The Perfect Destination: Key Considerations for Traveling Healthcare Jobs

Traveling healthcare professionals—nurses, doctors, therapists, and allied health workers—face a unique set of opportunities and challenges when selecting their next work destination.

Whether you’re a travel nurse on a 13-week assignment or a physician seeking a longer-term locum tenens role, your decision involves more than just accepting the highest-paying gig.

It’s about finding a balance between professional rewards and personal fulfillment. This article dives into the critical considerations for choosing a new work destination, weighing factors like good pay against enjoyable living, and exploring lifestyle elements such as hobbies, traffic, safety, housing, shopping, family amenities, and proximity to beaches.

Let’s break it all down!

Good Pay vs. Enjoyable Living: Striking the Balance

For traveling healthcare professionals, compensation is often the starting point. Assignments in high-demand areas—think urban hospitals or rural facilities with staffing shortages—can offer lucrative pay packages, including hourly wages, stipends for housing and meals, and even travel reimbursements. For example, a travel nurse in a bustling city like Los Angeles might earn $2,500-$3,000 per week, while a rural assignment in Montana could net a similar amount due to demand, despite a lower cost of living.

But money isn’t everything. A fat paycheck in a location where you’re miserable can quickly erode the appeal of the job.

Enjoyable living encompasses quality of life: the ability to unwind after a 12-hour shift, the vibe of the community, and access to activities that recharge you. A high-paying gig in a chaotic, expensive city might leave you drained, while a slightly lower-paying role in a scenic, laid-back town could offer peace of mind and a better work-life balance.

Personal Priorities

Consider this: a travel nurse might choose a $2,200/week contract in Asheville, North Carolina, over a $2,800/week gig in New York City. Why? Asheville offers a lower cost of living, a vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking—perfect for someone who values nature over nightlife.

Define your priorities: Are you saving for a big goal, like a house or student loan payoff? Then maximizing pay might take precedence. Are you burned out and craving a reset? Prioritize a destination that nurtures your well-being.

Fun Hobbies: Keeping Your Spirit Alive

Healthcare professionals often work long, emotionally taxing hours, making hobbies a lifeline for mental health. When scouting a new destination, think about what you love to do outside the hospital or clinic.

Are you an avid hiker? Look for places near national parks or trails—Boulder, Colorado, orBend, Oregon, might call your name. Do you thrive on live music or theater? Cities like Austin, Texas, or Nashville, Tennessee, could be ideal.

For water lovers, proximity to lakes, rivers, or oceans can be a game-changer. St. Pete’s attractions offer a lot of ocean front appeal. A physical therapist who kayaks might prefer Traverse City, Michigan, with its access to Lake Michigan, over a landlocked spot. If you’re into niche hobbies like rock climbing or pottery, research local clubs or facilities.

A destination that aligns with your passions can turn a temporary assignment into a memorable adventure.

The catch? High-demand healthcare markets don’t always overlap with hobby hotspots. A rural hospital might pay well but lack a vibrant cultural scene. In these cases, weigh how much you’re willing to compromise.

Can you drive an hour on your days off to pursue your interests, or do you need them at your doorstep? Flexibility is key.

Traffic: The Commute Conundrum

After a grueling shift, the last thing you want is to sit in gridlock. Traffic can significantly impact your daily experience, especially if your housing is far from the workplace. Urban assignments—like those in Atlanta or Seattle—might offer higher pay but come with notorious rush-hour delays. A 30-mile commute in Los Angeles could take an hour or more, eating into your downtime.

Contrast that with smaller cities or towns. A contract in Boise, Idaho, might mean a 15-minute drive with minimal congestion, leaving you more time to relax or explore. For healthcare professionals, who often work odd hours, check the traffic patterns during your shift times. A night-shift nurse in a city with 24/7 bustle might face less hassle than a day-shifter in the same spot.

Public transit is another factor. Cities like Portland, Oregon, or Minneapolis, Minnesota, boast reliable buses and light rail, potentially eliminating the need for a car. If you’re car-free or prefer not to drive, prioritize destinations with robust transportation options. Researching commute times and transit access can save you stress and money.

Safety and Crime Rates: Peace of Mind Matters

Safety is non-negotiable, especially for healthcare workers who may arrive home late or live alone during assignments. Crime rates vary widely by location and even neighborhood. A city like Cary, North Carolina, consistently ranks among the safest in the U.S., with low violent and property crime rates, making it appealing for a solo traveler. Meanwhile, a high-paying gig in a rougher part of Baltimore might give you pause.

Dig into specifics: check crime statistics for the areas near your workplace and potential housing. Websites like NeighborhoodScout or local police department reports can provide granular data. For example, a travel nurse eyeing San Francisco might love the pay but hesitate if affordable housing is in a high-crime district.

Safety also extends to natural hazards—hurricanes in Florida or wildfires in California could disrupt your stay.

