Best Places to Live and Work in Healthcare 

For healthcare professionals, finding the right workplace goes beyond competitive salaries — it’s about communities that support your career and your well-being.  

While many lists rank hospitals, we’ve identified the best places to work in healthcare by combining top employers with exceptional quality of life. These cities balance career growth, affordability, and lifestyle perks that make them stand out for nurses, doctors, technicians, and administrators alike. 

What Makes a City Ideal for Healthcare Workers? 

Great healthcare careers thrive where these elements intersect: 

• Top-tier employers: Hospitals and systems with nationally recognized workplace culture.
• Career infrastructure: Job availability, professional development, and competitive benefits.
• Livability: Affordable housing, manageable commutes, and strong support networks. 
• Lifestyle perks: Safety, recreation, and family-friendly amenities. 

To pull together this list of the best places to live and work in healthcare, we sourced data from Great Place to Work, Grand Canyon University, and Hospital Careers. To follow, we’ve included commute times, sourced from DataUSA (National Avg. 26.8 minutes).  

Top U.S. Cities for Healthcare Professionals 

Here are 10 destinations where healthcare careers flourish alongside exceptional living: 

City	Top Employer	Why Professionals Thrive	Lifestyle Highlights
Columbus, GA	Piedmont Columbus Regional	Growing trauma center, relocation assistance	Historic riverwalk, family-friendly communities, military-friendly
Arlington, TX	Texas Health Resources	95% employee satisfaction, tuition reimbursement	Low cost of living, vibrant arts district
San Diego, CA	Scripps Health	Innovative wellness programs, leadership development	Beaches, hiking trails, year-round sunshine
Indianapolis, IN	Elevance Health	Flexible scheduling, mentorship programs	Top-rated parks, cultural festivals
Alpharetta, GA	Jackson Healthcare	On-site childcare, fitness centers	Atlanta access with suburban tranquility
Coral Gables, FL	Baptist Health South Florida	Diversity initiatives, community outreach	Cafes, boutiques, proximity to Miami
Marietta, GA	Wellstar Health System	Career ladder programs, mental health support	Top schools, proximity to Atlanta
Rochester, MN	Mayo Clinic	Research opportunities, continuing education	Bike trails, strong sense of community
Boston, MA	Mass General Brigham	Teaching hospital prestige, innovation labs	Historic charm, academic prestige
Houston, TX	Houston Methodist	Leadership pathways, wellness stipends	Diverse cuisine, museum district

Columbus, GA

Why healthcare professionals choose Columbus: A city with affordable cost of living, growing healthcare sector, and a strong sense of community. 

Healthcare workers in Columbus enjoy the best of both worlds: meaningful career opportunities and a vibrant, supportive community. With its charming downtown, outdoor recreation, and Southern hospitality, Columbus is a place where healthcare professionals can truly thrive. 

Here are a few more reasons healthcare professionals love living and working in Columbus, Georgia:  

• Career Growth: Expanding specialties and advanced medical facilities, especially at Piedmont Columbus Regional and St. Francis-Emory Healthcare.
• Work-Life Balance: Short commutes (avg. 20.2 minutes) and proximity to great day trip locations. 
• Lifestyle: Riverwalk trails, Uptown festivals, and family-focused neighborhoods make it one of the best places to raise a family. 

Arlington, TX 

Why healthcare professionals choose Arlington: A city with a low cost of living, reasonable commute time, and sports culture. 

Career Growth: Top employer Texas Health Resources boasts a 95% employee satisfaction rate and tuition reimbursement programs support ongoing professional development. 

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a low cost of living and average commutes (26.7 minutes), making it easy to balance work and home life. 

Lifestyle: Arlington’s vibrant arts district, local sports, and family-friendly neighborhoods create a lively and welcoming environment. 

Healthcare workers in Arlington benefit from robust career support and a thriving community atmosphere. With affordable living and a rich cultural scene, Arlington is an ideal place for healthcare professionals to grow and connect. 

San Diego, CA 

Why healthcare professionals choose San Diego: A city with beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, and balance between work and play. 

Career Growth: Top employer Scripps Health offers innovative wellness programs and leadership development opportunities to encourage professional advancement. 

Work-Life Balance: Many healthcare workers enjoy short commutes (23.9 minutes), and beaches, hiking trails, and year-round sunshine help support a healthy, active lifestyle. 

Lifestyle: San Diego’s coastal charm, outdoor recreation, and diverse neighborhoods make it a destination for those seeking both career fulfillment and lifestyle perks. 

Healthcare workers in San Diego enjoy a unique blend of professional innovation and laid-back California living — ideal for those who want to thrive at work and at play. 

Indianapolis, IN 

Why healthcare professionals choose Indianapolis: A city with lower-than-average commute time, festivals, sports events, and career advancement. 

Career Growth: Top employer Elevance Health offers flexible scheduling and mentorship programs foster career progression and work-life harmony. 

Work-Life Balance: A below average commute time (24.3 minutes), paired with top-rated parks and affordable neighborhoods, makes daily living easy and enjoyable. 

Lifestyle: Indianapolis shines with cultural festivals, sports events, and a strong sense of community, making it a great place for healthcare professionals and their families. 

Healthcare workers in Indianapolis find a supportive environment for both career and personal growth, with plenty of opportunities to engage in the city’s vibrant culture. 

Alpharetta, GA

Why healthcare professionals choose Alpharetta: A city with the advantages of a suburb while being close to Atlanta. 

