I just received an interview in New Mexico and will be heading out there next week. I think Utah and Nevada have plenty of promise depending on how these upcoming elections change the makeup of Congress. Utah, in particular, has come to a standstill because the Speaker of the House is a nurse. It is things like this that have burdened efforts.

Atlanta will continue to have the lowest salaries so long as Emory continues to recruit locals and Nova/South continue to "invade" Emory territory because their territories are bleak too. Nothing against them, as it isn't their fault. It just feels uncomfortable rotating in Atlanta when Nova students can't get enough rotations in Florida.

When thinking longterm, the combination of lowest salaries and higher cost-of-living (although still low) makes having a $100k student loan, thinking about saving up for kids' private school, mortgage, dependable vehicle, and $20k+ in taxes/yr. seem rough. OT becomes a requirement essentially, with many anesthetists doing 5 hours or more/week. That usually is another $20k/yr. in taxable income.

There are things that can be done, however, in the city to hedge the increased cost. Living with roommates, taking MARTA, not having a vehicle at all are tried and true methods. Both Grady and Emory Midtown are MARTA accessible, and many condos in Midtown have grocery stores around the block (or in the case of Plaza Midtown Condos, downstairs).

Once all the babyboomers retire, things may loosen up, allowing for more locums assignments to pick up.