Nursing is a rewarding profession with career opportunities around the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in positions for registered nurses (RNs) between 2021 and 2031. Those who are interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree can find even more opportunities, with positions for advanced nursing roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives expected to experience a significant growth of 40% between 2021 and 2031.
Finding the best places for nurses to live and practice isn’t as simple as picking an appealing spot on a map. Factors to consider include local salary ranges, opportunities available in the area and the city’s cost of living. It’s important to take the time to weigh the pros and cons of any potential move to ensure the best fit possible.
This list of the best cities for nurses, both personally and professionally, highlights locations that offer different advantages in and outside of work that make them unique.
What Makes These the Best Cities for Nurses to Live and Work?
The country is full of interesting places to live and work, and moving to a new city or state can lead to a better salary and the opportunity to achieve professional goals, such as working within a specific specialization. The best cities for nurses offer the chance for a well-paying job with plenty of room for an upward career trajectory. They also offer incentives to maintain a healthy work-life balance, with a wealth of attractions ranging from cultural points of interest to outdoor adventure.
The 7 Best Places for Nurses to Live and Work
Below are some of the best places for nurses to live and work in. These cities can provide nurses with terrific opportunities to advance their careers and enrich their lives away from work.
1. Cleveland, OH
Ohio’s stature as a major health care center makes it a prime location for nurses to live and work. Cleveland is home to Cleveland Clinic, a globally renowned health care facility that has been host to scores of medical breakthroughs over the years, including the country’s first face transplant and coronary artery bypass surgery. There is plenty of opportunity in this dynamic market: the BLS lists the location quotient for the Cleveland-Elyria area at 1.37 — a 37% higher share of employment for RNs than the average. The BLS reports that the 2021 mean annual salary for RNs in the Cleveland-Elyria area was $74,900, but the area enjoys a low cost of living — 6% lower than the national average, according to Payscale.
2. Durham, NC
Durham is nicknamed the “City of Medicine” in part because of the remarkable opportunities available for health care professionals. The BLS reports the location quotient for RNs in the Durham-Chapel Hill area to be 2.25, which translates to a whopping 125% higher share of employment for RNs compared to the national average. This could allow nurses additional opportunities to expand their skill set and knowledge, such as learning how to incorporate technology in nursing practices. Durham’s unique mix of outdoor activity, historic sites and bucolic setting makes it a great alternative to the full-blown metropolitan lifestyle. While the BLS lists the mean annual salary for Durham-Chapel Hill at $73,000, that salary goes a long way with its low cost of living.
3. Boston, MA
Boston boasts a high nursing salary and ample career opportunities, making it one of the best places for nurses to live. BLS data show that the mean annual RN salary in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua area in 2021 was $99,950. The BLS gives Boston a location quotient of 1.18, meaning there is an 18% higher share of employment of registered nurses compared to the national average. Boston’s rich history and Revolutionary War landmarks make it a fascinating city to explore off the clock.
4. San Diego, CA
San Diego is another one of the best places for nurses to live. According to the BLS, RNs in the San Diego-Carlsbad area earned a 2021 median annual median salary of $113,150. The San Diego area offers 70 miles of beautiful coastline and plenty of sunny weather to enjoy on your days off. California nurses also benefit from mandatory minimum patient RN-to-patient ratios.
5. San Francisco, CA
RNs fare especially well in San Francisco. The BLS lists the 2021 mean annual salary for RNs in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward area at $151,640. Busy nurses will find themselves in their element, as there’s never a shortage of activities in this area. There’s also no shortage of patients; San Francisco is home to a diverse population of nearly 1 million, and the greater Bay Area includes almost 8 million. Although the cost of living is one of the highest in the country, high salaries and a wide array of convenient transportation options can help mitigate the city’s price tag.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is a great location for nurses. In the urban Honolulu area, the BLS lists the 2021 mean annual salary for RNs at $107,680. RNs can enjoy tropical island life, with plenty of beautiful beaches to kick back and relax on. Plus, several island-hopping options make it easy to explore other islands when their schedules allow for a quick getaway.
7. Anchorage, Alaska
Nurses who enjoy adventuring in the great outdoors will feel right at home in Alaska. The famous Denali National Park has its home in Alaska, and the state holds a host of other great parks. Whether you prefer hiking, camping, kayaking or skiing, Alaska has it. RNs in Anchorage earned a mean annual salary of $96,160 in 2021, according to the BLS. Anchorage has a location quotient of 1.19, a 19% higher share of employment for RNs compared to the national average.
