Moving Back Home (New Orleans: 2009, to rent, school)

[DestinedRN09]

Hello Everyone! I'm graduating in May 2009 from nursing school and I'm looking to move back home to New Orleans. I've lived away from Louisiana for about 8 years now. All of my family still lives in the area even after Katrina.

I wanted some basic information, like the cost of living etc and things to consider before moving. I'm looking at the Westbank area, I grew up in Algiers, but I'm open to surrounding areas.

Also, any nurses on board, please chime in about your experiences at any hospitals

Thanks for your replies in advance!!!

[Drouzin]

The cost of living has definately gone up. Way up. On a happier note... Welcome Home!

[miserylovesco.]

I live by Tulane/Loyola and I love it.
It's pretty cheap around here AND safe.

[DestinedRN09]

Thanks for the replies! I've been doing my research and I'm pretty sold and excited about moving back! Keep the replies coming, I enjoy the responses!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

East Jeff Gen Hosp stayed open during Katrina. A Level One Trauma Center, a good place to work. Not sure of magnet nursing status.

[DestinedRN09]

Ok thank you for the info. I have a better question, nursing salary?? I'm hearing between 21 to 2 with shift diff at various hospitals, to add that with cost of living...would a single 21 yo college graduate be able to live in New Orleans? With rent bein anywhere from 600-700 a month, how does it add up? Also, any good places to rent on the West Bank?

[alon504]

You'll need to just do some googling for Westbank properties, but, you may find something over there for $600 to $700 a month. However, if you were to live in the city itself, I don't think you will have much luck finding anything acceptible for under $850 to $900 a month. Good luck and once you get back home, trust me, you will feel VERY good. I never left, but, I still savor every day---I enjoy just driving around running errands sometimes!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I just rec'd some mail from EJGH and the envelope boasted "Magnet Nursing" status. I'm sure that would make their alaries better than most places in N.O.

[Howlingwolf]

Yes move back, if you have family there that will help you with a place to stay until you get on your feet, and especially if you have your own transportation then go for it. As soon as I can get my a$$ from where I'm living (Eastern Shore of Maryland) I'm going back. New Orleans was also rated as one of the top cities to ride out this recession. Good luck to you. Oh and check craigs list for room mates wanted.