Top US Cities for Healthcare Professionals
November 7, 2013
Healthcare is currently one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Although most cities are seeing good job growth, certain cities offer the best overall opportunities. Those interested in entering the medical field, or looking to advance their careers, should seek out cities with a good balance of job growth and quality of life. Although many places offer these things, below is a list of the top US cities for healthcare professionals to live and work.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Located between the mountains and beautiful beaches of North Carolina, Raleigh is a great place to live and work, although the cost of living is rather high. The city has experienced a population boom, increasing by close to 42 percent since 2000, and is expected to double by 2025. Home of the famousDuke University Medical Center, Raleigh also has theUniversity of North Carolina hospital system, WakeMed and countless other medical care facilities. And the Research Triangle Park houses pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories and other places that work on some of the world's cutting-edge technologies.
Baltimore, Maryland
Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore is home to countless federal government staff members and offers plenty of opportunities for those in the healthcare industry. The cost of living in Baltimore can be high but there are some areas that offer more affordable accommodation. Although commuting can be a bit hectic, it is easier with careful planning. Baltimore is a great place to live and work in as jobless rates are comparatively low and job security for healthcare professionals is considered to be good because the area boasts some of the country's highest healthcare-related standards.
Denver, Colorado
11 of the more than 30 hospitals in this city make the top rankings of the U.S. News "Best Hospitals of 2012-2013" list, and this metropolitan area is home to more than three million people. The cost of living in Denver is low, and residents enjoy a good quality of life due to the many diversions on offer, both indoors and alfresco. The Health Care and Social Assistance program in Denver is attractive for healthcare professionals because it helps people in this industry find secure and sustainable employment. Denver is also home to many medical research and pharmaceutical companies, providing even more employment opportunities.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania system, which includes Thomas Jefferson University, is one of the country's largest teaching hospital systems and offers many opportunities for individuals in the medical industry. Philadelphia is the home of GlaxoSmith Kline, Johnson and Johnson and Merck headquarters, and there are also many medical research firms and pharmaceutical labs in the area. Philadelphians enjoy reasonably low living costs and a high quality of life, and the city is also home to a very mixed demographic.
Houston, Texas
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Known for its low living costs and a high need for professionals in the healthcare industry, Houston is one of the best places in America for healthcare professionals. The city has experienced a population boom in recent years and is home to more than six million people. Even this number is expected to grow by more than two-and-a-half million by 2030. The Texas Medical Center, considered one of the world's best medical centers, employs more than 93 thousand people within its large cluster of healthcare and research facilities.
