The Relocation Checklist for New OHSU Physicians (Updated May 2026)

👋 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.

Updated May 2026

Relocating to Portland for a position at Oregon Health & Science University is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between preparing for a new position, choosing where to live, organizing a move and learning how to navigate OHSU’s campuses, there are many decisions competing for your attention.

I created this relocation checklist specifically for physicians, residents, fellows and other medical professionals starting at OHSU. It covers the most important housing, commuting and relocation decisions to consider before and after arriving in Portland.

For a broader overview of the entire relocation process, begin with Moving to Portland as a Physician: The Complete Relocation Guide.

1. Confirm Where You Will Actually Be Working

“OHSU” can refer to several different locations. Before choosing a neighborhood, confirm where you will spend most of your working time.

Your schedule might involve:

• OHSU Hospital on Marquam Hill

• Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

• The Center for Health & Healing in South Waterfront

• The Knight Cancer Research Building

• The Robertson Life Sciences Building

• Clinics elsewhere in the Portland metropolitan area

• Rotations at partner hospitals or satellite locations

A home that provides excellent access to South Waterfront may produce a different commute to Marquam Hill. Residents and fellows should also consider whether rotations will require travel to more than one hospital.

Ask your department:

• Which building will be my primary workplace?

• Where will I park?

• Will I regularly travel between campuses?

• How often will I need to arrive or leave during peak traffic?

• Will I take overnight or weekend call?

• Will my rotations include other Portland hospitals?

Knowing the actual entrance, parking location and shift schedule is much more useful than simply calculating the distance to “OHSU.”

2. Decide Whether to Rent or Buy First

Not every relocating physician should purchase immediately.

Renting may make sense if:

• You are beginning a shorter residency or fellowship

• You are unfamiliar with Portland

• You have not finalized your long-term employment plans

• You want to experience the commute before choosing a neighborhood

• You are selling a home in another state

• You need temporary housing before the rest of your household arrives

Buying may make sense if:

• You expect to remain in Portland for several years

• You understand the neighborhoods and commute tradeoffs

• You are financially prepared for the complete cost of ownership

• You want more stability or control over your housing

• Suitable rental options do not meet your needs

Your medical contract and anticipated time in Portland should be considered alongside current financing, closing costs, maintenance and the possibility of selling sooner than expected.

My Portland Home Buying Process Guide for Physicians explains the process from financial preparation through inspections and closing.

3. Research Neighborhoods Near OHSU

OHSU’s Marquam Hill campus sits above central Portland in the West Hills. The hill, winding streets, limited access routes and hospital parking make commute evaluation particularly important.

Popular starting points include:

South Waterfront

South Waterfront offers modern apartments and condominiums near the lower Portland Aerial Tram terminal. It can be especially convenient for people who prefer low-maintenance housing and access to the river, Streetcar and central Portland.

If you are considering purchasing a condominium here, read my South Waterfront Condo Deep-Dive, which compares several prominent buildings and discusses HOA considerations, parking and the day-to-day experience of living near the tram.

Homestead and Healy Heights

These wooded hillside neighborhoods are immediately around Marquam Hill. Their greatest advantage is proximity, although the housing inventory can be limited and the streets are often steep, narrow and winding.

When evaluating a home here, consider driveway grade, winter conditions, guest parking and whether the route feels comfortable after dark or during inclement weather.

Hillsdale and Multnomah Village

Hillsdale and Multnomah Village provide a more traditional residential environment with local businesses, parks and a mixture of single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes.

They can offer practical access to OHSU while feeling more removed from the intensity of the central city.

Southwest Hills and Council Crest

These elevated neighborhoods offer wooded surroundings, views and distinctive homes. Access to OHSU can be relatively direct from certain addresses, but routes vary significantly because of the terrain.

South Portland, Johns Landing and Lair Hill

These neighborhoods occupy the area between OHSU, the Willamette River and downtown Portland. They can provide a useful balance between hospital access and proximity to central-city amenities.

