Is it better to rent or buy during residency?
This is one of the most emotionally loaded questions in residency relocation. And the truth is, there’s no one right answer.
We’ve seen residents thrive as renters. We’ve seen residents do well buying. We’ve also seen people rush into both options and regret it later.
The decision usually comes down to four things.
1) How long you’ll realistically be in the city
2) What your monthly cash flow feels like, not just looks like
3) The specific housing market where you matched
4) Your comfort with risk, maintenance, and ownership during training
On paper, one option can look perfect. In real life, it may feel very different. That’s why we always encourage residents to pause and consider how they actually want to live during training.
Can residents qualify for special home loan programs?
Sometimes, yes. But this is an area where assumptions can get people into trouble.
There are loan programs designed for physicians and medical trainees. They can lower some barriers to buying such as down payment requirements. Some cities have incentives for living near the hospital.
That said, qualifying depends on your individual situation, your location, and the lender. What matters most is understanding your options clearly, without pressure to use one path over another. Contact a few physician loan lenders to hear about their programs.
A physician-savvy lender should explain options in plain language so you understand what’s realistic before making housing decisions.
When should I connect with a realtor?
I would recommend as close to Match Day as possible. And not because you’re ready to buy.
A realtor who understands residency can help you make sense of:
• Neighborhoods near the hospital
• Commute realities during long shifts
• Rental markets that move fast
• Price points that align with resident budgets
This isn’t about committing. Some Realtors help with rentals or offer free relocation guides for your new city. This step is about gathering information so you’re not forced into decisions at the last minute.
Should I live close to the hospital during residency?
For many residents, proximity becomes more important than they expected. Some programs even require you to be a specific distance or drive-time away. Long shifts, early mornings, call nights, and unpredictable schedules change how a commute feels. What seems manageable on paper can feel exhausting week after week.
That said, we’ve also worked with physicians who prioritized affordability, family needs, or a quieter environment over distance. There’s no wrong priority. There’s only what supports your training and well-being.
What if I’m moving across the country for residency?
This is where support matters most. Out of state moves are what we see most often.
Out-of-state moves often mean:
• Making housing decisions from afar
• Limited time to visit
• Relying heavily on local guidance
• Feeling disconnected from the city at first
Many of us at Moving Medicine Partners have made these moves ourselves. We know how disorienting it can feel to land in a new city just as residency begins. Having someone local who understands both the city and medical training can make a significant difference. I've bought two houses sight unseen but felt confident in the decision by working with a local expert.
How much should I budget for moving expenses?
Moving costs are often underestimated, especially during residency.
Expenses can include:
• Movers, truck rentals, POD fees
• Temporary housing if needed
• Travel costs
• Deposits and utility setup
What mistakes do residents commonly make when relocating?
The most common ones usually come from pressure, not poor judgment.
Waiting too long to explore options
Assuming renting is the only safe choice
Overextending financially to “make it work”
Choosing housing without understanding commute realities
Making decisions out of fear of missing out
Does Moving Medicine Partners help residents move nationwide?
Yes. And our services are free.
We connect medical students and residents with experienced, physician-savvy realtors across the country. Our network is built around people who understand medical training because they’ve lived alongside it.
We don’t believe relocation should feel isolating. Especially not during one of the most demanding chapters of your career.
I still feel overwhelmed. What should I do first?
That feeling makes sense. The best next step is usually a conversation.
Residency transitions are big. They affect not just where you live, but how you live. You don’t need to have everything solved right now.
Often, the most helpful first step is simply talking it through with someone who understands both the logistics and the emotional weight of the move. Talk through your timeline, location, and priorities.
You’re not behind. You’re right where most residents are at this stage.
A final note
Match Day changes everything. Moving for residency is part of that change, but it doesn’t have to feel rushed or lonely.
With the right guidance, it can feel grounded, thoughtful, and supported. That’s what we aim to provide. From residency to retirement.
