It’s a new year with new physician opportunities across the country so we once again polled our expert physician recruiters to ask “What are the current top cities for physicians?” They selected another great list of sought-after regions and hidden gems that included very active job markets, high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and other criteria specific to physicians across all specialties. While we see some repeat cities from last year, there are plenty of new exciting additions to our list.

30 of the best cities for physicians to live and work in the U.S. in 2024:

NORTH CAROLINA

1) Raleigh/Durham

2) Charlotte

Once again, North Carolina continues to be a sought-after location for physicians across all specialties. The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) is home to three prominent research universities. Of course, this is the perfect setting for physicians who wish to continue their research or want to teach residents and fellows. Charlotte also continues to be a popular destination as the population continues to surge- and volume for physicians along with it.

North Carolina boasts an abundance of natural amenities including beaches and mountains and a temperate year-round climate, making it a great place to live and practice year-round.

FLORIDA

3) Miami

4) Tampa

5) Jacksonville

Florida is once again a significant practice destination for physicians. with the highest percentage of senior populations in the country, healthcare is in high demand. Lower taxes, a warm climate, and of course the abundant availability of beaches make the Sunshine State a very desirable place to settle down. Miami is filled with beautiful Art Deco architecture and sizzling hot beaches, Tampa has a wide variety of waterfront housing options, and Jacksonville is a family-friendly historic community with extensive public park systems. You can’t go wrong with any of these options.

TEXAS

6) Dallas

7) Houston

8) San Antonio

The Lone Star State has much to offer physicians who are ready to relocate: world-class universities, top-tier professional sports, easy travel through international airports, and bustling metros that will keep you busy with volume. Dallas has a growing population with a median age of 38, and their hospitals have access to great cutting-edge technology. Houston’s population continues to explode, growing nearly 10% in the last 10 years and the medical industry continues to be a core component of their economy. San Antonio has a large availability of housing and land options and is a nice option for those wanting something smaller than Houston. Texas overall has a low malpractice percentage and no income tax.

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CALIFORNIA

9) San Diego

10) Los Angeles

11) Modesto

12) Bakersfield

San Diego is a legendary harbor city home to beaches that offer endless ocean activities and Los Angeles is the sprawling SoCal metro with millions of residents offering all kinds of practice opportunities. Both large-scale cities have a plethora of amenities to offer physicians looking to jumpstart their careers; however, if you’re looking for fun in the California sun with a smaller, less-expensive cost of living, consider Modesto or Bakersfield. Modesto is a beautiful Central California community of 200K+ offering vibrant neighborhoods and stunning parks around every corner. Modesto is just outside LA and offers a slower-paced, more family-friendly alternative to big-city living.

OHIO

13) Cincinnati

14) Cleveland

15) Columbus

All three Ohio riverfront cities have been in increasing demand this year and it’s easy to see why: plenty of greenspaces, access to the great lakes, flourishing tech industries, highly-rated schools, low cost of living with a great quality of life. All offer easy travel with airport availability and you can spend your free time rooting on any number of sports teams at home games.

ILLINOIS

16) Chicago

17) Rockford

18) Springfield

While Chicago made our list last year and continues to be a huge draw for Midwestern physicians, Rockford and Springfield are two other great opportunities that offer amenities without the hustle and bustle of the Windy City. Rockford is a great mid-size community with quaint tree-lined streets that give docs proximity to Chicago amenities without the traffic and congestion. Springfield is home to three universities with easy travel to either Chicago or St. Louis. If you’re looking for the most excitement, Chicago continues to boast great educational opportunities, diverse populations, great sports, and outstanding hospitals and healthcare facilities.

WESTERN CITIES

19) Salt Lake City, Utah – For those seeking mountain life Utah’s vibrant capital is surging in popularity and is a fantastic alternative to expensive Denver, Colorado. It offers some of the best recreation in the West including top-notch ski destinations. Easy air travel through the international airport and a growing downtown is attracting younger families and practicing docs from all over the country.