Live in the Best Cities for Nurses with an MSN From Walsh
Sometimes a change of location provides all you need to gain a new mindset. Moving to a more lucrative location can put saving for your dreams, such as becoming a Nurse Practitioner or earning your Master of Science in Nursing, within reach. While the best places for nurses to live can provide new opportunities to grow your career, your mission of providing care that can have a positive impact on a patient’s life will remain the same.
Walsh University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and its Family Nurse Practitioner concentration can prepare you to advance your career with confidence, wherever you practice. Our affordable online tuition rates make reaching your career goals even more attainable, and students can continue to work full time while studying. Find out how to take your first step toward higher education by reaching out to our dedicated enrollment advisors. Walsh University’s online MSN program can set you on the path to success, no matter where you call home.
Recommended Readings
- Everything You Need to Know About Nurse Practitioner Specializations
- Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners: Everything You Need to Know
- Transitioning to the Nurse Practitioner Role
Sources:
- Becker’s Hospital Review, “California’s Mandatory Nurse Staffing Ratios: Key Lessons 2 Decades In”
- Cleveland Clinic, About Cleveland Clinic
- Discover Durham, Things to Do in Durham, NC
- The Hawaii Vacation Guide, “Island Hopping in Hawaii: How to Do It Right”
- Indeed, “30 of the Best Cities for Nurses (With Average Salaries)”
- National Park Service, Alaska
- National Park Service, Boston’s Revolutionary War
- San Diego, Guide to San Diego Beaches
- San Francisco, Transportation Basics: How to Get Around San Francisco
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Anchorage, AK
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Cleveland-Elyria, OH
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Hawaii/Kauai Nonmetropolitan Area
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Urban Honolulu, HI
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses
FAQs
Is Walsh college online? ›
100% Online or Remote Programs Available.
What is Walsh University ranked in the world? ›Walsh University Rankings
Walsh University is ranked #317 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.
Walsh University is located in North Canton, Ohio, a safe, suburban city near the cities of Canton and Akron.
Is UCLA an online school? ›Experience a UCLA Education, no matter where you live.
Login and learn from anywhere. At home or on the go. Desktop, tablet or mobile. Courses are taught by experts in their field and focus on real-world application.
WGU is an online school with career-aligned bachelor's and master's degrees in—IT, teaching, business, and healthcare—designed to help working professionals fit an online university education into their busy lives.
What is the #1 private university in the US? ›Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world.
What is the top 1 university school in the world? ›...
World University Rankings 2023.
| Rank | Name Country/Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford United Kingdom |
| 2 | Harvard University United States |
| =3 | University of Cambridge United Kingdom |
UCLA is ranked highest among the top 20 national universities, public or private, for social mobility, a measurement of the achievement of students from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds.
Does Walsh College have dorms? ›At Walsh University, our residence halls are designed to keep students connected to campus and provide an enjoyable university experience. Convenience, comfort, and safety are hallmarks of our residence areas.
Is Walsh College nationally accredited? ›Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation and one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
Is Walsh University d2 or d3? ›
The Walsh Cavaliers are the athletic teams that represent Walsh University, located in North Canton, Ohio, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sporting competitions.
What are the 3 best universities in the United States? ›Among the leaders of the world's best universities are consistently the best of the American universities - mit, Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, Chicago and Princeton universities, Yale and other world famous educational institutions.
What is the lowest ranked university in the USA? ›| University name | Economic score |
|---|---|
| 1. Berklee College of Music | 20.9 |
| 2. Alabama State University | 14.4 |
| 3. Florida National University | 14.0 |
| 4. Clark Atlanta University | 13.2 |
Princeton is extremely competitive to get into, with a 4.38% acceptance rate for the class of 2025.
Is Harvard doing online school? ›As an early adopter and national leader in distance education, we are perfectly positioned to offer an outstanding, world-class academic experience online, with no compromise on quality.
What GPA do you need to get into UCLA? ›| GPA and test scores of middle 25%-75% students | |
|---|---|
| High School GPA | 4.18 - 4.32 |
| ACT English Language Arts | 30 - 35 |
| SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing | 670 - 760 |
| SAT Mathematics | 690 - 790 |
Free and for-credit Yale courses covering topics from game theory to modern poetry are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and the general public.
