Finding the right housing for travel nurses can feel daunting. There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking for short-term housing in a new area. You want it to be safe but also want to know that you can have fun in between shifts. From fully furnished apartments to Airbnb, there are plenty of options to ensure you’ll love your stay in your new city.
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Types of Housing for Travel Nurses
Furnished Apartments: The most popular choice of housing for travel nurses, offering convenience and flexibility. Consider factors like amenities, location, and proximity to work. There are a lot of great resources like Furnished Finder for finding furnished apartments, houses, condos, and rooms near your next assignment.
Extended-Stay Hotels: These are a great option for assignments or if flexibility is key, they offer a lot of the same amenities as a hotel, but usually add in self-serve laundry and in some cases a functioning kitchen inside your room. Extended-stay hotels can be pricey, so weigh cost-effectiveness against convenience.
Private Rentals: Some nurses like using platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer diverse options, but require more research and upfront communication with landlords. Like furnished apartments, these rentals are fully furnished and ready for you to move in!
Research, Research, and More You Guessed it… Research
Research the area: The last thing you want is to spend all of this time finding the perfect living situation only to find the area you are living in has none of the things you like doing. Spend time looking into what is going on in the surrounding areas while you’re there. Make sure you’re set on entertainment, food, and that you’re moving into a safe area.
Read reviews: Don’t just rely on photos! Check online reviews for insights into the property, neighborhood, and landlord experience. This also applies to what we just talked about. A city can have Italian food, but that doesn’t mean it’s any good. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends on social media if they have been to the city. Ask about their experiences with different restaurants and activities.
What is there to do? You don’t want to travel around the country hoping that you’ll find something you’re interested in. Make sure the area you’re living in has the activities you like doing, or that it is close enough to the types of activities you like. Being stuck inside for 13 weeks will not give you a positive traveling experience.
See also: Tips for Finding the Best Travel Nurse Agency
Bonus Tips
Consider roommates: Housing for travel nurses can get expensive. Sharing an apartment can be a cost-effective way to live in a desirable location. Choose someone with compatible schedules and lifestyles. Some travel nurses partner up with a friend who is also a travel nurse. They will look for assignments in the same area so they can split the costs of rent.
Connect with other travel nurses: Online forums and communities are excellent resources for finding housing for travel nurses as well as finding recommendations and tips from locals. There are a ton of Facebook groups for travel nurses where you can ask if anyone needs a roommate, or if they have any extra tips for finding one.
Be flexible: Sometimes, the perfect place might not tick all your boxes. Be willing to compromise on certain preferences to secure a good option. It’s a good idea to write down the things that are and are not negotiable when it comes to your perfect place. For example, you might want to live in a safe neighborhood with a fenced-in yard but, you would give up on having a fence if it means you couldn’t live in a safe area.
Finding housing for travel nurses requires planning, research, and a bit of flexibility. But with this guide and a proactive approach, you’ll be well on your way to finding a comfortable and convenient home base for your next adventure!
