You’ve matched for your Fellowship in Pittsburgh—congratulations. Now comes the second biggest decision of your year: Where are you going to live?
For many incoming Fellows, the instinct is to rent. You’re busy, you’re tired, and a 3-year timeline feels short. You might think, "I'll just rent now and buy when I’m an Attending."
But here is the reality check that makes Pittsburgh different from Boston, New York, or San Francisco: In this city, paying a mortgage is often cheaper than paying rent.
In the world of physician relocation, we call this the "Fellowship Flip"—using your training years to build equity rather than paying off someone else’s mortgage.
Pittsburgh is one of the few major medical hubs where buying a home during Fellowship isn’t just possible—it’s often the savvier financial play. Here is why the math often leans toward buying in the ‘Burgh.
The "Rent Trap" in Pittsburgh
While Pittsburgh housing prices remain affordable compared to the national average, the rental market has tightened significantly.
Luxury apartment complexes in Shadyside, the Strip District, or Lawrenceville command premium rents—often $2,500 to $3,500+ a month for a 2-bedroom unit. Over a 3-year Fellowship, that is upwards of $100,000 in cash that leaves your pocket, never to be seen again.
Conversely, a mortgage on a charming home in a medical-adjacent neighborhood often runs significantly lower than comparable rent, even with today’s interest rates.
Why Buying Makes Sense for Fellows
For many of our physician clients, buying is the strategic choice for three specific reasons:
1. The Power of the Physician Loan You have access to a financial tool that most buyers don't: the Physician Loan. We connect our clients with lenders who specialize in these products . They allow you to buy with 0% to 5% down and no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), even with student loan debt. This eliminates the biggest barrier to entry—the down payment—allowing you to keep your cash liquid while still building equity.
2. Forced Savings & Equity Even if the market stays flat (which is rare in Pittsburgh’s stable neighborhoods), every mortgage payment you make pays down principal. When you sell in 3 years, that principal is yours—a "forced savings account" you wouldn't have if you rented. If the market appreciates even modestly, you walk away with a profit that can fund the down payment on your "forever home" when you become an Attending .
3. Control & Wellness Physicians don't just choose a job—they choose a life . Fellowship is stressful. Owning your home means you control your environment. No landlord entering your unit, no noise from the tenant upstairs, and the freedom to create a true sanctuary for your family. If you have a spouse or children, that stability is priceless.
But What About the "Transfer Tax"?
We believe in full transparency. Pittsburgh does have a high Transfer Tax when buying and selling a home. Unlike many states, here transfer taxes are typically split between buyer and seller. In the City of Pittsburgh, this tax is 5% of the purchase price (usually split 2.5% buyer / 2.5% seller). You'll find that outside of the city limits the total transfer tax amount is a fair bit less. However, in desirable Pittsburgh neighborhoods (like Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, or Lawrenceville), historical appreciation often outpaces these transaction costs over a 3-year hold.
Furthermore, Pittsburgh is home to major universities and tech hubs (Google, Duolingo, Uber). If you decide to move after Fellowship, you aren’t forced to sell. Many of our clients turn their first home into a high-performing rental property, starting their real estate investment portfolio early.
The ReloDoc Recommendation
If you are coming to Pittsburgh for 3+ years, do not automatically default to renting.
At ReloDoc, we specialize in helping physicians navigate this market. We know the neighborhoods that hold value, the lenders who understand your contract structure, and the "physician-friendly" homes that require low maintenance.
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We offer housing strategy consultations to review your specific budget and timeline .
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We provide physician mortgage introductions to vetted lenders who can get you approved before you even start your role .
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We help with move-up planning or rental-to-buy transition strategies as your career evolves .
Stop paying your landlord’s mortgage. Let’s look at the inventory. You might be surprised at how much more home you can afford—and how much smarter your money can work for you—right here in Pittsburgh.
👉 Schedule a 15-Minute Housing Consult with ReloDoc
Moving to Pittsburgh for UPMC, AHN, or a regional residency program? Download our free "Life in the 'Burgh" guide for neighborhood breakdowns and mortgage comparisons.
