Where to move in SoCal?

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I am making the move from Chicago to California and know almost no one out there. I have always wanted to move out west and now with almost 3 years tele experience under my belt I think it's time to make the move. I have a friend that works at Sharp in San Diego and my plan was to move to that area anyways but maybe I shouldn't be so hasty in my location decision. I have a few pets and need at least a one bedroom and I'm a little concerned about cost of living. I'm not commited to San Diego but definitely want something within 45 minutes from the ocean but I would sacrifice closeness for a beautiful view and nature things to do. I'm 28 and moving alone, not into the party scene but not looking for a really sleepy town either.

Any suggestions on hospitals/locations for me?

PS: I already have my CA license endorsement

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Plenty of options for work in the San Diego area. Regarding cost of living, San Diego is going to be comparable to most Southern California coast cities. But the nurse pay is good, and should allow you to afford a 1 bed/studio in a good neighborhood close to the beach.

Lower cost of living here = going inland; Temecula, Riverside, San Bernardino. Cheaper housing, but completely different vibe than SD, OC, LA, etc.

Have you considered trying to get a travel nursing contract in the area? This would allow you to move here and travel around to find what you like without fully committing to a city/hospital sight unseen.

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I really like the vibe of SD so maybe I'll try to stick around that area. I would love to do travel nursing but I have a bunch of birds and other pets so moving is a huge hassle for me.

I've been applying for jobs for a little over a month and haven't gotten any calls back yet. Part of my problem might be that I only have my ADN.

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4 minutes ago, NickiTeleRN said:

I really like the vibe of SD so maybe I'll try to stick around that area. I would love to do travel nursing but I have a bunch of birds and other pets so moving is a huge hassle for me.

I've been applying for jobs for a little over a month and haven't gotten any calls back yet. Part of my problem might be that I only have my ADN.

Not sure of the logistics of a regular move vs moving for travel nursing, but I do know most of the hospital systems here utilize travel nurses and it is a good way to get your foot in the door and have a local address when applying. Anecdotal, but I know nurses who live in the area and still do travel nursing in SD, LA due to the higher pay and flexibility.

Your experience should help you regardless of the ADN. Scripps and Sharp in particular still hire a good number of ADN nurses (I was recently hired as a new grad ADN). There is also Alvarado, Palomar Health, Paradise Valley. Temecula Valley Hospital is an hour or less from San Diego and the beaches and has lower cost of living.

San Diego is awesome if you can afford it. Good luck on the job hunt and the move!

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That's all great info. Thanks!!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

I'm from North County (northern San Diego County). It is hard to get a job here because everyone wants to live here, so there are tons of applicants. In addition, there are a huge amount of ex- and retired military (USMC and Navy, along with their spouses, many of whom are RNs). If your friend can refer you to Sharp, great. Travel nursing is also an option.

San Diego is more affordable than Los Angeles, but the pay is also lower. Anywhere close to the ocean is more expensive - the further inland you go, the cheaper it gets. North San Diego County (Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Fallbrook, etc) is cheaper than being close to San Diego proper. If you are willing to drive up to 45 minutes to get to the ocean, you will have a lot of affordable living options.

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