Downtown, Goose Hollow, the Pearl District and Slabtown

These areas appeal to people seeking an urban environment, apartment or condominium living, restaurants and access to public transportation. The tradeoff is a commute that may involve downtown congestion, transit connections or additional travel to Marquam Hill.

For a detailed comparison, see Top Portland Neighborhoods for Physicians Near OHSU.

You can also explore my Physician’s Guide to Southwest Portland Neighborhoods and Portland’s Best Neighborhoods for Nature-Loving Physicians.

4. Consider Portland’s Close-In Suburbs

Living within Portland is not the only option. Some OHSU physicians choose communities such as Lake Oswego, Cedar Mill, Bethany, Beaverton, West Linn or Milwaukie.

A suburb may offer:

• More space

• Newer housing

• Different property-tax considerations

• Greater new-construction availability

• Easier access to certain parks and outdoor destinations

• A more residential setting

The tradeoff is usually a longer and more variable commute—particularly when a route depends on Highway 26, Interstate 5, Highway 217 or a bridge crossing.

Use The Physician’s Guide to Portland’s Suburbs for a broad comparison. If outdoor access is a major priority, also read The Best Portland Suburbs for Nature-Loving Physicians.

For newer housing, see The Best Portland Suburbs for Buying a New-Construction Home.

If you are unsure whether city or suburban living fits your priorities, Choosing the Right Portland Neighborhood or Suburb is a useful place to begin.

5. Test the Commute—Don’t Just Look at Mileage

A map can show distance, but it cannot fully represent an OHSU commute.

Marquam Hill access may be affected by:

• Time of day

• Traffic on surrounding highways

• Bridge congestion

• Weather

• Road construction

• The location of your hospital entrance

• Employee parking arrangements

• The time required to travel from parking to your department

• Tram, Streetcar or bus schedules

South Waterfront may provide convenient access through the Portland Aerial Tram, while close-in Southwest Portland neighborhoods may offer relatively direct driving or transit routes. Bethany, Cedar Mill and more distant suburbs can still work, but peak-period traffic deserves careful consideration.

Before choosing a home:

1. Test the route during your expected shift time.

2. Confirm employee parking and transportation options with OHSU.

3. Calculate door-to-door travel—not merely drive time.

4. Test an alternate route in case of congestion or closure.

5. Consider how the commute would feel after a long or overnight shift.

Any commute estimates in neighborhood guides should be treated as approximate planning ranges, not guarantees.

6. Evaluate Temporary Housing Carefully

Renting for several months can give you time to learn Portland before purchasing.

Areas commonly considered for temporary housing include:

• South Waterfront

• Downtown Portland

• Goose Hollow

• The Pearl District

• Slabtown and Northwest Portland

• Hillsdale

• Multnomah Village

• Beaverton and Cedar Mill

Apartment availability, pricing, management and lease terms change frequently. Verify all information directly with the property before applying.

Questions to ask include:

• Is parking included?

• Is there secure bicycle storage?

• Are shorter lease terms available?

• What are the move-in and move-out fees?

• Are pets permitted?

• How is package delivery handled?

• Is air conditioning included?

• What utilities are included?

• What is the actual route to your OHSU building?

Some Portland apartments do not have central air conditioning, so verify cooling rather than assuming it is included.

7. Prepare Financially Before Beginning a Home Search

Physicians may have financing options that differ from conventional mortgage programs. Some lenders offer physician-loan programs that consider medical contracts, future income, student debt or alternative down-payment structures.

However, a physician loan is not automatically the best option. Compare:

• Interest rate

• Down-payment requirement

• Mortgage insurance

• Closing costs

• Adjustable versus fixed-rate terms

• Cash reserves

• Student-debt treatment

• Monthly payment

• Long-term plans for the property

Do not make major financial changes while seeking mortgage approval. New credit accounts, vehicle purchases or unexplained transfers can complicate underwriting.

