based on Google street view, I'd say it's quite a scenery change from growing up in the California Bay Area.

Reasons

1) One of the main posters in the Texas area keeps recommending it, saying it's very new graduate friendly.

2) Both my wife and I are new grads, taking the NCLEX RN in a month or so, and want to start working and getting experience, hopefully with both of us working in the same hospital, or at least, same area (Save on gas, she doesn't drive yet, and to be together)

3) Small town, with hospitals, seniors (according to other members), and also I heard that cost of living is cheap.

Questions I need help with if you please.

1) The hospital I am aiming for is Christus Spohn. Anyone got an idea on new grad hourly rate?

2) Are there behavioral/psych hospitals I'm not seeing on google that are also new grad friendly? (I want to be a psych nurse)

3) Relocation assistance offered by employers?

4) Safety in the area? (I don't want to start my married life with my wife or I getting shot kind of stuff, situation terrifies me)(Haven't checked crime rates yet).

5) Taxes. Is it true that income tax is a lot lower in Texas, which offsets the hourly wage difference of a California nurse making 30-40 dollars starting, versus a Texas nurse making 20-30 starting?

Any input would also be appreciated. Like if there are better places for new grads, or if they don't recommend Corpus Christi.

So yeah, I'm basically uprooting my life from California to look for a place to start my career in Texas.

Much appreciated for any replies.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I'm far north of Corpus Christi, but I can answer a couple of questions.

I can almost guarantee that the local hospital systems will not offer relocation assistance to new grad RNs without experience who are halfway across the country. They'll offer this perk to a nurse with years of specialized experience in a specific specialty area (OR, ER, ICU) but not a new grad.

Pay will be in the $22 to $24 range per hour for new grads. Texas has no state income tax, so you'll only be paying federal income taxes.

Every midsized city is going to have one or more desirable parts of town along with a shadier part of town. I have not yet seen a midsized city that was all good or all bad.

I moved to TX from CA in 2005 and have not regretted it, although I thank my lucky stars I arrived during better economic times. Good luck to you and your wife!