Lessons Learned from Our Nomadic Life in U.S. Short-term Rentals (Part 2)

If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, that’s where we shared how this whole lifestyle began. Downsizing, packing up, and jumping into short-term rentals without much of a plan, just a pull to try something new. Our first few stops taught us a lot: no place is perfect, comfort looks different now, and we were going to get good at adapting.

We pick one city at a time. We usually book our next rental a few months ahead. But one thing we did know for sure before starting our 2024 city run: we were leaving our car behind. From Washington, D.C. to today, we’ve lived without one. We walk everywhere. We’re healthier for it, and we learned, some of the best parts of this lifestyle happen when you’re on foot and paying attention.

Follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook at @harmon_healthcare_consulting, and if you’re curious about this lifestyle, join our group: Modern Midlife Nomads – Work, Wander & Rent in the U.S. 

Now onto the rest of our rentals…

Baltimore, MD – Canton (Rooftop Deck and the Ice-Cream Man)

The row house we rented in Baltimore was a two-bed, one-bath home with a rooftop deck. It had everything and more. It wasn’t just a rental; it was someone’s home. The hosts, who owned the property, lived there when they weren’t off traveling for work or pleasure. You could feel the care they’d put into the space. It was stylish but lived-in, and fully equipped with thoughtful touches that made day-to-day life easy and enjoyable.

The kitchen was fully stocked with every tool and gadget we needed, which inspired us to cook at home. It was perfect timing since we were a few months into our clean-eating journey. One of our favorite features? The projector. It was perfect for cozy movie nights after long days of walking or working. And the rooftop deck? It overlooked Patterson Park, a massive, tree-lined green space with walking paths, playgrounds, and open fields. We walked there almost daily, and it quickly became one of our favorite places. And for all you history buffs out there, this is the site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.. 

The neighborhood itself was family-oriented and quiet, with a slower pace, and it gave us a chance to pause. It was here that I found a wonderful menopause specialist and started HRT. (I wrote about this in a previous post). We embraced the change of rhythm, enjoyed slow walks along the harbor, and found some fantastic local restaurants tucked into residential streets. From neighborhood bars to authentic Vietnamese and fresh seafood spots, Baltimore surprised us with its food scene.

This was an easy, comfortable four months. The rent was affordable, the house cozy, and we felt at home. Every night at 9 p.m., like clockwork, the ice cream truck would roll through the street playing its familiar jingle, something oddly charming and nostalgic. I found myself looking forward to it and missing it a bit when we left. 

There is just something about Baltimore. It is a city that has been through a lot and has more to work out yet it is friendly, inviting, filled with art and culture. It has the harbor, the parks, the museums, the monuments, and stunning architecture. It is filled with kind people offering good wishes. It has amazing food. It made me love Old Bay Seasoning and question why it isn’t on everything, everywhere. If you come and stay long enough in B’More you might see it differently then how the media portrays it. It is simply a great city to live in.  It’s why we are now back for our second stint. It’s a place we are happily calling home in 2025. 

Buffalo, NY – Allentown (Trust Your Gut)

This was the stay where I really learned to trust my instincts. If the energy of a place doesn’t feel right, listen. Decide quickly if it feels safe. And if it doesn’t, speak up, report it, and leave.

Airbnb took my concerns seriously, which I appreciated, though the host did try to argue that I hadn’t raised issues soon enough. But the truth is, I felt unsafe. There were maintenance problems we couldn’t have seen from the listing photos. If we used too many appliances in the kitchen, we’d blow a fuse. And the fuse box? It was in a dark, unsecured basement—definitely not safe. That was a dealbreaker.

The place looked a lot better online than it did in person. A solid reminder that photos can be deceiving. Now, we ask more questions before booking. We look harder. We’re not picky travelers; we don’t need fancy. Just a clean, safe place to lay our heads, stretch our bodies, and live our lives. That’s it. Safety is non-negotiable.

We didn’t see much of Buffalo. I was too preoccupied—mentally and emotionally—trying to figure out our next move. And just as this rental was falling apart, our Phoenix property suddenly needed a plumbing repair. So we pivoted and headed back to Arizona for a bit.

Phoenix, AZ – Sunnyslope Roots and a Ficus Tree

We returned to Phoenix after nearly 20 years away. This time, we were short-term renters in a place we actually own. Our two-bed, two-and-a-half bath condo in Sunnyslope became our home base for seven months. We know the city, but we hadn’t lived in it for so long that we decided to treat it like somewhere new. We approached it with fresh eyes. 

The highlight of the unit? The backyard. A fully fenced-in space shaded by an enormous, old ficus tree. That patio became our hangout spot. We soaked up the desert air, grilled dinner often, and made the most of the space. After bouncing around for so long, it felt good to stretch out and enjoy a yard again.

Inside, the unit gave us what we needed and then some. Two bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, recharge, and get a few projects done. We repainted and did some light remodeling ourselves (including remodeling a shower together, which deserves its own post—yes, we survived). Being back in one place gave us room to reset, both mentally and physically.