Also consider costs beyond the purchase price:

• Property taxes

• Homeowners insurance

• HOA dues

• Maintenance

• Inspections

• Potential repairs

• Moving expenses

• Furnishings

• Commuting and parking costs

Oregon property taxes do not simply reset to the purchase price when a property sells. My guide to How Oregon Property Taxes Really Work explains assessed value, maximum assessed value and why two similarly priced homes may have different tax bills.

For a broader financial comparison, see Cost of Living in Portland for Physicians.

8. Plan for Remote Home Buying if Necessary

Many physicians cannot repeatedly travel to Portland during residency, fellowship or the final months of an existing position.

A remote search can include:

• An initial video consultation

• Neighborhood and commute comparisons

• Live video tours

• Detailed videos of the property and surrounding streets

• Electronic document review

• Remote inspection participation

• Local referrals for financing, inspections and insurance

• A final in-person visit when your schedule permits

Remote buying requires more than a quick video walkthrough. You should understand street noise, hills, parking, surrounding properties, natural light, maintenance concerns and how the location functions at different times.

My Remote House-Hunting Guide for Relocating Physicians explains the process in greater detail.

9. Organize the Move Early

Medical start dates often coincide with busy summer moving periods. Begin gathering estimates as soon as your destination and timeline are reasonably certain.

When comparing movers:

• Obtain multiple written estimates

• Confirm whether the company is the carrier or a broker

• Ask about storage and delivery windows

• Review insurance and valuation coverage

• Confirm experience with long-distance moves

• Discuss stairs, elevators, loading restrictions and steep streets

• Verify who is responsible for permits or reserved loading areas

• Avoid relying solely on a low initial estimate

If moving into a condominium or apartment, ask management about elevator reservations, certificates of insurance, loading hours, deposits and move-in fees.

Consider booking approximately 8–12 weeks ahead during high-demand periods, while recognizing that your required lead time will depend on the company, distance and season.

10. Complete Professional and Government Tasks

Your exact requirements will depend on your position and circumstances, but this list provides a useful starting point:

• Complete licensing requirements with the Oregon Medical Board

• Finish OHSU credentialing and employment paperwork

• Confirm malpractice coverage

• Review benefits and enrollment deadlines

• Establish Oregon residency when applicable

• Update your driver’s license

• Register and insure your vehicle

• Forward your mail

• Update voter registration if eligible

• Update banking, insurance and professional records

• Verify payroll and tax-withholding information

Use official OHSU and Oregon government instructions for licensing, credentialing and residency requirements. Requirements can change, so avoid relying solely on a relocation blog for regulatory deadlines.

11. Set Up Utilities and Daily Services

The provider will depend on the property’s exact address. Before moving in, confirm:

• Electricity

• Natural gas, if applicable

• Water, sewer and stormwater

• Garbage and recycling

• Internet availability

• Mobile-phone reception

• Homeowners or renters insurance

• Parking permits, if required

• HOA move-in procedures

Portland-area internet availability can vary from one building or street to another. Xfinity, Ziply Fiber and Quantum Fiber serve portions of the region, but availability and service levels must be checked by address.

Also consider:

• Prescription transfers

• Primary-care and dental providers

• Pet licensing and veterinary care

• Gym or recreation memberships

• Grocery and pharmacy access

• Snow, ice and emergency supplies

• Earthquake preparedness

12. Research Schools and Childcare Early

If schools or childcare are part of your relocation, begin researching before finalizing a home search.

School assignment can depend on:

• The property’s exact address

• District boundaries

• Attendance-area boundaries

• Grade level

• Transfer policies

• Enrollment availability

• Specialized programs

Do not rely solely on the city name, neighborhood name or a real-estate listing. Verify the assigned schools directly with the appropriate district before making a housing decision.

