Travel Nurse Housing in Huntsville, Alabama: Complete Guide
Huntsville is Alabama’s fastest-growing city and home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Known as the Rocket City, Huntsville combines a tech-driven economy with Southern affordability and a growing food scene that has earned national attention.
Huntsville’s healthcare includes Huntsville Hospital (one of the largest in the state) and Crestwood Medical Center.
Whether you are heading to Huntsville for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Huntsville has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.
Major Hospitals and Health Systems
Huntsville is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.
Huntsville Hospital — One of the largest hospitals in Alabama and a Level I trauma center serving north Alabama.
Crestwood Medical Center — A community hospital with emergency, surgical, and women’s health services.
Madison Hospital — A newer hospital in adjacent Madison serving the growing suburban area.
Travel nurse demand in Huntsville is generally steady to strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and telemetry being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter flu season. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.
Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Huntsville assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Huntsville.
Downtown Huntsville
A walkable downtown with restaurants, craft breweries, and the Von Braun Center.
Pros: Walkable, excellent dining, close to hospitals, growing nightlife
Cons: Higher rents for Huntsville, limited parking, some blocks transitional
Five Points
A charming historic neighborhood south of downtown with local shops and restaurants.
Pros: Historic charm, walkable, community character, moderate rents
Cons: Older housing, limited parking, quiet at night
Madison
An adjacent city with newer developments, excellent amenities, and safe neighborhoods.
Pros: Modern apartments, safe, excellent shopping, family-friendly
Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, 15-minute commute to Huntsville hospitals
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Huntsville is car-dependent. Commutes are typically under 20 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Huntsville through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Huntsville are slightly below the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.
- Studio apartment: $700 to $1,100 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $850 to $1,350 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,050 to $1,650 per month
Huntsville is affordable. Downtown and Five Points offer the best character and proximity. Madison provides modern apartments at good value.
Many travel nurses in Huntsville find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.
GSA Stipend Rate
The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Huntsville, AL area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.
It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.
Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.
Housing Tips for Huntsville
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Huntsville that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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The tech economy is booming — Huntsville’s aerospace and defense economy means a highly educated population and growing amenities.
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Alabama income tax — Alabama has a state income tax, but the low cost of living compensates.
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The food scene is nationally recognized — Huntsville’s dining scene has earned national attention for its quality and variety.
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Mild winters — Huntsville has mild winters compared to northern cities, with occasional cold snaps and rare snow.
For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.
Cost of Living Overview
Huntsville has a below-average cost of living. Groceries are below national norms. Gas is cheap. Dining is very affordable.
When budgeting for your Huntsville assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Publix, Kroger, and Aldi offer good grocery prices. Huntsville’s restaurant scene is excellent and affordable. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.
Things to Do on Days Off
One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Huntsville has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Home to the largest collection of rockets and space memorabilia outside of NASA, plus Space Camp.
- Monte Sano State Park — A mountaintop park overlooking Huntsville with hiking trails, camping, and views.
- Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment — The largest privately owned arts facility in the US with studios, galleries, and live music.
- Bridge Street Town Centre — An outdoor shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants and a movie theater.
Take full advantage of your time in Huntsville. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.
Final Thoughts
Huntsville, Alabama offers travel nurses Alabama’s Rocket City with affordable living, strong hospitals, a nationally recognized food scene, and the excitement of America’s space program. With Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center and a below average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.
Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Huntsville, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.
For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Huntsville assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Huntsville assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.