Sunnyslope itself surprised us in all the right ways. It’s one of Phoenix’s more down-to-earth neighborhoods. It’s tucked into the northern part of the city. This area offers easy access to North Mountain trails, cozy coffee shops, a public library, and a handful of local restaurants and breweries. While Phoenix as a whole isn’t exactly walkable, this part of town gave us options. We rode bikes on the canal paths, walked to the store, and even found some shady routes to beat the heat. It can be done—you just have to plan for the sun and the drivers.

Our time here wasn’t just about regrouping. It reminded us how much we value space, simplicity, and nature—whether that’s a rooftop deck in Baltimore or a shady backyard in the desert. When our updates were done, we furnished the condo top to bottom and handed it off to a long-term renter with a two-year lease.

From there, we packed up for D.C., but with no car this time. Just one large suitcase, one carry-on, and one backpack each. The desert and suburbs were a nice stop but we were both ready to be back in a big walkable city. 

Washington, DC – Columbia Heights (Mimi’s Place)

Mimi’s place was named after the owner/host’s mother. It was a lovely garden basement rental in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington D.C. It was a 1-bed, 1-bath with a stackable washer and dryer and a cozy private patio near the front door.  When we checked in we found our host inside, dressed in a tuxedo, setting out a bottle of wine for us to enjoy. It was just good timing that we met him after one of his shows. Come to find out he was a local D.C celebrity known for his beautiful singing. He and his partner lived above us, and we had the pleasure of visiting with them more than once. It made our stay feel really special. Living in the basement was not as loud as we expected. We only heard the vacuum run on Saturdays. We also enjoyed the muffled sound of our host warming up his pipes for evening performances. It just reminded us that city living is full of energy, sound, and motion. We have come to love that. 

Columbia Heights was a fantastic location. The subway station was just a short walk away, and we had a grocery store two minutes from our front door. We also discovered a string of incredible local restaurants that quickly became favorites. Cuban, Vietnamese, Indian, Ethiopian, there was always something new and delicious within walking distance. The diversity of the neighborhood was reflected in the food, the music, and the energy of the streets. Just a few blocks away was Meridian Hill Park, a historic landmark and green oasis where we went to stretch our legs, people-watch, and soak up the spring air. In D.C. the cherry blossoms get all the attention, but in the Spring, the entire city comes alive with green spaces, blooming trees, and sunshine. 

We loved our time in D.C. It was a blast, energetic, inspiring, and full of character. This stop just cemented the fact that we love city living and the people who make it special. 

Philadelphia, PA – Passyunk Square (What Is Peace and Quiet Anyway)

We rented a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit with a small outdoor space in South Philadelphia’s Passyunk Square neighborhood. I know I mention food a lot. But seriously, Philadelphia has the best Mexican food we’ve ever experienced. That says a lot coming from two people who grew up in Arizona and from Mike, who spent significant time in Mexico. The flavors, the authenticity, the variety, it all blew us away. We will be writing more about these spots, as there are too many to mention here and they deserve more attention. Two words: lamb tacos. 

We quickly realized that this rental wouldn’t offer much hand-holding from our Airbnb host. It was a unit in transition. I believe we were the last renters before it was put on the market to be sold. The communication was minimal, but if we needed something, they would bring it to us. The unit itself was a bit tired, older furniture, worn floors, that kind of thing, but we’ve learned to adapt. We travel with a few small comforts that help us make any space feel like home. I pack extra flat sheets to use as furniture covers. I bring spare pillowcases to refresh throw pillows. We always have a bundle of Palo Santo wood to burn. That little ritual gives each place its own signature feel. I tend to do a deep clean soon after arriving. It’s nothing crazy, just enough to reset the energy. Then we settle in and start calling it ours.

Living in other people’s spaces has forced us to grow. We’ve let go of being overly particular because it just wastes time and energy.  For instance, our upstairs neighbor was intellectually and physically handicapped. He was a friendly young man who liked to run and jump quite often. There was nothing to be done about the noise. Instead, we’ve learned to focus on what’s good. In this case, we decided we were grateful for our able bodies and thankful for his wonderful caretakers. We just laughed a lot at the noise and made the best of it. 

Our rental did not have a washer and dryer, and this is how I fell in love with laundromats and met an amazing artist named Marueen. More to come on that in another blog.

Philly is a place we hope to come back to. It is full of love and wonderful weirdness. Our rental wasn’t the best but our time was. 

Brooklyn, NY – Crown Heights (Welcome to New York, Now F*@k Off)

It was a dream to live in New York, and we knew it would be an expensive one. But we were incredibly fortunate to find a second-floor, one-bed, one-bath apartment in a three-story home in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The space was cozy but full of character, and the location was a major win. We were just a ten-minute walk from the subway, which took us directly into Manhattan in under 30 minutes. That convenience gave us access to everything, the museums, Broadway, restaurants, and all the chaos and beauty the city has to offer.