My Portland-Area School District Guide for Physicians explains the major districts and how school boundaries relate to Portland’s neighborhoods, suburbs and hospital commutes.

Childcare availability can also be limited, particularly for infant care or schedules extending beyond standard business hours. Ask colleagues and your department about resources for medical professionals with early, late or overnight shifts.

13. Build a Life Outside OHSU

Your neighborhood should support more than your commute.

OHSU physicians may appreciate access to:

• Marquam Nature Park

• Council Crest Park

• Terwilliger Parkway

• The South Waterfront Greenway

• Forest Park

• Tryon Creek State Natural Area

• The Willamette River

• Neighborhood restaurants and coffee shops

• Weekend trips to Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge

If nature is an important part of how you recharge, compare Portland’s best neighborhoods for nature-loving physicians with the best nature-oriented Portland suburbs.

Portland’s different quadrants and suburbs provide meaningfully different lifestyles. Choosing the right location involves balancing hospital access with housing preferences, outdoor recreation, household needs and the way you want to spend your time outside work.

14. Your OHSU Relocation Timeline

Three to six months before your move

• Confirm your primary work location

• Establish your housing budget

• Speak with lenders if considering a purchase

• Compare neighborhoods and suburbs

• Begin researching schools or childcare if applicable

• Collect moving estimates

• Review licensing and credentialing deadlines

One to three months before your move

• Select temporary or permanent housing

• Test likely commute routes

• Finalize financing

• Book movers

• Arrange insurance

• Schedule inspections if purchasing

• Confirm parking and transportation arrangements

• Begin utility setup

During the final month

• Confirm moving and delivery dates

• Complete a final property walkthrough

• Forward your mail

• Transfer prescriptions and records

• Update vehicle and insurance information

• Download the transportation and parking resources you will use

• Prepare essentials for your first week in Portland

During your first month in Portland

• Test alternate hospital routes

• Complete Oregon vehicle and residency requirements

• Explore your neighborhood at different times

• Establish local healthcare and professional services

• Review your housing decision before making additional major purchases

• Begin discovering the parts of Portland that made you want to move here

Questions OHSU Physicians Frequently Ask

Should I rent before buying?

Renting can be sensible if you are unfamiliar with Portland, have a short appointment or have not determined which commute and lifestyle tradeoffs work for you. Buying may be appropriate if your plans are more established and you understand the complete financial picture.

Is South Waterfront always the best location for OHSU?

No. It provides an unusually convenient tram connection and low-maintenance housing, but other physicians prefer the homes, outdoor access or neighborhood environment of Southwest Portland, the West Hills or nearby suburbs.

Can I live in a suburb and work at OHSU?

Yes, but the specific suburb, address and shift time matter. Test the commute rather than assuming a regional average applies to your schedule.

Can I buy a Portland home without being physically present?

Many parts of the process can be completed remotely. The key is having detailed representation, thorough inspections and a clear understanding of the property and location—not simply relying on listing photographs.

What do physicians most often underestimate?

Commonly underestimated considerations include the Marquam Hill approach, parking-to-department time, Portland’s hills, property-tax differences, older housing maintenance and the variation between neighborhoods that appear close together on a map.

For additional answers, read Top Questions Physicians Ask Before Moving to Portland.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to Portland for OHSU involves more than choosing a house near the hospital. The right plan should account for your department, call schedule, commute tolerance, household needs, financial goals and the kind of Portland lifestyle you want outside work.

I specialize in helping physicians relocate to and within the Portland area. My process can include neighborhood and suburb comparisons, hospital-specific commute planning, remote tours, home-buying guidance and coordination with other relocation professionals.

Learn more about my real-estate services for physicians, or use the Ultimate Relocation Checklist for Physicians Moving to Portland to organize your broader move.

Commute times, transportation schedules, apartment availability, school assignments, licensing requirements and service providers can change. Verify information with the appropriate employer, government agency, school district, property manager or service provider before making a decision.

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