Nashville In General (Murfreesboro, Franklin, Columbia: for rent, home, job market)

[MJD503]

I'm a west coaster currently, Portland OR, to be exact. This once fair city has become a mecca for the self proclaimed 'cool' and rich So Cal relocations. Nothing against either group, just not my cup of tea.

So I am thinking about the South for relocation. All my friends, acquaintances tell me I'd LOVE the south. I prefer calmer, friendlier type of places and people. Even though I grew up here in Oregon. The added amount of sunshine will be the icing on the proverbial cake.

I would like info on Nashville, in general terms. Or if you're feeling motivated to answer a few specific questions...
*How is the job market? I'm a Nurse Assistant/Mental Health Tech but not opposed to other work at a similar pay rate.
*Any areas to avoid (crime) for renting housing?
*How is the dating scene? Seems like there is a LOT of single female RN's!
*What the cost of College like? I will likely be attending a State University once I get settled in.
*What do people do for fun and hobbies in Nashville? For instance, here in Portland OR; people eat out a lot, go hiking, camping, drink a lot, read books, knit, fish, ride bikes, make crappy art.

Any other info would be absolutely appreciated!

Michael

[NashVol]

I believe CNTs here (Certified Nurse Technicians), if that is what you meant, make around $10/hr with a $9-$11 range on average. Some can make as low as $8/hr and others can make $12/hr or even $13/hr with experience and good employer.

There are exceptions to areas to avoid, but avoid North Nashville and parts of East Nashville (though yuppies are moving in to some areas). Be very careful in Antioch, it is a big area and it is sadly becoming worse all over. Try Bellevue, Hermitage, Donelson or Nippers Corner if you want to stay in Nashville/Davidson County and are looking to rent short or long-term before going to school. This might be good advice even if looking to buy a home in order to get a feel for the area.

I would live near where I plan on going to school. Of course, I think you need a year to establish residency so you could move. You could go cheap and go to a community college: Nashville State, Volunteer State in Gallatin, Columbia State which has some classes in Franklin as well as Columbia. Each has a RN program if you are looking in that field. Tennessee State is a historically black institution though many whites go there too. Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro. I do not know their tuition so check their websites.

I think people in Nashville do the same things as in Portland though usually the weather is warmer except maybe in the winter. Football, the Titans and college football, is big here. Less crappy art is made here .....I think. There are some local lakes to go fishing and boating if you like those things. If you like hockey, the Predators are here in Nashville for now.

There are tons of hospitals in this area with HCA based here and Vanderbilt being a teaching hospital. So, the dating scene will depend on your amorous talents with the RNs.