Travel nurse housing is meant to make life easier when you move between assignments, providing a stable and comfortable place to call home during your temporary work assignments. However, finding suitable housing in a new city every few months can be quite the challenge.
Between considering budget, pet policies, proximity to work, and essential amenities, it can be difficult to find a place that meets all your needs.
We’ll discuss some key tips to help you find your ideal travel nurse housing, so you can focus on the job at hand without worrying about your living situation.
1. Determine Your Budget and Lifestyle Preferences
Before diving into the housing search, it’s essential to assess your budget and identify what’s most important to you in a living space. Each assignment may come with different pay rates and stipends, so you’ll want to determine how much of that you can comfortably allocate to housing.
Understand Your Stipend Options:
Most travel nurses are offered a housing stipend, which allows you the flexibility to choose where you live. Knowing exactly how much you’re working with will give you a better sense of the options within your price range. If you opt to arrange your own housing instead of going with agency-provided accommodations, be sure to confirm whether the stipend will cover your rent, utilities, and any potential costs like Wi-Fi or parking.
Prioritize Amenities Based on Your Lifestyle:
Consider the lifestyle amenities that are most important to you. For instance, if you’re someone who values access to a kitchen for home-cooked meals, look for housing that has a fully equipped kitchen rather than just a kitchenette. Other factors, like gym access, in-unit laundry, pets allowed, free parking, or a quiet environment for resting after shifts, should also be considered. Prioritizing what you truly need will help you narrow down your options for travel nurse housing.
Consider Proximity to the Hospital:
Living close to work can significantly improve your quality of life, especially if you’re working long or overnight shifts. Some travel nurses prefer accommodations within a 10- to 15-minute commute, while others are OK with a longer commute if the housing is more affordable or in a desirable neighborhood. Map out the distance from potential housing to your assignment location to make sure the commute aligns with your preferences. Also check if there are public transportation options available in the area you are traveling to.
2. Explore Your Travel Nurse Housing Options
Once you know your budget and preferences, you can start exploring different housing options. There are several ways travel nurses can find housing, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. If you secured this contract through a travel nurse company, ask your recruiter if she knows anyone that has worked in the facility before and see what housing options they had during their assignment.
Extended-Stay Hotels and Corporate Housing:
Extended-stay hotels and corporate housing companies are convenient options because they cater specifically to short-term residents and often come furnished. Many of these places offer perks like housekeeping, utilities included, and flexibility in terms of lease duration. Corporate housing is ideal for those looking for a more hotel-like experience with less commitment to setting up utilities or furnishing a space. The downside of this option is that it won’t feel like “home,” as it is a very temporary option for travel nurse housing.
Rental Platforms (Airbnb, Furnished Finder, VRBO):
Rental platforms like Airbnb, Furnished Finder, and VRBO allow you to browse fully furnished spaces with short-term lease options, which is ideal for travel nurses on three-month assignments. Furnished Finder, in particular, was developed with traveling medical professionals in mind. Prices can vary greatly depending on the location and season, so be sure to factor in whether you’re traveling during peak times in popular cities. Make sure the host is verified and has reviews, if possible.
Temporary Apartments:
In some areas, you might be able to rent a short-term apartment through traditional rental companies. These leases might be slightly more rigid, requiring a three- to six-month minimum commitment, but if you’re staying longer in a city or planning on renewing your contract, this could be a comfortable, cost-effective solution. You may also need to bring or rent furniture as a lot of times these apartments do not come furnished.
Consider Room Rentals for Affordability:
If you’re looking to save on costs, renting a room in a shared home can be a great option. Websites like Roomi, Roomster, Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and Craigslist often list rooms in houses or apartments where you’ll share common spaces with roommates. Room rentals can be significantly cheaper than private apartments, which can help stretch your housing stipend further and offer a social aspect to your stay.
3. Verify Travel Nurse Housing Listings and Connect with Local Resources
When considering rental listings, it’s crucial to verify that the listing is legitimate and that you’re getting exactly what you expect. Here are some steps to help ensure your housing experience is as smooth as possible:
Ask for Detailed Photos and Verify the Listing:
Don’t rely solely on photos provided in an online listing. Ask the host for recent photos of the property, and ideally, set up a virtual tour. It’s also a good idea to look up reviews from previous tenants to get a sense of what the space is like and whether it matches the description.
Utilize Social Media and Networking:
Social media platforms and travel nurse forums can be a goldmine for housing leads. Facebook groups specifically for travel nurses often have listings or leads on housing options near major hospitals. Joining these groups can also provide access to testimonials, landlord contacts, and tips from other nurses who have lived in the area. Again, make sure the listers are verified and do not send a deposit until you have confirmed verification.
Leverage Agency Resources and Local Contacts:
If you’re working with a staffing agency, like Luminous Travel Staffing, ask if they have recommendations or partnerships with housing providers. Many agencies have arrangements with corporate housing companies or even local landlords to offer reliable housing options. Connecting with fellow travel nurses who are currently working or have worked in the area can also provide helpful advice and trusted leads on available accommodations. Even your facility manager may be able to assist you in finding a suitable place to stay during your contract.
The Bottom Line
Your housing situation can impact your overall experience on an assignment, so it’s worth taking the time to find a place that meets your needs and allows you to feel comfortable in your new environment. By assessing your budget, exploring all available options, and verifying listings before committing, you’ll be better equipped to find housing that fits your lifestyle.
For travel nurses seeking reliable housing solutions, Luminous has experts who can help you understand your housing needs and match you with options that fit. Let Luminous make your housing search easier, so you can focus on what matters most—providing excellent care on your assignments.