Crown Heights itself is a neighborhood in transition. Like many parts of Brooklyn, it’s in the middle of gentrification. Some blocks were lively and thriving, while others had boarded-up storefronts and a quieter, more uncertain feel. But there were still plenty of neighborhood staples we came to rely on. Small grocery stores, family-run fish markets, and bodegas that always seemed to have exactly what we needed. We had a small park a few blocks away where we’d take walks or sit and people-watch. It wasn’t polished, but it had soul.

One of our favorite New York moments happened on day one. We passed an older woman on her stoop, cigarette in hand, and gave her a cheerful “Good morning!” Without even looking up, she shot back, “F*@k off!” We couldn’t help but laugh. “Welcome to New York,” we said to each other. It felt like the city had claimed us already, in its no-nonsense way.

We had no idea the rest of the day would lead us to an incredible experience. We found ourselves right in the middle of the J’Ouvert parade. Over a million people were celebrating Caribbean culture in the streets. Loud, joyful, packed, and unforgettable.

Our host was kind and generous. Over the holidays, she invited us to spend time with her family. We were treated to incredible Caribbean food. These were rich, flavorful, homemade dishes that we still talk about. We also connected with our neighbors, trading stories and small favors that added up to something real. By the time we left four months later, it didn’t feel like we were leaving a rental. It felt like we were leaving home.

What surprised us most about New York wasn’t the size, though it’s vast beyond anything we’ve ever experienced. It was the sense of community tucked into all that sprawl. Block by block, culture by culture, this massive city is stitched together by neighborhoods that look out for each other. It’s gritty and intense and fast, yes, but it’s also full of kindness, humor, resilience, and pride.

Hollywood Beach, FL – “The Fish Bowl”

We chose Hollywood Beach, just outside Fort Lauderdale. We decided to wait out the cold weather there before heading back to Baltimore for the second time. Our studio apartment was small—just 500 square feet—but thoughtfully laid out. One entire wall was made up of windows and sliding doors that opened to a balcony with an ocean view. That natural light, paired with the constant breeze off the water, made the space feel much bigger than it was.

The building was meant for vacationers, so it had that breezy, in-and-out energy. It never really felt like home, but we didn’t mind. Being by the beach tends to put you in vacation mode anyway. Still, our host went out of her way to make us feel welcome. She was a new owner, still finding her rhythm, but because we were staying for two months, she brought over extra supplies and checked in regularly. We felt looked after.

She also told us something that stuck: the building was the oldest high-rise in Hollywood. It had just been fully certified and brought up to code. It was not something we’d have thought to ask. However, it reminded us how much trust goes into staying in short-term rentals. This is especially relevant in a part of the country where building safety can be a concern.

Hollywood Beach itself was walkable and relaxed. There were plenty of spots to grab a coffee, smoothie, or fish taco just steps from the sand. We walked the beach almost every day. We soaked up the sun. Our bodies thawed. We enjoyed the calm before Florida’s real heat and humidity rolled in.

The neighborhood surprised us in a good way. We did not expect Spanish-style architecture in a beach town. It totally charmed us with colorful stucco homes, red tile roofs, arched doorways, and tropical landscaping. Those walks became one of our favorite routines.

And then there were the iguanas. Everywhere. On rooftops, in trees, sunning themselves on sidewalks. We saw more iguanas in two months than we saw rats in New York City—and that’s saying something. At first, we were shocked, then amused, and eventually just learned to share space with them.

What wasn’t as charming in Hollywood, FL? The noise. This was by far the loudest place we’ve stayed. People in Florida really love their loud transportation—Moped, motorcycle, Honda Civic, or McLaren—it didn’t matter, they all screamed. There wasn’t much to do but laugh.

By the time the real heat started to settle in, we were packing for our next city.

Two Years In….

We spent two full years hopping from Albuquerque to New York and places in between. Finally, we see a pattern in the chaos. A few hard-earned truths keep bubbling up.

1. Basics over bells & whistles.
   
2. Safety is non-negotiable.
   
3. Bring your comfort kit.
   
4. Ask early, ask often.
   
5. Community happens fast when you let it.
   
6. Flexibility is the secret sauce.
   
7. Planning & wandering can coexist.
   
8. Time stretches and snaps.
   
9. Stuff ≠ home.
   

What’s Next

We’re spending a full year in Baltimore, two neighborhoods, two rentals, and one extended experiment in “slow nomad” life. Long enough to feel the rhythm of a place, short enough to stay curious.

Interested in the Nomad Life?

Stick around, I’m working on more posts that dive into how we find our rentals, what we pack, and how we keep our peace while moving every few months. If you are on Facebook join our group page Modern Midlife Nomads: Work, Wander & Rent in the U.S. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Harmon_Healthcare_Consulting and please subscribe to our blog “Covered by Harmon” on harmonhc.com.