When I think about where I want to take a travel nurse assignment, Huntsville isn’t what generally comes to mind. However, after 7-years of travel nursing, the more intrigued I am about lesser known destinations. And Huntsville is just that – a lesser known city filled with charm and character, affordable housing rentals, and less traffic (there’s nothing worse than a long day at the hospital and then having to sit in traffic on the way home). Below you’ll find the ultimate travel nurse guide to Huntsville, Alabama – where to work, live, and explore during your 13+ week assignment.
Why Huntsville for a Travel Nurse Contract?
This may be surprising, but in my opinion there is no reason not to consider a travel nurse job in Huntsville. The southern hospitality in Alabama is a dream, housing rentals are affordable, it’s easy to get around without a lot of traffic, and on your days off – there’s plenty to see and do in and around Huntsville!
Best Hospitals for Travel Nurses in Huntsville/Alabama Licensing
There are tons of great hospitals to work at in Huntsville. Huntsville Hospital is a level 1 trauma center, Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children is the birthing hospital and a level III NICU, plus more.
If you have a compact license – you’re in luck! Alabama is now part of the NLC (nurse licensure compact). If you don’t have a compact license, you will need to apply for an Alabama nursing license by endorsement.
For more on compact vs non-compact states, don’t miss…
Travel Nurse Pay & Cost of Living in Huntsville
There are tons of factors to consider when discussing what a travel nurse’s salary is. These factors include (but are not limited to)…
- Time of year
- Unit need (the more desperate, the higher the pay)
- Unit (specialized units generally pay higher than non-specialized units)
- Cut that your recruiter takes
- & more
In my opinion, to live comfortably in Huntsville, I wouldn’t accept a contract less than $1,500/week.
As for cost of living, according to SoFi, Alabama has the 5th lowest cost of living in the United States, with people spending at average of $44,000/year. And according to Rent Cafe, the cost of living in Alabama is 12% lower than the national average with housing being 29% lower, groceries 3% lower, and healthcare services 3% lower. But with that in mind, the cost to live in Huntsville is 4% higher than the average entirety of Alabama.
To better understand travel nurse pay, don’t miss…
Where to Live: Best Neighborhoods for Nurses
Huntsville is what I would consider a medium sized city – in 2025 around 250,000 people lived in Huntsville, according to the City of Huntsville. It’s the most populous city in Alabama and 100th most populous city in America. In Huntsville, there are 31 neighborhoods that are recognized, giving you plenty of choices when it comes to housing.
As for where to live in Huntsville, my favorite area is downtown Huntsville. But with that being said, Huntsville is easy to get around so no matter where you choose to live, your commute to work shouldn’t be too bad.
Browse my rental recommendations below…
- Elegant Oasis Studio Retreat
- The Nest
- Reserve at Research Park (use code “PASSPORTSANDPREEMIES” for $250 off your first standard stay)
In the past few years, tons of short-term housing accommodations have popped up in the US. For a comprehensive list of housing resources, make sure to read The Best Housing Options for Travel Nurses.
Getting Around Huntsville
CAR
I would highly recommend bringing a car to Huntsville if you plan to take an assignment. The city is spread out enough that you’ll need a car to drive places and public transportation is lacking.
If for some reason you don’t bring a car to Huntsville, I recommend using Discover Cars to rent a car when necessary.
AIRPORT
There is an airport in Huntsville – Huntsville International Airport (HSV) that has flights throughout the US and direct flights to Florida, Nevada, California, New York City, and more. Plus it’s been ranked as the best small airport in 2024 and 2025. The airlines that fly in and out of Huntsville include Delta, United, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Lufthansa, Alaska Airlines, Finnair, and Aeromexico.
RIDESHARE
Both Uber and Lyft operate in Huntsville. I recommend downloading both apps before arriving to the city.
Things to Do on Your Days Off
As for your days off, Huntsville has plenty of things to do! Here is a “starter” list of things that I recommend including Huntsville attractions mixing city ideas and relaxation ideas…
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center
- Big Spring International Park
- Huntsville Botanical Garden
- Low Mill ARTS & Entertainment
- Monte Sano State Park
- Weekend trip to Nashville (read more about Nashville here)
Don’t miss…
Travel Nurse Essentials
FOR HOUSING
- VRBO
- Extended Stay America
- Hello Landing – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
FOR RECRUITERS
- Fill out this form to connect with my favorite recruiter, Jess
FOR TRAVELING TO/DURING YOUR ASSIGNMENT
- To book a flight, I recommend this booking platform or Skyscanner to compare options
- If you need to rent a car, I recommend Discover Cars
- If you need luggage, this is my favorite luggage brand
- ARMRA Colostrum to support your immune system (use code “KYLEENELSON” for 15% off)
FOR WORK
TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW “HOME”
- For tours I recommend Get Your Guide and Viator
If you decide to become a travel nurse in Huntsville, I hope that this guide helps you land an assignment, find housing, and enjoy your days off. If you have any questions about Huntsville or travel nursing in general, let me know in a comment below!
If you’re looking for other ideas of where to be a travel nurse, check out these posts:
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Fargo
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Austin
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Boston
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Chicago
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Omaha
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in San Francisco
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Santa Barbara
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Seattle
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you. Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.
Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