Are online degrees respected? ›According to the experts, degrees earned from accredited online schools are taken just as seriously as degrees earned at brick-and-mortar institutions. Although, it's also important to remember that hiring managers look at other aspects of your job application or resume before extending an offer.
What is the fastest degree to get? ›Associate degrees are one of the fastest degrees that pay well, requiring only 60 credit hours—half the time required for bachelor's degrees—and professional certifications can take only anywhere between three and six months depending on the program you choose.
What GPA is WGU? ›Does WGU have GPA? WGU students do not get letter-grades or a GPA as part of their degree program. Instead students either pass or do not pass a course.
Is Princeton better than Harvard? ›
...
Harvard vs Princeton Overview.
| Harvard | Princeton | |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking 2022 | 5 | 20 |
| Class of 2025 Acceptance rate | 3.43% | 3.98% |
| Average GPA | 3.7-4.0 | 3.7-4.0 |
In addition to the power of name recognition that Harvard and Stanford have on a resume, both schools maintain high positions atop illustrious rankings lists. For example, Harvard is ranked #2 in National Universities and #3 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News.
Are there any public Ivy League schools? ›The Public Ivies consist of renowned public universities like UCLA and UT Austin. The Little Ivies include colleges such as Amherst, Bowdoin, Colby, and Vassar.
Is Oxford better than Harvard? ›They have consistently ranked among the top 10 institutes in the global rankings. According to the world university rank 2023, Oxford University ranked top and Harvard University ranked second in the list, whilst in the QS world university list Oxford University ranked fourth and Harvard University ranked fifth.
Which is the No 1 richest school in the world? ›1 Institut Le Rosey -$157,000
This is the most expensive school in the world . It admits the high and mighty in the world. Le Rosey School was established in 1880 and is situated in Switzerland. The school welcomes 400 borders from the ages of 8 to 18 years and offers over 20 languages at various levels of learning.
Among the institutions with the lowest acceptance rate, colleges included, UCLA is the only public university with the lowest acceptance rate while the college with the lowest acceptance rate is Dartmouth College. The rest of the U.S. higher educational institutions with low acceptance rates are privately-owned.
What is the hardest school to get into? ›Harvard, Stanford and Princeton, unsurprisingly, are America's toughest colleges to get into in 2023, according to Niche's most recent rankings.
Which state has best universities? ›1. California: Along with having the most colleges by state in the U.S., California also has the highest number of top-ranked institutions.
Which state has the best schools in the US? ›New Jersey topped the list of states with the best public school system, according to a new report from Scholaroo. Findings revealed the Garden State offers the safest environment for its students and has the lowest dropout rate compared with all other states.
What is the nicest college dorm in America? ›But where can you find the best college dorms in America? The Princeton Review recently released its 2022 ranking of the best college dorms, based on student ratings of their dorms and residence halls. Taking the top spot is Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
What is Walsh University known for? ›
Walsh University has been recognized as one of the best schools for online learning at the master's level by OnlineMastersDegrees.org (OMD). Walsh's programs earned top honors for overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success coming in at #16 in Ohio.
Who watches college dorms? ›RAs oversee dorm life, plan social events and keep an eye on homesick freshmen. They can provide a sympathetic ear and practical advice for students who need help dealing with academic, social, medical, or personal problems. RAs also mediate roommate disputes and enforce residence hall rules.
What is the most recognized college accreditation? ›Nationally-Accredited Institution
Considered the most prestigious and widely-recognized type of accreditation, regionally-accredited schools are reviewed by their designated regional agency.
As a Catholic University welcoming students of all faiths, Walsh continues to pursue its enduring mission: the creation of leaders through service to others.
Who is the CEO of Walsh College? ›Suzy Siegle - President & CEO | General Counsel | Professor of Management - Walsh College | LinkedIn.
What is the difference between D2 and D3 schools? ›A school's size and the resources of its athletics program determines its NCAA division. To ensure fairness in competition, larger schools compete in Division 1 and Division 2, while smaller schools compete in Division 3. Division 1 and 2 schools can offer athletic scholarships, while Division 3 schools cannot.
Is D3 better than D2 college sports? ›Division III: A well-rounded college experience
But it's less demanding and intense than it would be at a D1 or D2 school. Academics are just as important as athletics in a D3 school. A D3 program offers you a more well-rounded college experience.
