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Top 25 Cities for Nurses
Photo: Franco Folini | CreativeCommons
Tania Khadder, Anna Hennings, Adam Starr, Alice Handley | Monster
Now more than ever, it’s important to get the best bang for your buck. And there’s no question about it — when it comes to value, not every U.S. city is created equally.
Why chase a great salary if your rent swallows most of it, unemployment is skyrocketing and you spend two hours a day just to get to and from work?
So, which cities offer the most overall value in 2009?
Only the top 25 have made the list — and some may surprise you! After examining various city lists, weighing the rankings and taking note of our personal opinions, we’ve produced a list of cities that’s sure to offer something for everyone.
Our Criteria
We looked at cities' growth rates, average salaries and costs of living.
We factored in average commute time — which, according to experts, has a colossal impact on your overall happiness.
We looked not only at unemployment figures, but also at the rate that unemployment has actually increased since February 2008.
Thinking of relocating for better job prospects? Need to compare two top contenders? Just curious to see where your city ranks? We’ve got you covered. Read on!
Start Here! City #25 >>

divad722002
13 days ago
28 comments
hi,
just new here at nursing link. do you still have the saunder review. if in case you should lend me my address is 8309 cedros avunue apt 209, panorama city , los angeles california, usa. my email divad722002@yahoo.com. landline-1818-894-2688.just arrive as immigrant and certifiied nurse in the philippines and planning to take the nclex to have licensed here in california. thanks and regards and advance merrychristmas and happy new year. your new co friend in the nursing link website.
dave
carolyrn
2 months ago
24 comments
Ooops! Got too excited about Florida, I guess!
carolyrn
2 months ago
24 comments
Agree about Florida...was on vacation there last year & was tempted to move! (I'm in CA) Also surprised that there was no mention of Arizona...
carolyrn
2 months ago
24 comments
Agree about Florida...was on vacation there last year & was tempted to move! (I'm in CA) Also surprised that there was no mention of Arizona...
carolyrn
2 months ago
24 comments
Agree about Florida...was on vacation there last year & was tempted to move! (I'm in CA) Also surprised that there was no mention of Arizona...
Margo1021
2 months ago
2 comments
Interesting that there is not one single city in Florida on this list, despite all that this state has to offer!
strgazr84
5 months ago
4 comments
I am thinking of relocating. I work outside of Boston doing Pediatric home care. I love it and make great money but hate New England..too cold!!! I am glad Virginia Beach made the cut but I would be taking a DRASTIC pay cut. I am still young with no kids but an LPN...HELP!! lol
cna4u58
6 months ago
2 comments
Finding a job anywhere these days in this economy is impossible. I am staying put sometimes the grass may look greener but in fact it isn't. I do private duty work in PA and its good enough for me at this time. Good luck to all who are out there searching..
nurseejones
6 months ago
8 comments
Philadelphia made it but you have to wear a BULLET PROOF VEST when driving to and from work! and God forbid you let the kids play outside........the vest come in their sizes as well!
lpnfire
6 months ago
80 comments
wow columbus and cincy made it.... i live in the middle of both! i have to say though... nobody where you live its gonna be hard to find a job.... regardless..... the economy sucks... but always remember we have job security..... people will cont to age and get sick... you will always have people that cant handle their alcohol and people that cant drive a car.... lets face it...... that covers the hospitals and nursing homes... not to sound so blunt and heartless... but its the truth.... good luck to everyone finding a job... its tough but the right onw will come along to ya!
td0315
6 months ago
4 comments
the Florida market is ALWAYS hiring
Sambers
6 months ago
4 comments
Was so happy that i've started applying for jobs after done with school and board exams. but here comes my 3rd month w/out no luck finding a job. doesn't matter where you live these days, jobs are not out there, but applications might be pulled out from files when vacation season approaches and emplyers are short of stuff, so keep applying
padkin
6 months ago
2 comments
As a new graduate, living in Virginia- let me tell you It's hard to find a job. I'm happy to see that Va Beach made the list, I live about 20 minutes from there,but it's not easy out here!!! It's a great place to come and tour, and it's great to go and tan , but forget finding a job. A lot of places are on hiring freezes or not willing to hire outside the company or only hiring a liitle at a time, and....Well....I'm sure this same thing is happening to you too. But....be posotivie I'll find a job... and good luck to anyone else looking!!!
td0315
6 months ago
4 comments
cobyschark, but what is your opinion of Rochester?
cobyschark
6 months ago
4 comments
Umm, as a resident of Western NY I would like to warn anybody considering relocating to Buffalo that the city is...well, cursed. It is on the top 100 list of dying cities worldwide, is ugly and littered, has 2 major league sports teams that are infamous for 'choking on the big one' (Sabres & Bills), and is losing population hand over fist (as is the rest of the state). On the upside, it is close to Toronto, and...it is close to Toronto. Yeah.