20) Phoenix, Arizona – Once again on our list is the stunning desert destination of Phoenix. If the thought of little to no rain and year-round sun is up your alley then Phoenix might be the best place for you. The abundant retiree population ensures any physician will have a consistent patient volume but it also is a growing spot for young professionals with a penchant for the outdoors.

21) Casper, Wyoming – Another great Denver alternative for outdoor enthusiasts is Wyoming. No state income tax and a very modest cost of living make life out in this friendly mountain community very attainable and fun. In your spare time, check off any of the five nearby national parks off of your bucket list.

22) Albuquerque, New Mexico – This Southwest hub is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. It’s hard not to fall in love with the historic adobe architecture and the 300+ days of sunshine per year. The breathtaking International Balloon Festival, global food scene, and high saturation of tech and media companies have made Albuquerque a city to watch.

SOUTHERN CITIES

23) Atlanta, GA – The ATL is a diverse city that has grown into a significant economic hub for the Southern region. It also has some of the most prestigious medical and research hospitals in the state which is why there are so many ample opportunities for physicians there. It is experiencing a huge surge in growth and thus is also one of the fastest-growing metros in the nation.

24) Louisville, Kentucky – Midwest or South? Get the best of both worlds with this modern riverfront city of 1M residents. Highly-rated private schools, a wide range of universities, and an incredible music scene are just some of the reasons physicians are flocking to Louisville. However you pronounce it, it’s undeniably a great place to start your physician career and settle down to raise your family.

25) Birmingham, Alabama – A gem among its fellow Southern cities Birmingham is a vibrant metro that is often ranked as a best place to live in the country. Enjoy the best Southern culinary staples and their global food scene nestled within driving distance to the beach or the Appalachian mountains. Furthermore, if you’re looking to continue your research, Birmingham is home to a world-class medical research community.

EAST COAST CITIES

26) Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia – An absolute abundance of history and museums live in D.C. along with world-class eateries and sports. Though you’re smack in the middle of a large metro, you’re never far from greenspace and their parks are rated among the best in the country. It’s no wonder many are curious about the nation’s capital. Nearby “NoVa” is also a great alternative to D.C. if you’re wanting to avoid that high cost of living. NoVa has one of the highest median incomes in the country, is racially and ethnically diverse, and its schools are regarded as some of the best in the country.

27) New York City/Greater Tri-State Area – it’s no secret that you can expect an unrivaled quality of life in the city that never sleeps. If you’re looking for luxury, elite colleges, and the best of anything, you can expect it there. For those wanting to benefit from the amenities of NYC without the price tag or the gridlock, you can easily explore the abundant opportunities in the immediate surrounding areas of Northern New Jersey or Western Connecticut.

MIDWEST CITIES

28) Detroit, Michigan – If you were thinking about Chicago for the big city conveniences, don’t forget about nearby Detroit. Big league sports, outstanding museums and universities, and access to the great lakes are all top draws to the Motor City. Beer aficionados can bask in the unparalleled Michigan brewery scene and find a stunning historic home at a very reasonable price.

29) Topeka, Kansas – A mid-country metro with a cost of living 8% below the national average! Topeka is the hometown of many international corporations and sits just outside Kansas City. Enjoy Kansas-style barbecue before a Chiefs game or embark on a more quiet day with a stroll down by the river.

30) Appleton, Wisconsin – A gem among the many in Wisconsin, Appleton is nestled between Milwaukee and Green Bay. Healthcare is a significant pillar of Wisconsin’s labor and income and Appleton is a cozy lakeside community that offers outdoor recreation at any time in the year. Enjoy all four stunning seasons and a lively, walkable downtown brimming with a vibrant local art scene.

Want the scoop on job opportunities in any of these communities? Contact the consultant in your specialty to get started. If your desired location isn’t on this list, don’t worry- we have plenty of options all around the country in all specialties.

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