Healthcare professionals, often seen as community helpers, may feel safer in tight-knit towns where locals look out for each other. A rural placement in Vermont might offer that sense of security, even if it lacks big-city amenities. Balance safety with other needs, but never compromise on feeling secure.

Cost and Location of Housing: Where You Rest Your Head

Housing is a major expense and logistical puzzle for traveling healthcare pros. Many contracts include a housing stipend—say, $1,000-$2,000 per month—leaving you to find a place within budget. Cost varies wildly: a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego might run $2,500/month, while the same in Knoxville, Tennessee, could be $1,200.

Location matters as much as cost. Proximity to work reduces commute stress, but prime spots often carry a premium. In pricey markets, you might opt for a shared rental or a spot farther out to stretch your stipend. In cheaper areas, you could snag a cozy solo place near the hospital. Platforms like Furnished Finder or Airbnb cater to short-term healthcare travelers, offering furnished options with flexible leases.

Consider utilities, parking fees, and deposit requirements, too. A rural gig might mean cheaper rent but higher gas costs if amenities are distant.

Weigh the trade-offs: a pricier, central spot might free up time and energy, while a budget-friendly option lets you pocket more cash.

Proximity to Stores and Shopping Variety: Convenience Counts

After a shift, you’ll need easy access to groceries, pharmacies, and essentials. Urban destinations like Denver or Raleigh typically offer a mix of big-box stores (Walmart, Target) and specialty shops within a short drive or walk.

Smaller towns might have a single grocery store, requiring planning—especially if you’re cooking healthy meals to offset hospital cafeteria fare.

Shopping variety enhances your experience. A city with diverse retail—think bookstores, craft stores, or farmers’ markets—can make downtime more enjoyable. For example, a travel nurse in Savannah, Georgia, might love the historic district’s boutique shops, while someone in a remote area might rely on online orders. Check how far you’ll be from a decent grocery store or a quick coffee run. Convenience can be a sanity-saver.

Playgrounds and Family-Friendly Amenities

If you’re traveling with a family, kid-friendly features jump to the top of the list. Playgrounds, parks, and community centers keep children active and happy, easing the transition to a new place. Suburbs like Frisco, Texas, or Madison, Wisconsin, shine here, with top-rated schools, safe parks, and family events. Urban areas might have splash pads or museums, but space can feel tighter.

Research school quality if your assignment spans a school year—temporary enrollment varies by district. Proximity to pediatric healthcare is another perk for healthcare pros who value access for their own kids. A destination like Boise offers trails and playgrounds galore, ideal for outdoor-loving families. If family time is your anchor, prioritize these amenities over a bigger paycheck.

Beaches: A Dose of Relaxation

For many, a beach nearby is the ultimate perk. Coastal assignments—in places like Charleston, South Carolina, or San Luis Obispo, California—let you unwind with sand and waves after a shift. Beaches offer free, low-effort recreation: a walk at sunset in Saint Petersburg, Florida, or a weekend swim can melt stress away. Even inland spots with lakes, like Traverse City, can scratch that water itch.

The downside? Coastal cities often mean higher housing costs and tourist crowds. A nurse in Miami might pay more for a cramped apartment than one in a beachless town like Asheville. Decide how much beach access matters—weekly visits might justify the trade-offs, while occasional trips might not.

Other Factors to Weigh

Climate: Hot summers in Phoenix or snowy winters in Buffalo could affect your mood and activities. Match the weather to your tolerance.

Community Vibes: A progressive college town (Ann Arbor, Michigan) feels different from a conservative rural outpost (Lubbock, Texas). Pick a cultural fit.

Healthcare Facility Reputation: A well-run hospital with supportive staff can make or break your assignment, regardless of the town.

Putting It All Together: A Decision Framework

Start by listing your must-haves: a minimum pay threshold, a safe neighborhood, a short commute. Then rank your nice-to-haves: beaches, hiking trails, a bustling downtown. Cross-reference these with job listings and location data. For example:

Scenario 1: A travel nurse with kids might choose Raleigh, North Carolina—decent pay ($2,300/week), affordable housing ($1,400/month), low crime, great parks, and a 20-minute commute.

Scenario 2: A single PT who surfs might pick San Diego—higher pay ($2,600/week), pricier rent ($2,200/month), beach access, but heavier traffic.

Test your top picks against reality: browse housing listings, map commutes, read local reviews. Chat with recruiters or peers who’ve worked there. Flexibility is your superpower—short-term gigs mean you can pivot if a spot doesn’t fit.

Conclusion: Your Journey, Your Choice

Traveling healthcare professionals have the freedom to craft their careers around their lives, not just the other way around. A new destination isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a chapter. By weighing good pay against enjoyable living, and factoring in hobbies, traffic, safety, housing, shopping, family needs, and beaches, you can find a spot that fuels both your bank account and your soul. So, where will your next assignment take you? The possibilities are as vast as the healthcare field itself.