Lori, my family moved to Charleston, SC ten years ago from Beverly, MA. I have to tell you that after ten years I'm finally making what I earned at Salem Hospital when I left! I work for Roper St. Francis Healthcare which is comprised of Roper Hospital and St. Francis Hospital and all their free standing facilities. The other major employer, in the area, is the Medical University Hospital. All facilities are always hiring but there is no major shortage. Staffing is quite good.
Charleston is a beautiful city but don't be fooled into believing it's inexpensive to live here. Yes, car insurance and property taxes are lower but food and clothing cost the same and they are all subject to a 6% sales tax. Housing is expensive although less than in the North. Public education is sorely lacking in comparison to MA so you might want to consider private schools if you have school-age children. If you would like me to to get contacts for you at either facility I would be happy too.
Hi Sea Island,
I too worked at Salem Hospital (Now North Shore Medical Center) for 15 years in the OR. We are now looking in the Conway SC area. It is very nice and the property is inexpensive. We can sell our home here in Peabody, MA and have a VERY SMALL mortgage and a very large house with lots of land. This winter was VERY tough. We got to -15 below zero. So we're packing up when we can find a house and/or land. Taxachusetts is getting too expensive!! Thanks for the reply on Charleston. We may look there as well. Do you have an accent yet? Or still have that Bawston accent??
