The Relocation Checklist for New OHSU Physicians

👋 About the Author

Hello! My name is Stuart Blaylock and I am the founder and lead agent of Physician Focused. I started Physician Focused to meet the real estate needs of physicians. I know them because I am married to one! My blog is a devoted resource for physicians who are relocating to or within the greater Portland area.

Relocating to Portland for a position at OHSU is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. Between adjusting to a new hospital system, securing housing, and getting to know the city, there are a lot of moving parts. That’s exactly why I created this relocation checklist just for physicians starting at OHSU. Think of it as a roadmap to help you settle in with as little stress as possible.

1. Get to Know Portland’s Neighborhoods

Your commute will play a big role in your daily life. OHSU’s Marquam Hill campus sits on a steep hillside, which means traffic and accessibility can be tricky. Popular neighborhoods for OHSU physicians include:

• South Waterfront – modern condos and apartments with direct access to the tram.

• Hillsdale & Multnomah Village – charming single-family homes with a laidback neighborhood feel.

• Homestead & Healy Heights – close to campus, tucked into the West Hills.

• Goose Hollow, Slabtown and Pearl District – urban living near downtown with easy freeway access from the heart of the city.

👉 Tip: Decide if you’d rather prioritize walkability, larger homes, or the fastest commute. Also check out my other blog posts for more resources: Top Portland Neighborhoods for Physicians Near OHSU, Portland’s Best Neighborhoods for Nature-Loving Physicians and The Physician’s Guide to Southwest Portland Neighborhoods

2. Understand Your Commute Options (and Times)

Working at OHSU means navigating the Marquam Hill climb. Here are realistic commute times to help guide your housing search:

• South Waterfront (via tram): 5–10 minutes.

• Hillsdale / Multnomah Village: 10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

• Homestead / Healy Heights: 5–10 minutes by car, though streets are narrow and winding.

• Goose Hollow / Downtown: 15–20 minutes by car or bus.

• Pearl District and Slabtown: 15-20 minutes by car or bus.

• Bethany / Cedar Mill (farther out): 25–40 minutes depending on rush hour.

🚦 Pro tip: Portland traffic can back up on I-5 and Hwy 26 during peak hours. If minimizing commute stress is a top priority, stick to South Waterfront or the close-in westside neighborhoods.

3. Explore Portland’s Top-Rated Apartment Communities for Immediate Housing Options

If you’re not ready to buy right away, renting in one of Portland’s premier apartment communities can be a great first step. Here are some of the highest-rated options in neighborhoods popular with OHSU physicians:

South Waterfront (closest to OHSU and the Tram)

• Matisse Apartments – modern high-rise with river views, steps from the tram.

• Riva on the Park – luxury units with fitness center, LEED certification, and quick tram access.

• The Ardea – spacious layouts with panoramic Willamette River views.

Downtown Portland (urban living, still close to OHSU)

• Ladd Apartments – boutique-style building near Portland State University.

• Essex House – classic mid-rise with a more historic Portland feel.

• Museum Place Apartments – steps from the Portland Art Museum and MAX lines.

The Pearl District (trendy, walkable, full of restaurants/shops)

• The Parker – sleek modern design, pet-friendly, rooftop terrace.

• The Louisa – upscale, central Pearl location above Whole Foods.

• Encore Apartments – known for its views and access to Fields Park.

Slabtown / NW District (hip, residential, close to NW 23rd dining)

• The Carson – new luxury mid-rise with stunning mountain views.

• The Leland James – boutique high-rise with stylish finishes and amenities.

• Q21 Apartments – modern layouts, popular with professionals new to Portland.

👉 Tip: Many of these communities offer shorter leases or flexible terms, which can be perfect for fellows or new attendings who want to explore before buying.

4. Choose a Reliable Moving Company

If you’re relocating to Portland from out of state, the logistics of the move itself can be one of the biggest headaches. A few physician-favorite moving options include:

• North American Van Lines – strong for long-distance moves with medical professionals.

• Allied Van Lines – nationwide service with full packing/unpacking options.

• United Van Lines – a go-to for cross-country relocations, with storage solutions if your new home isn’t quite ready.

• U-Pack – a budget-friendly option where you load, and they handle the driving.

👉 Tip: Book your moving company at least 8–12 weeks before your start date. Moves into Portland often require navigating tight hillside streets near OHSU, so confirm your movers are comfortable with local logistics.

5. Set Up Daily Life Logistics

Beyond housing, make sure to:

• Set up mail-forwarding from your previous address!

• Utilities – Set up electricity with Portland General Electric (PGE) or Pacific Power, plus water/sewer with Portland Water Bureau.

• Internet – Xfinity, Ziply Fiber, Quantum Fiber and Earthlink are the fastest and most widely available in Portland.

• Register with the Oregon Medical Board if you’re practicing.

• Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration if moving from out of state.

• Explore childcare and school options early if needed — Portland has competitive enrollment in certain areas.

• Establish care with a local PCP or specialist network (yes, even doctors need doctors!).

6. Discover Your Portland Lifestyle

OHSU is demanding — so finding ways to recharge matters. Physicians love:

• Marquam Nature Park & Council Crest Park for quick escapes into nature.

• South Waterfront Greenway for jogging or biking along the river.

• Food carts and coffee shops near campus for easy meals on busy days.

• Weekend trips to the coast, Mt. Hood, Seattle, Bend or the Willamette Valley wine country.

✅ Final Thoughts

Relocating for OHSU can feel like a big leap, but with the right planning, you’ll settle into both your role and your new city smoothly. If you’d like a more personalized relocation game plan — including a tailored neighborhood search, introductions to trusted moving partners, and physician-specific financing guidance — I’d love to help.

👉 Schedule a Consultation today, and let’s make your move to Portland as stress-free as possible.

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