Antonyms for the phrase "takes residence" could include "vacates," "abandons," "leaves," "moves out," or "evacuates." These words imply that someone is leaving a residence rather than taking up residence in a new place. Other possible antonyms might include "relocates," "roams," "wanders," or "travels," all of which suggest a lack of permanent residence or the act of moving from one place to another rather than settling down in one spot. Additionally, words like "rejects," "declines," or "spurns" might be used if someone actively refuses to take up residence in a particular location.