Where to move next? A stressful question for some, but not for Registered Nurses who chose the travel nursing life! Thanks to a booming job market, there are always plentiful promising options. You have the luxury of choice!

There’s just one thing that can get in the way. Few things have made life for travel nurses easier than the Nurse Licensure Compact, but some states still haven’t joined the NLC. Of course you can still find plenty of travel opportunities in those states here too, don’t get me wrong! But let’s be real, who wants the extra paperwork? That’s why this post will highlight promising travel nursing destinations in compact states.

Finding your niche: unexpected destinations for every type of traveler

Spoiler alert: some of these will totally surprise you! With new job opportunities for travel RNs popping up on NurseRecruiter every day, we’re always in the know about where demand is high and options are cooking. And when you keep an eye on those metrics at all times, let me tell you — a lot of these travel RN jobs are not in the obvious places. Many of them aren’t obvious at all!

That’s good news for you. There are travel nursing destinations you never even considered that could prove to be hidden gems with a great selection of well-paid jobs. All you have to do is decide what you value most in a potential destination. There’s a niche for everyone, and we’re here to tell you about a bunch of them! In our experience, the priorities of travel nurses break down in roughly five different ways, so let’s see if you recognize yourself in any one of these…

All-in on the thrills of travel nursing

Determined to make the most of a unique opportunity? As a travel nurse, you get to explore the whole country and get paid handsomely for it, so why not go all in!

Are you excited to experience the thrill of a new city, and vibe with all the culture, leisure and nightlife it offers? Or are you more of an outdoorsy person, and eager to trek out to new sights, attractions, and wonders of natural beauty? Dive into our exciting travel nursing destinations!

Hot tip: Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville ain’t just about country music no more — though, hey, it has earned its fame and reputation as its heart and soul! The city is booming with all kinds of culture now, from amazing festivals to incredible food and art scenes. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to unwind, whether it’s bar-hopping downtown or catching a show at one of the Music City’s iconic venues!

Professionally, Nashville’s healthcare sector is robust and home to some of the largest medical centers in the region, which means more chances to work in specialized settings. The cost of living is manageable, especially compared to other big cities, and housing is fairly affordable for what you get — whether you’re looking for an urban apartment or a cozy house a little outside downtown.

Find travel nursing jobs in Nashville

Hot tip: San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is more than just history — though the Alamo and its rich cultural heritage are definitely worth checking out. For nurses who love an active lifestyle, the city offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the nearby Hill Country. Whether you’re exploring the famous River Walk or heading out for a weekend road trip, there’s no shortage of things to do in and around the city.

San Antonio’s healthcare network is solid, and the cost of living is low compared to other major cities in Texas. You’ll earn great pay, but won’t be paying through the nose for housing. Leaving you with more to spend on exploring the city’s hotspots and the stunning sights around!

Find travel nursing jobs in San Antonio

Smart, sensible, and future-oriented

Are you focused on padding those savings? Looking to get the most out of your earning potential, by going where wages are high or costs of living are low? Smart thinking!

You’ll want a travel nursing assignment where great housing options are affordable and easy to find. Ideally in a conveniently central, well-connected location, so heading back out to visit family or friends isn’t too expensive or too much of a pain. Good news: we’ve got travel nursing opportunities galore in exactly such places!

Hot tip: Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a dream for anyone looking to balance solid earnings with an affordable lifestyle. The cost of living is impressively low, especially in terms of housing: you’ll find spacious homes or apartments without the sticker shock of larger cities. Nurses here are well-compensated for their work and the job market is strong, with several respected hospitals and health systems calling the city home.

“The Big Friendly” is a convenient city to navigate and easy to get to, so you’ll love the ease of weekend escapes and quick trips back home. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or craving a chill night in, OKC offers the perfect balance of easy living and solid paychecks, making it an ideal spot for both work and play.

