New RN relocating to Salt Lake area (Vernal: apartment, rental)

[KelseyZimm]

Hello All!
I've been perusing the site for a while and am loving all of the advice, but I haven't come across a few answers I am looking for. We are looking for the best place in SLC and surrounding cities.
First off, a little about me and the "big move". I am 25 (female) and just graduated with a nursing degree (associates). I am a single mother of a 3 almost 4 year old daughter. My parents will be moving as well. They both grew up in Vernal and are wanting to be back in Utah. Oh, and we are moving from South Texas!
- So what are some great areas for us?? Schools are very important, and pre-K programs would be a major plus.
- What is the job market like for new RNs in the area, with as associates vs. bachelors? I spoke to a recruiter at Primary Children's and they have an internship type program that sounded promising.
- Any other advice is helpful - places to avoid, rental home price ranges, where to rent, condos better?

I would love to live in SLC downtown area but is that a reasonable request for a single mom; safety, price, kid-friendly?

Thanks all!!

[eggalegga]

Do you want to live near/with your parents? I think price will be your dominating decision factor when choosing between apartment and condo. Primary Children's is waaaaay up on the east side. I wouldn't want to drive that on a snowy day. So I'd suggest living somewhat near your job if possible if you don't plan on taking public transportation. Don't know anything about kids schools or RN jobs.

[CCSLC]

Are you okay with apartment/condo living, or are you planning on buying/renting a house? What is your price limit?

[mlb]

If you live anywhere near or on the TRAX line - commuting to Primary Children's will be easy-peasy.

And it's an excellent place to work.

[KelseyZimm]

I will most likely be living my parents, at first at least. Our rent range is probably $1000-$1300ish - give or take. I believe they would prefer to live in a rental house/condo as opposed to an apartment.
I would love to use "TRAX", we do not have anything like that here. Is it safe? Affordable? Running all day/night? Family friendly areas near stations?

I would love to get on at Primary, it seems great!

[bdb5853]

Be sure and check how soon they want you to have your bachelors. Associate degree RN's are being phased out nationwide.

[mlb]

I think you can rent a house for that amount on the east side...... Here's the TRAX Info:

http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=TRAX-TRAXFares


The UofUtah and Salt Lake Community College have a joint RN to BS program..... it's pretty successful.

Salt Lake Community College - Academic and Career Advising

I used to work in Academic affairs at the U College of Nursing. I'd sit down with an advisor there if I were you.... soon.

[CCSLC]

Yes, you can probably find a 3 BR house in the nice East Central neighborhood near the U of U for that price. East Central is, approximately, South Temple to 900 South and 700 East to the University/1300 East. If prices are a little high there, you may have to go as far west as 400 East, but there are still some very decent options there.

[KelseyZimm]

Yes, I will be getting my bachelors (most places require you to be on the way to getting it within 2 years or so), I just needed to get working before taking another 2 years of schooling.

Do you know if the RN to BSN is all online? Since I will be working full-time as well.

We have now been discussing purchasing a home, instead of renting, as a possibility. Are there any new home developments that are in the low to mid $200s?

[mlb]

I don't know if the RN-BS program is all online. It was not when I worked there. A simple call to academic affairs can clear that up.

And yes, you can purchase a home here in the valley from low to mid-200s but it most likely won't be new......