Choosing a location to complete your clinical clerkship can be tricky and requires a lot of research. What are you looking for in a place to live? Do you fare well in cold or hot climates? What kind of environment would you like to spend your off-days in?Now that you have thought about it, let us give you some recommendations. Here are five top cities for you to look into; all with rich history, appealing attractions, rent projections and weather reports to help you figure out whether one of these beautiful cities might be right for you.

Chicago, IL

One of the most diverse cities in America, Chicago has been called “The Jewel of the Midwest” and is home to a rich cultural life, fantastic cuisine, and immense history. A full experience of the four seasons is guaranteed with a residency in the "Windy City." Including a true Midwestern winter and a gorgeous summer right on the coast of Lake Michigan.However, Chicago wouldn't be complete without entertainment.

In the summer, the city is filled with seasonal floral arrangements down the miracle mile of Michigan Avenue, music festivals such as Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, and Riot Fest, and virtually something to do every weekend. Full of several incredibly diverse neighborhoods, Chicago has no shortage of culture and history.Also, some of your expenses, such as your daily commute to and from your medical rotation, may end up being fairly low in this city. Chicago has an amazing public transit system that connects the entire city (and most of the suburbs, too) with several concentrated and convenient train lines.

The downside of living in this amazing city is the cost. The cost of living in Chicago is considerably higher than many cities in the United States, with an average rent prediction starting at roughly $1,000. Sales taxes are higher than in surrounding suburbs, and public transportation is not free (yet substantially cheaper than a car payment).

While these are common issues, no matter where you choose to settle, it’s important to research your options and make sure that you’re moving toward an affordable future for your clinical clerkship.

Brooklyn, NY

For those looking for an even more culturally rich experience, Brooklyn is where to look. New York has been a hub for businessmen, dreamers, transients, and hopefuls alike for centuries now; a vision of a potentially successful future in "The Big Apple." Brooklyn has no shortage of artists, exhibits, restaurants, and endless history and architectural wonders to explore. Not far from a Broadway show, a Williamsburg street performance, or even a trip to Ellis Island if that sounds like your thing, there are endless experiences to be had in Brooklyn. Another city with a transit system designed to get you all over the state, purchasing a car is not necessary and often a frivolous expense that is not recommended, as streets are congested, parking is a nightmare, and insurance rates are likely to increase.

The major downside to this city is how pricey it is. Brooklyn is located in one of the United States' most expensive city and state. The cost of living is predicted to start around $2,800 in monthly rent within the city, and around $1,800 outside of city centre.

Although it may be an expensive place to move, many times its benefits outweighs it's costs. Much like Chicago, the full four season experience is one to be seen in Brooklyn; winters among some of the coldest on the Northeastern coast, but the summers are equally as vibrant and beautiful.

Miami, FL

So maybe the cold isn’t for you. Fear not, Miami is a tropical paradise most of the year, with a vibrant nightlife, a wide range of attractions and exhibits, and impeccable cuisine.Right off the coast, the beaches are beautiful and numerous, bringing in tourists year round to experience the beauty of the Florida Everglades. Aside from being a cultural hub with delicious food, tropical weather, and innumerable activities to participate in, Miami is also home to many exotic animals and ecological attractions that will awaken the adventurer in everyone.Though there are slight drops in the temperature, high humidity and rain being a common theme in Florida, it’s common to have full access to the beach year round. Rich with history, Miami has many old architectural structures, museums, and exhibits alike that will keep you busy and entertained throughout your stay.Besides beautiful beaches and amazing architecture, Miami is a great place to move to for a studnet on a budget. Miami's cost of living is, on average 13.19% less costly than New York with a projected monthly rent starting around $1,350 outside the heart of Miami, and roughly $1,825 within it.

Phoenix, AZ

There’s no way to sugarcoat it, Phoenix is hot. A desert landscape that keeps winter short, summer scorching, and the off-seasons near perfect. Home to many natural wonders, Phoenix is an outdoorsy person's paradise, with plenty of hiking trails, access to National Parks such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and many Old West themed attractions.Phoenix has a rich music scene, many one-of-a-kind museums, such as the the Musical Instrument Museum, The Hall of Flame centered around firefighters, and many automobile and aviation museums to choose from. Access to many free parks, architecture abundant in history, and beautiful desert landscape are among some of the reasons and perks which persuades many people to move to Phoenix. It is one of the less-expensive options in comparison to the cost of living in other cities, starting projections for rent around $800; however, it is recommended in the West to have a car or some sort of reliable transportation. This is because public transit is pretty limited in western states. In Phoenix, public transit is available in the form of the Valley Metro Rail (a public rail system that services downtown and central Phoenix, surrounding cities, and the airport.)

Memphis, TN

Perhaps your taste is somewhere in the middle; you’d prefer somewhere not too hot, not too cold, and rich in potential experience. Look no further than Memphis!With an average low temperature that rarely dips below freezing and hardly rises above the low 90’s, Memphis is a fair temperature city that is famous for it’s cuisine, music, and history. Home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, many diverse museums and exhibits, as well as beautiful outdoor landmarks and other points of interest. Simply put, Memphis has something for everyone!Memphis is full of many attractions such as Sun Studio, the Memphis Ghost Walking Tour, and just a few short hours away you can go watch horse races during the summer. If you move here for your clinical clerkship, there’s no shortage of things to do, whether on a budget or looking for something a little different to do with your time off.Each city previously mentioned has it's own rich history. However, unlike other cities, millions of people each year come to visit one spot in Memphis where in 1968 American history was forever changed. This place is known as the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. The National Civil Rights Museum memorializes people throughout U.S. History who fought for civil rights. It is specifically dedicated in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What sets this museum apart from others is that it is both a memorial for Dr. King as well a museum. Part of the museum is connected to the infamous Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, at the height of the civil rights movement. Although, the motel looks the same is did in 1968 on the outside, the inside has been transformed into a modern day memorial and museum, educating visitors about the man who lead America's civil right's movement.

As previously mentioned, Memphis is a diverse city with so much rich history, nationally renowned cuisine, and lively attractions rich with Americana. Another affordable location, the average cost of rent starts just under $800 and while it’s just slightly more expensive than Phoenix, Memphis has a cost of living index generally 27.99% lower than New York.

If you need help with choosing which city has the best clinical clerkship for you to attend, contact C.H.H.A. and we will help you every step of the way during your clerkship.

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