Career Growth: Top employer Jackson Healthcare offers on-site childcare and modern fitness centers, which help professionals balance work and family.

Work-Life Balance: Suburban tranquility blended with upscale shopping, dining, and live events at The Avalon and farmers markets, festivals, and concerts in Downtown Alpharetta. 

Lifestyle: Alpharetta boasts excellent schools, green spaces, and a welcoming community vibe, perfect for professionals seeking a high quality of life. 

Healthcare workers in Alpharetta enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful suburban setting with the energy and amenities of Atlanta nearby. 

Coral Gables, FL 

Why healthcare professionals choose Coral Gables: A city with a diverse population and career growth opportunity. 

Career Growth: Top employer Baptist Health South Florida has one of the largest hospital-based international programs in the country, with more than 13,000 patient visits annually. 

Work-Life Balance: Coral Gables’ tree-lined neighborhoods, below-average commutes (24.3 minutes), and easy access to Miami’s amenities make it simple to enjoy a fulfilling personal life alongside a rewarding career. 

Lifestyle: Coral Gables is known for its vibrant downtown with sidewalk cafés, upscale boutiques, and the historic Miracle Mile. 

Healthcare professionals in Coral Gables thrive in a diverse, inclusive environment that blends career growth with South Florida’s unique lifestyle. With both professional and personal opportunities at their fingertips, they enjoy a truly balanced and enriching experience. 

Marietta, GA 

Why healthcare professionals choose Marietta: A safe and family-friendly community with access to outdoor recreation activities. 

Career Growth: Top employer Wellstar Health System offers career ladder programs and mental health support to help professionals advance and stay well. 

Work-Life Balance: Marietta offers an exceptional quality of life, with average commutes, safe neighborhoods, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. 

Lifestyle: Historic Marietta Square offers shopping, dining, and seasonal festivals, while parks like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Silver Comet Trail provide abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. 

Healthcare professionals in Marietta enjoy strong career support and a family-focused community, making it a great place to build a future. Its close proximity to Atlanta is also a bonus. 

Rochester, MN 

Why healthcare professionals choose Rochester: A city with very short commute times, research opportunities, and incentives for active lifestyles. 

Career Growth: Top employer Mayo Clinic offers research opportunities and continuing education keeps professionals at the forefront of medicine. 

Work-Life Balance: Very short average commute time of 17.2. The city’s extensive network of bike trails, including the renowned Douglas State Trail and the Bear Creek Trail, encourages an active, healthy lifestyle. 

Lifestyle: The Peace Plaza and downtown area host frequent community events, concerts, and festivals, fostering a lively and connected environment. Families benefit from highly rated schools and safe neighborhoods. 

Healthcare workers in Rochester enjoy access to world-class resources at Mayo Clinic and a supportive, community-driven environment. With short commutes, abundant outdoor recreation, and a strong focus on wellness, Rochester offers an ideal setting for both professional achievement and a fulfilling personal life.

Boston, MA 

Why healthcare professionals choose Boston: A city with hospital teaching opportunities and effective public transit. 

Career Growth: Top employer Mass General Brigham offers teaching hospital prestige and innovation labs that provide unparalleled learning and advancement. 

Work-Life Balance: Despite having an average commute time, many residents walk, bike, or use the city’s robust public transit system, which includes subway and bus networks, making it easier to balance work and personal life without the need for a car. 

Lifestyle: The city is home to world-class museums, theaters, and music venues, as well as universities like Harvard and Boston College. 

Healthcare professionals in Boston thrive in an environment that values education, innovation, and community spirit. With efficient transportation and a wealth of cultural and recreational options, Boston offers a balanced, enriching lifestyle for those in the healthcare field. 

Houston, TX 

Why healthcare professionals choose Houston: A city for foodies, art lovers, and a low cost of living. 

Career Growth: Top employer Houston Methodist offers leadership pathways and wellness stipends to help professionals reach their full potential. 

Work-Life Balance: Houston’s dynamic urban landscape is complemented by a relatively low cost of living (–4.5%) compared to other major metros, making it easier to balance work and personal life. 

Lifestyle: Healthcare professionals can explore everything from international cuisine in Chinatown and Midtown’s eclectic eateries to the fine arts at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Contemporary Arts Museum. 

Healthcare workers in Houston enjoy a supportive environment for career advancement and a diverse lifestyle. With a strong sense of community, access to world-class amenities, and a commitment to professional and personal well-being, Houston creates an ideal setting for healthcare professionals to thrive. 

How to Choose Your Ideal City for Living and Working in Healthcare 

Consider these factors when evaluating opportunities: 

1. Prioritize hospitals with strong workplace culture and high retention rates for professional development and team support. 

2. Choose between urban energy or suburban calm based on your personal preferences and stage of life. 

3. Seek employer benefits like tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and flexible work options. 

4. Balance job opportunities with community fit and lifestyle perks to support both career and personal well-being. 

Healthcare Careers Start with the Right Place to Live and Work 

Your job matters — but where you live shapes your mental health, work-life balance, and long-term happiness, just as much as your workplace culture does. Whether you’re drawn to ocean views, mountain air, or the welcoming Southern charm of places like Columbus, the best place to work in healthcare is the one that truly feels like home. 

Before relocating, consider engaging with Columbus’ Connector Program, where locals can guide you through jobs, neighborhoods, and lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a move or just exploring your options, reach out to our team — we’ll connect you with the right people in healthcare to help you get started.