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We're done - we've had it with the DC area. We're tired of busting our butts and working so hard to be taxed to death and have no time to enjoy life. We've had dreams of moving to Boise but figured the economy had put that dream on hold for years, but the more we've looked into it we think we can make it work. My husband is a nurse and we're looking into possibly coming with him as a traveling nurse, if that doesn't look like a good fit he would look into working at one of the hospitals as an OR nurse. Does anyone have opinions on the hospitals - from an employee perspective? We have a child, she'll be around 2 when we move, and we would like to rent in a nice safe area with families and parks within walking distance - any recomendations? Also, does anyone have info/experience with Idaho State University - specifically the school of nursing? Hubby is looking into the NP program there, to start this summer. Any info would be great!
I worked at St. Luke's from 1994-2002 and have nothing but the highest regard for the hospital (I managed special events for the Children's Hospital). My aunt is pediatric oncology nurse for MSTI (St. Luke's cancer unit) and my uncle was a peds nurse before passing away this past summer. St. Luke's is an excellent hospital with an incredible staff that takes true pride in the place they work. It's a very hard-working culture that is very much patient-centered. When I was there, there was a real family feel to things--very much a strong sense of teamwork. Though, it has been a while so it's hard to say how it is now. Given how many people I know who still work there and love it, I'm guessing that it is still a great place to work.
St. Alphonsus is also an excellent hospital. For years the two hospitals had a "gentleman's agreement" between them that they each would have their areas of specialty. For years, St. Luke's was the only hospital to deliver babies in the valley and St. Al's was known as the "trauma" hospital. They each had other areas that they specialized in but in the 90's, as competition became stronger for large employer contracts (and the valley and it's need for healthcare grew), each hospital gradually added programs that the other had. Now they are both huge health systems. St. Luke's has hospitals in Twin Falls, Boise, Meridian, and the Wood River Valley (Sun Valley area). I'm not sure how St. Al's is structured.
Anyways, as a hospital-based nurse, there are many opportunities for great jobs in our area with quality institutions. You are definitely in the right career field for employment opportunities!
As for places to live--there are many great southeast Boise neighborhoods that would keep you close to St. Luke's downtown campus. OR, you could focus on St. Luke's Meridian. St. Al's is situated with easy access to the freeway and lots of great neighborhoods.
I've heard positive things about Idaho State. A girlfriend of mine got her NP through Gonzaga University--that might be another one to explore.
Personally I would recommend the St.Luke's downtown and find a place to rent somewhere down in that area. Being a former DC area resident myself (Fairfax County, VA to be precise) the thing you will miss most in certain parts of town is green. If you are in the east boise area you will be relatively close to the river and parks with lots of established trees will give you that green environment that you are used to. Anything in the 83712, 83706 zip codes should do and the rent will certainly be cheaper than anything in the DC area.
Thanks for the suggestions - we'll look into those zips. We live in Downtown Frederick right now - in a 100 year old house - where we walk EVERYWHERE. We remember the lack of green from our previous visits - that will be an adjustment. Is there any significant leaf changes during "fall" in Boise?
If you live in the areas with trees then it won't be that much different then the Northern Virginia/Maryland area. Lots of Oaks in the Warm Springs, Park Center and Northend Areas. (The zips that have been mentioned), so you will get the same change in that respect, beyond that there isn't much.
Count me in to as one who wants to move to Boise. I am from Fairfax, Va. Specifically, Meridian or the Eagle area. My question is? What is the job situation when it comes to IT jobs in Boise? I currently work for the school system here as a Tech Support Specialist/Network Admin. I am just wondering what to look for when it comes to salary?
I realize that the NOVA/D.C. area pays a whole lot more, but also realize that the cost of living is way more here as well. I understand its relative, but how much would I need to make to live decently out there and hopefully purchase a small/nice home?
I was born and raised in D.C. / Northern Va. but I am now looking into moving out there and wondering what sites to look at to get more information. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Are you looking at purchasing a house or renting? Also what will you need (ie 3 bedrooms or more, 2 baths or more, approximate square footage and yard size). That could help us narrow down the cost of a house/rental quite a bit for you and thereby give you a better ball park of what you would need to live on out here. For comparison my parents had a 50s era 2600sq ft 4 bedroom split level home in McLean, VA. In 1993 they sold it for $290K and bought an 80s era 5 bedroom 3 level home (including finished basement) with 3500sq ft in Boise for $192K. Obviously prices in both markets have fluctuated quite a bit since then but that gives you somewhat of an idea of the difference in what you can get for the money in the two markets.
I would most likely look at renting first. I don't need much as it would only be me and my girlfriend. I'd like something like a townhouse. I don't think I could deal with an apartment. Just your standard 3 bedroom, 2+ bath would be good.
Obviously though, being able to find a good IT job is key. Fairfax County Public Schools is huge when it comes to IT in the schools here. How is the school system and IT out there? I would love to see if the school systems in the Boise area have large IT departments. I do realize that HP is out there, but not knowing their future, it would make me a bit Leary to look into them for a job. I think I would feel safer if I could find something with the local governments or the school systems out there.
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