Relocating to Richmond - lots of questions! (Chester: for rent, homes)

[CM320RN]

I am planning on relocating from NY to the Richmond area this summer. Here are some questions:

1-We have 4 young kids, so schools are important. I have been looking at both Chesterfield and Henrico counties. Are their any areas/schools in either county that we should stay away from?

2-I am an RN and am in the process of applying for jobs. Anyone know what kind of salary I'm looking at? I have my BSN and about 10 yrs experience.

3-We will be visiting the area for the first time at the end of the month to look around. Any advice as to what we should check out while there?

4- My family is not religious at all. In fact my kids aren't even baptized and we don't really agree with organized religion. I have no problem with others being religious as long as they don't try to convert us or condemn us to hell. Will this be a problem? Are non religious people looked down upon?

Thanks in advance!

[camer]

Originally Posted by CM320RN

I am planning on relocating from NY to the Richmond area this summer. Here are some questions:

1-We have 4 young kids, so schools are important. I have been looking at both Chesterfield and Henrico counties. Are their any areas/schools in either county that we should stay away from?

2-I am an RN and am in the process of applying for jobs. Anyone know what kind of salary I'm looking at? I have my BSN and about 10 yrs experience.

3-We will be visiting the area for the first time at the end of the month to look around. Any advice as to what we should check out while there?

4- My family is not religious at all. In fact my kids aren't even baptized and we don't really agree with organized religion. I have no problem with others being religious as long as they don't try to convert us or condemn us to hell. Will this be a problem? Are non religious people looked down upon?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to RVA!
1) We settled in Chesterfield because of Midlothian Middle & Midlothian HS. Love it!
2) not sure.
3) 23113. Salisbury. Doesn't have that urban sprawl / tacky tracky feel.
4) non-issue with us. people are so friendly here. open-minded and nonjudgemental.
Have a great visit! Hope you love it as much as we do.

[CM320RN]

Thanks! Is Salisbury part of midlothian? Also are you renting? We will need to rent a house. I hope there will be nice options available! I've seen some nice ones on Craigslist, but they will be long gone by the time we need them!

[RedRican]

Nurses in this area can make between $45-65k. While nurse supervisors make around $60-80k. Both counties have good school systems, but it all depends what you're looking for on a neighborhood. About religion, it all depends; however, most people respect your opinions and beliefs.

May the Lord guide you in your endeavour.

[camer]

Originally Posted by CM320RN

Thanks! Is Salisbury part of midlothian? Also are you renting? We will need to rent a house. I hope there will be nice options available! I've seen some nice ones on Craigslist, but they will be long gone by the time we need them!

Yes, Salisbury is in Midlothian. 23113. Beattie Weaver Elementary, Midlothian Middle & Midlothian HS are the strongest schools. Go through a local realtor to find a rental. Long & Foster is reputable. There are homes for rent since the market is still sluggish. Goodluck!

[ellieb128]

1. Both counties have great schools. You probably want to stay in the western portion of each for the strongest schools. From there, you have a ton of choices that will be great -just depends on where you want to be/commute etc.

2. Not sure

3. Another vote for 23113 to check out (area 64 on realtor maps)- I'm in the James River HS district and we have been thrilled with the schools all the way through.

4. We go to church, many of my friends don't. No one seems to care either way.

[CM320RN]

Thanks everyone! I can't wait to visit!

[KileyGirl80]

I'm single with no children so I'll let the other posters respond to those questions. However, I am a RN (MSN) with 5 years experience. I work for the government so the pay is much better compared to the private sector RN jobs in this area. My starting salary was around 65K (my MSN was not considered in that offer), you will probably not find that doing med/surg in the private sector for this area. Some of my co-workers (who have more experience than me) have worked at Bon Secours and HCA and many said they were making between 40-50K on med/surg floors.

[CM320RN]

Thanks for that info. I haven't worked with adults for about 8 years so I def don't want med surg. My experience is with peds, specifically NICU. Are peds jobs hard to come by? Doesn't have to be NICU, just peds in general.

[CM320RN]

Also what's HCA?