More athletes compete at the NCAA Division 3 (D3) level than any other in all of college sports. Today, there are 432 D3 schools across 36 states and more than 186,000 D3 student-athletes.
What is the difference between a university and a college? ›Colleges and universities primarily differ in program offerings and degree types. "University" refers to larger institutions offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. "College" refers to community colleges, technical schools, and liberal arts colleges.
What are Tier 2 universities in USA? ›Tier 2 schools include: USC, Washington University in St Louis, Tufts, Tulane, NYU, Boston University, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Notre Dame, Emory, University of Virginia, Wake Forest, UT Austin College of Natural Sciences, Boston College, Georgia Tech, William and Mary, UCLA, UC Berkeley, ...
Is MIT better than Harvard? ›
MIT and Harvard are equally prestigious universities based in Cambridge, a nearby city of Boston. While MIT focuses primarily on science, math, and technology, Harvard offers a broader variety of liberal arts and sciences programs.
What is the easiest University in us? ›Adams State University (Alamosa, Colorado)- 99% La Roche University (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)- 99% Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia)- 99% Milligan University (Milligan, Tennessee)- 99%
What is the easiest US University to get into? ›- California State University.
- Arizona State University.
- Oklahoma State University.
- North Dakota State University.
| School | Students Accepted | First Year Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Seton Hall University | 8602 | 1139 |
| Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–Newark | 7430 | 914 |
| Drexel University | 21729 | 2346 |
| University of Bridgeport | 4510 | 440 |
- Chemistry.
- Environmental Economics and Policy.
- Environmental Earth Science.
- American Studies.
- Nuclear Engineering.
- Energy Engineering.
- Astrophysics.
- Applied Mathematics.
Jay Mathews. Signature charter school in Evansville, Indiana was number one on the 2020 Challenge Index.
What GPA is required for Harvard? ›The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.
Is university of Alaska Anchorage online? ›The University of Alaska Anchorage and its community campuses offer numerous online-only classes. Some are available at specific times, such as a Zoom lecture, while others are completely on your own schedule.
Is Evergreen State College online? ›Degree-seeking students may register online. Special students register for classes in person.
Is CU Denver an online school? ›With more than 25 fully online degree programs and certificates, CU Denver delivers a high-quality education with maximum flexibility. Our engaging online courses, dedicated professors, and affordable tuition give students a world-class education—accessible from virtually anywhere.
Is Phoenix college online? ›
General Information. Phoenix College's learning management system (LMS) is Canvas. Online learning can include any or all of the following: Communication with your instructors through messages and viewing announcements for important course activities and due dates.
What is the biggest university in Alaska? ›The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is the largest university in the state, with approximately 15,000 full- and part-time students across all of its campuses.
Is Aurora University online? ›Our online degree programs are designed to help you succeed.
As an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning, Aurora University Online offers the wide-ranging programs of a university with the personal attention of a small college.
Mohawk's online programs provide unique academic opportunities paired with the flexibility and learning preferences to meet the demands of different lifestyles. Earn a diploma without the need to commute or relocate, while joining Mohawk's vibrant community of students and alumni.
Is Red Deer College online? ›Online Real Time: All instruction takes place in real time using a virtual classroom. Online Any Time: No scheduled class time. Instructor engagement and content is available online for students to access when it best suits their schedules.
Is College of Staten Island online? ›Our instructor-led online courses are informative, fun, convenient and highly interactive. We focus on creating warm, supportive communities for our learners.
Does Las Vegas have online school? ›Las Vegas online school powered by Stride K12 provides a more flexible environment than brick-and-mortar schools. Live classes are held virtually with a state-certified teacher, which allows students to attend class from anywhere there's an internet connection.
Is Aspen University an online school? ›Aspen University is an accredited online university. Aspen is focused on offering the highest quality degrees at the lowest possible cost per credit. We want our students to graduate with new and exciting opportunities, not a large financial burden.
Is University of Montana online? ›Online Learning at UM
As an online student at the University of Montana, you can earn a high-quality, life-changing education on your schedule. Our online courses build community and give you a chance to network, building connections that last a lifetime.
The largest dormitory building is Bancroft Hall at the United States Naval Academy. Many colleges and universities no longer use the word "dormitory" and staff are now using the term residence hall (analogous to the United Kingdom "hall of residence") or simply "hall" instead.