Finding Housing

[ldnurse2004]

How do all you guys locate the best deals for housing when on assignment? Hotels aren't willing to work with me on the rates, but renting a room from someone is so dangerous IMO. Suggestions appreciated

[emb92250]

I usually look to craigslist. But also, I like to google (professionally managed) apartment complexes. Compare/contrast price, see if short term leasing is available. Some professionally managed apartment complexes do not do short term leasing. And if they do, prepare to spend $100-$200/mo extra for the short term lease. I also look for reviews for these apartment complexes, which should tell you if there are any drug/crime concerns (the lower the monthly rate, the more likely the apt attracts criminals, I've found out). I also like to use google maps to explore the city virtually. You can tell how far away from the hospital your potental living space is, use the street view to check out the neighborhood in case you cant physically look at the complex, and usually you can figure out via map which neighborhoods are nicer. I use all of these strategies simultaneously. Hope that helped.

[Trjl]

I have used airbnb, home away from home, and the last 2 places I found by typing in the name of the city I wanted to live and putting rent behind it without any space and I found a site specific to my city. Or just google 'rentals', 'furnished apartments' etc.. and see what comes up in that area. I have found some nice furnished apartments or townhomes that way. And individual owners are often better at being somewhat flexible with your 13 wk assignment, and you very possibly may get electric, water, and internet in your monthly price. I have also been lucky enough to get a washer and dryer in each place I have rented. I once had an 8 wk assignment and was having a terrible time finding a rental and used airbnb to find a room in people's homes. On airbnb, there are reviews of the hosts, so you can feel somewhat safe that you are getting a decent home/family (if you choose to go that route). I have heard of people contacting a local realtor in the area also.

Best of luck. Finding housing to me, is the biggest pain in Travel, but usually worth it to find your own place in the end.