Find travel nursing jobs in Oklahoma City

Living your best life

What’s better than waking up on your days off in a town where you can relax to the max? You’ve got a job that can land you pretty much anywhere, so take the opportunity to put your quality of life front and center!

Perhaps your vibe is a walkable city with a laid-back, artsy culture and a friendly and diverse community. Maybe you love a town where the parks and tree-lined streets add a healthy charm to your daily jog. Or you just enjoy the neighborly buzz of family-owned restaurants. Whichever way, we’ve got you covered!

Hot tip: Albany, New York
Albany has a low-stress vibe that will make you feel right at home after a long shift. It offers a mix of urban amenities and outdoor activities, with a growing arts scene that will appeal to those who love an easy-going, creative atmosphere. The cost of living is refreshingly affordable compared to New York City, which means you can enjoy a higher quality of life without the insane price tag!

The city is walkable, with plenty of green space, coffee shops, and local restaurants to explore on your free days. Plus, Albany’s proximity to the Adirondacks and Vermont means you can easily escape for some serious nature time whenever you need a break.

Find travel nursing jobs in Albany

Once bitten, twice shy?

Have you been burnt one too many times in a hospital with insane nurse-to-patient ratios? Made a solemn vow to only look for jobs in states where better workplace regulations keep you and your patients safer? We’ve been hammering home the need to establish better safeguards for a long time, so we get it! It’s perfectly rational to see red flags when eyeing jobs in some states. Get yourself a job where nurse unions are strong!

Hot tip: Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland stands out for its strong healthcare infrastructure, offering a range of opportunities in top-tier hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic. The Ohio Nurses Association works hard to ensure fair pay and safe working conditions, and lawmakers are debating a bill right now to introduce mandatory ratios that would save nurses from excessive patient loads.

Professionally, Cleveland is a great place to gain specialized experience, whether in trauma, cardiology, or other areas. On top of that, Cleveland is affordable — whether you’re looking for an apartment downtown or something a little quieter in the suburbs. When you’re off the clock, enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene or relax along the waterfront at Lake Erie.

Find travel nursing jobs in Cleveland

Without a care in the world

When you’ve just done three 12s in a row, a loud night out is probably the last thing on your wish list. So maybe you’re just looking for a home away from home, where you can refuel for your next shift without a care in the world!

Want to spend your days off luxuriating in the rest and wellness you so truly deserve, in a place with lots of self-care opportunities, plenty of conveniences, and a healthy dose of quiet time? Go find a travel nursing opportunities where you can get that work-life balance just right!

Hot tip: Chandler, Arizona
Chandler offers a peaceful suburban environment where you can unwind and truly recharge during your time off. The low crime rate, plenty of green spaces, and wellness-oriented atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those looking to prioritize self-care.

Affordable housing options provide great value, and the area is quiet enough that you won’t feel the hustle of a larger city. Whether you’re into yoga, hiking, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, Chandler has the calm energy you need. Plus, the nearby city of Phoenix offers all the urban amenities you could want without the chaos — so it’s easy to get the best of both worlds.

Find travel nursing jobs in Chandler

Eyes on the prize

You’re a travel nurse so you know the money’s good, but you’re different — because you’re not just chasing that bag! Are you focused on professional growth and opportunities to advance your career? In a place with solid options for pursuing new certifications, and an established community of travelers that can make you feel supported? Focus on employer reputation when you browse those travel nursing jobs, and make an impression in a workplace that will count on your resume!

Hot tip: Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is a goldmine for professional development. With its sprawling medical community and major hospitals like Emory Healthcare and Grady Memorial, you’ll find countless opportunities to grow your career. The city’s healthcare scene is always evolving, with new technologies and advancements making it an exciting place to be.

In addition to professional perks, Atlanta offers a lively social scene, with plenty of cultural events, dining options, and outdoor activities to entertain you when you’re off. Housing is affordable, and the job market for nurses is strong, so you’ll have a solid base to advance your career while enjoying all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Find travel nursing jobs in Atlanta