philadelphia and new jersey match day for doctors celebration

Matched Residents - Real Estate Guide

Congratulations, you've matched in Philadelphia or New Jersey. It is an exciting time with so much to do and #1 on your list is: where to live? Key considerations are cost and travel time and there is the financial decision: Rent or Buy. We can help you with that decision and be your guide to all the best neighborhoods and lifestyles. Your residency can last 3-7 years depending on your specialty. Choose an urban or suburban Philly/Jersey lifestyle.

Buy

Buying is a reasonable long-term option

  • Stable Payments: predictable fixed-rate cost
  • Tax advantage: deductible interest and taxes
  • Build equity:Philly and NJ markets have steady growth
  • Doctor's Mortgage : 100% financing

Rent

Renting is a sensible short-term option

  • Low upfront costs: security deposit only
  • Flexibility: can change locations easily
  • Maintenance free: landlord responsible for issues
  • Easier exit: give notice and move out

Lifestyle vs Commute

OCF Realty is a full-service real estate agency covering all of Philly, South Jersey and the Jersey Shore serving renters and home buyers for over thirty years. Jenn Gabel is a top 5 star realtor that has experience with the special needs and financial programs that fit professionals that qualify. She knows all the neighborhoods and transportation options of each. Let Jenn share her resources and match you with the perfect residence for the new residents.

Community Guide for Medical Residents

Philadelphia Communities

Popular neighborhoods for medical residents working in Philadelphia hospitals.

Find the perfect neighborhood near your matched hospital to major teaching hospitals. Most neighborhoods provide convenient access to hospital systems through SEPTA's network of buses, subways, and regional rail.

University City

Vibrant, walkable area with excellent amenities and diverse housing stock

Penn Medicine CHOP
0-10 min commute

Graduate Hospital

Residential neighborhood with great restaurants and easy hospital access

Penn Medicine Jefferson
5-15 min commute

Center City

Bustling downtown with high-rise apartments and endless entertainment options

Jefferson Pennsylvania Hospital
0-10 min commute

Fishtown/Northern Liberties

Trendy area with art spaces, craft breweries, and modern apartments

Temple Jefferson
10-20 min commute

East Falls

Peaceful riverside community with more suburban feel but easy city access

Temple Einstein
15-25 min commute

Fairmount

Residential area near museums with good mix of apartments and rowhouses

Jefferson Penn Medicine
10-20 min commute

Rittenhouse Square

Upscale neighborhood around iconic park with luxury housing options

Jefferson Pennsylvania Hospital
5-15 min commute

Queen Village/Society Hill

Historic district with cobblestone streets and charming townhomes

Pennsylvania Hospital Jefferson
5-15 min commute

Manayunk

Hilly neighborhood with lively Main Street and attractive housing prices

Temple Einstein
20-30 min commute

Chestnut Hill

Upscale, leafy suburb with historic homes and village-like atmosphere

Einstein Fox Chase
20-35 min commute

Old City

Historic district with cobblestone streets and converted loft spaces

Jefferson Pennsylvania Hospital
10-15 min commute

Roxborough

Family-friendly neighborhood with more affordable housing options

Einstein Temple
20-30 min commute

South Jersey Communities

Popular areas in South Jersey or to commute to Philadelphia

South Jersey offers more affordable housing options with easy access to both New Jersey and Philadelphia hospitals. PATCO high-speed line connects many South Jersey communities directly to Center City Philadelphia, while NJ Transit provides service throughout the region. Communities range from urban areas in Camden to suburban neighborhoods and small towns with strong community atmospheres.

Collingswood

Charming small town with vibrant downtown and direct PATCO access

Cooper Virtua Jeff-NJ
10-20 min to NJ / 25 min to Philly

Cherry Hill

Large suburban community with excellent amenities and diverse housing

Jeff-NJ Cooper Virtua
5-15 min to NJ / 20-30 min to Philly

Haddonfield

Historic borough with tree-lined streets and upscale housing options

Jeff-NJ Virtua
10-15 min to NJ / 25 min to Philly

Voorhees

Quiet suburban community with newer housing developments

Virtua Jeff-NJ
5-10 min to NJ / 30 min to Philly

Haddon Township

Family-friendly area with good schools and affordable housing

Virtua Cooper
10-15 min to NJ / 25 min to Philly

Moorestown

Upscale suburb with excellent schools and larger homes

Virtua Cooper
15-25 min to NJ / 30-40 min to Philly

Stratford

Affordable community near Rowan SOM with convenient location

Jeff-NJ Rowan SOM
5-10 min to NJ / 30 min to Philly

Marlton

Popular suburb with shopping centers and variety of housing options

Virtua Jeff-NJ
10-20 min to NJ / 30-35 min to Philly

Gloucester City

Affordable waterfront community with easy access to Philadelphia

Cooper Virtua
10-15 min to NJ / 15-20 min to Philly

Atlantic City

Beachfront city with affordable apartments and entertainment options

AtlantiCare
0-10 min to AtlantiCare

Washington Township

Expansive suburban area with affordable housing options

Jeff-NJ Inspira
10-20 min to NJ / 35-45 min to Philly

Vineland

South Jersey's largest city with rural surroundings and affordable housing

Inspira
0-10 min to Inspira

Public Transportation Guide

If you intend to drive then you will have more flexibility in where you live.

