Housing. Why is finding the right place to live still one of the hardest and stressful aspects of a new travel assignment? Is it too hard to ask to have a clean, affordable place close to work? We think not! Sometimes just the right criteria needs to be considered. Read on to learn our tips for avoiding a travel nurse housing catastrophe. Or work with one of our recruiters to ensure all the below are handled for you. 
Location
Depending on the size of city you will be placed in, the location of your new place can make or break your stay. We recommend choosing a place within a ten-mile radius of the hospital or facility, if possible. However, a safer spot a few more miles down the road could be the better option. Try: type in the addresses into google maps around commuting times to learn just exactly how long it will take to complete the route. Only 8 miles, but 45 minutes due to commuter traffic? No way! Avoid a travel nurse housing catastrophe. We have just the tips you need! #nodrama Click To Tweet
Expectations
The mindset you have before moving makes a difference. Sometimes a traveler desires a modern high-rise building, but they are traveling to small-town Iowa, and there is no modern type of housing around. Do your research to learn what is the most common type of housing available in the new town.
Pets?
Of course, your furry friend is coming with you on assignment! Always be sure to be honest and transparent about your situation. Ask upfront about pet policies before you get that knock on the door from the superintendent. Most places will list their pet situation on the listing. With other companies it’s up to you to be diligent, but with Freedom, we’ll let your housing provider know up front and add the info to your file so you never walk into a Fido-unfriendly place again.
See the basics of traveling with your pet here.
Safety
Your loved ones are mostly concerned with one thing when you start a new assignment: safety. Research the neighborhoods in your new city by visiting the local police department’s website to see local crime statistics. Even a simple search on google of “how safe is *insert city or neighborhood here*” can come up with ample results and reviews from the locals or new tenants willing to share their experience. (Remember to always take internet reviews with a grain of salt, though!) Other options include places like Nextdoor, a great neighborhood social network, the local chamber, your social media contacts or your recruiter! At Freedom, we know our clients well and vet the areas so you always feel safe and sound. The #1 thing when looking for a place to live is safety. Read our tips to make the best assessment: Click To Tweet
Network
Know anyone who has been or lived in your new city? I bet you do! Ask around to friends, extended family, co-workers or anyone you trust for their opinions. It’s amazing what you can learn by just asking. I bet you never knew your Aunt Anne spent a summer in Lebanon, OR. But seriously, Facebook and Twitter can be very helpful when trying to find out about your new living situation or just bring up your new locale at your next dinner party. Don’t forget about your hobbies and interests either. Network with folks at your gym, in your knitting circle and in your church to learn more about your new location.
Check Online
There are some useful resources online that exist to help with this exact issue. Furnished Finder and Travel Nurse Corporate Housing are two databases to find short-term furnished living spaces. Heck, get creative! Try Airbnb, VRBO and Home Away to easily find places, especially with shorter assignments. Popular sites like these will have plenty reviews, safety criteria, transparency, and secure money transferring systems. Find perfect housing for your next travel assignment with: @airbnb, @vrbo & @homeaway Click To Tweet
Connect
One of the most important aspects of your new home away from home is the renter, property manager or owner who you will be working with. Contact them directly as soon as possible for more information and to gauge their decorum and communication habits. You can even try searching their name online to read tenant reviews.
No frills traveler?
If you don’t mind couching it for a while, sites like Craigslist and Couchsurfing can offer low-cost options in just about any city. Sharing a room or even using Craigslist can be more anxiety filled and will require more trust, but can also be successful options for your time-being.
Read the 5 tips for tackling traveling costs head on
Ask a Nurse
Current and past nurses can offer some of the best advice in these situations…after all, they have been there and done that! Forums like Healthcare Travel Book and Facebook groups like The Gypsy Nurse can offer direct access to nursing professionals’ experience and opinions.
No-Drama Travel Assignment
One of your best resources through this whole thing will be the staffing agency you work with. Depending on the level of support, some agencies will cover 100% of the housing issue, while some may leave you out on your own. Freedom knows what a challenge finding your own housing can be, that’s why we are fully available to arrange housing for you. Talk about stress-free! Can’t wait for you next travel assignment? Check out our hot jobs here!