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
Matched Residents - Real Estate Guide
Congratulations, you've matched in Philadelphia or New Jersey! It's 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's 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.
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, suburbs, and South Jersey as well as the Jersey Shore serving renters and home buyers/sellers 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 who qualify. She knows all the neighborhoods and transportation options of each. Let Jenn share her resources and match you with the perfect residence for 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)
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
111 S 11th St, Philadelphia (Center City)
Temple University Hospital
3401 N Broad St, Philadelphia (North Philadelphia)
Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia
5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Hospital (part of Penn Medicine)
800 Spruce St, Philadelphia (Society Hill)
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia (adjacent to HUP)
Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia (Northeast)
South Jersey Hospitals
Cooper University Hospital
1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ
Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
1600 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ
Inspira Health Network
Multiple locations (Vineland, Mullica Hill, Elmer, Woodbury)
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
1925 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
Jefferson Health - New Jersey
Multiple locations (Cherry Hill, Stratford, Washington Township)
Rowan University SOM Affiliated Hospitals
Multiple locations (Stratford main campus, affiliate sites throughout South Jersey)
Transportation Passes
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.