Philadelphia Hospitals

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Medicine)

3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia (University City)

Subway

Market-Frankford Line - 34th Street Station (short walk)

Regional Rail

Penn Medicine Station (direct access)

Trolley

Routes 11, 13, 34, 36 at nearby 33rd & Spruce

Bus

Routes 30, 40, 42, 49, LUCY Loop (University City)

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

111 S 11th St, Philadelphia (Center City)

Subway

Market-Frankford Line - 11th Street Station (very close)

Regional Rail

Jefferson Station (formerly Market East, short walk)

Bus

Routes 4, 17, 33, 38, 44, 48, 62

PATCO

8th and Market Station (short walk from NJ)

Temple University Hospital

3401 N Broad St, Philadelphia (North Philadelphia)

Subway

Broad Street Line - Temple University Station

Regional Rail

Temple University Station

Bus

Routes 4, 16, 23, 53, 56

Temple Shuttle

Free Temp Flash shuttle service on campus

Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia

5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia

Regional Rail

Fern Rock Transportation Center (transfer needed)

Subway

Broad Street Line - Logan Station (then bus)

Bus

Routes 18, 22, 23, 53, 57, J, K

Pennsylvania Hospital (part of Penn Medicine)

800 Spruce St, Philadelphia (Society Hill)

Subway

Market-Frankford Line - 5th Street Station (short walk)

Bus

Routes 9, 12, 21, 33, 38, 40, 42, 57

PATCO

8th and Market Station (walkable from NJ)

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia (adjacent to HUP)

Subway

Market-Frankford Line - 34th Street Station

Regional Rail

Penn Medicine Station

Trolley

Routes 11, 13, 34, 36 at 33rd & Spruce

Bus

Routes 30, 40, 42, 49, LUCY Loop

Fox Chase Cancer Center

333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia (Northeast)

Regional Rail

Fox Chase Line - Fox Chase Station

Bus

Routes 18, 24, 28, 67, 77

Shuttle

Free shuttle from Fox Chase Station

South Jersey Hospitals

Cooper University Hospital

1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ

PATCO

City Hall Station (short walk)

NJ Transit Bus

Routes 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 412, 452

River LINE

Cooper Street/Rutgers University Station (short walk)

Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

1600 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ

PATCO

Ferry Avenue Station (walkable)

NJ Transit Bus

Routes 450, 451, 453, 457

Inspira Health Network

Multiple locations (Vineland, Mullica Hill, Elmer, Woodbury)

NJ Transit Bus

Vineland: Routes 551, 553

NJ Transit Bus

Woodbury: Routes 401, 402, 455

NJ Transit Rail

Closest to Woodbury: Woodbury Station on the Atlantic City Line

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center

1925 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ

NJ Transit Rail

Atlantic City Rail Station (walkable)

NJ Transit Bus

Routes 501, 502, 504, 505, 507, 508, 509, 551, 552, 553, 554, 559

Jitney

Atlantic City Jitney (all lines)

Jefferson Health - New Jersey

Multiple locations (Cherry Hill, Stratford, Washington Township)

NJ Transit Bus

Cherry Hill: Routes 403, 406, 450, 451, 457

PATCO

Cherry Hill Station (for Cherry Hill location)

NJ Transit Bus

Stratford: Routes 403, 459

NJ Transit Rail

Closest to Stratford: Lindenwold Station

Rowan University SOM Affiliated Hospitals

Multiple locations (Stratford main campus, affiliate sites throughout South Jersey)

NJ Transit Bus

Stratford Campus: Routes 403, 459

PATCO

Lindenwold Station (then bus or shuttle)

Campus Shuttle

Shuttle service between Rowan University campuses

Transportation Passes

SEPTA Key Card

For all Philadelphia public transit

SEPTA TrailPass

For regional rail + transit

TransPass

For subway, bus, and trolley only

PATCO Freedom Card

For travel between NJ and Philadelphia

NJ Transit Monthly Pass

For NJ Transit bus and rail services

Atlantic City Jitney Pass

For Atlantic City's mini-bus service

Let's Meet and Talk

Every resident needs a quick and affordable home option but each situation has its unique conditions. We provide 2 important services: 1. we will find the best fit for your home situation, 2. we have experience working with busy doctors and will expedite the process making it efficient and stress-free.