Here are the best states for physicians to practice, according to a 2016 Medscape report.
North Carolina
- Recommended city: Apex
- Research centers and hospitals
- Affordable homes
- Double-digit job growth
- Ranked first as "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine
Texas
- Recommended city: Austin
- Growing young population
- Business-friendly environment
- Influx of tech companies
- Recommended city: Tyler
- Hot destination for physicians
- Affordable homes
- Attractive to retirees
- Many hospitals and rehabilitation services
Alabama
- Recommended city: Birmingham
- Good physician compensation
- Low cost of living
- Favorable malpractice environment
- Good schools in some suburbs
Idaho
- Recommended city: Boise
- Spacious, slower-paced lifestyle
- Very low cost of living
- Good for working parents
- Great ski resorts
Ohio
- Recommended city: Columbus
- Good schools
- Ample job opportunities
- Decent tax environment
- Affordable cost of living
Colorado
- Recommended city: Denver
- Great appeal for younger people
- Entertainment and recreation
- Low unemployment
- Excellent growth and development
Iowa
- Recommended city: Des Moines
- Low cost of living
- Fewer-than-average physicians
- Financial and community well-being
California
- Recommended city: Fremont
- Outdoor attractions
- Beautiful scenery
- Highly rated schools
- Restaurants and cultural attractions
- Recommended city: San Jose
- Booming tech area
- Great climate
- Young, educated workers
- Many self-employed physicians
Michigan
- Recommended city: Grand Rapids
- Universities and medical schools
- Hassle-free licensure process
- Patient access to medical care
Indiana
- Recommended city: Indianapolis
- High compensation
- Good housing value
- Highly rated schools
- Cultural activities and bike paths
Georgia
- Recommended city: Johns Creek
- Mild weather
- Low cost of living
- High physician wages
- Excellent schools and amenities
Kentucky
- Recommended city: Lexington
- Good city for working parents
- Low cost of living
- Lower taxes
- Growth in professional services
Wisconsin
- Recommended city: Madison
- High physician compensation
- Good healthcare for residents
- Strong economy
- Intellectual engagement
New Hampshire
- Recommended city: Manchester-Nashua
- High physician wages
- Low cost of living
- Young, educated population
- Amenities for empty-nesters
Minnesota
- Recommended city: Minneapolis
- Low malpractice payouts
- Many Fortune 500 companies
- Artistic and cultural activity
Tennessee
- Recommended city: Murfreesboro
- Good home values
- Excellent family city
- Low cost of living
- Aggressively recruiting physicians
Nebraska
- Recommended city: Omaha
- High compensation
- Affordable cost of living
- Medical opportunities
- Employment destination
Florida
- Recommended city: Orlando
- Warm weather
- Growing science sector
- Many cultural attractions
- Team-oriented approach to medicine
Kansas
- Recommended city: Overland Park
- Low cost of living
- Good schools
- Moderate taxes
- High quality of life
Pennsylvania
- Recommended city: Pittsburgh
- Reasonable cost of living
- Many cultural and sporting attractions
- Reasonable rent
- Tax-exempt social security payments
Oregon
- Recommended city: Portland
- High quality of life
- Progressive city
- Easy to get around
- Vibrant local culture
Utah
- Recommended city: Salt Lake City
- Skiing and outdoor activities
- Low cost of living
- Community well-being
- Good for older people
Arizona
- Recommended city: Scottsdale
- Beautiful golf courses
- Great weather
- Good for older residents
- Fewer physicians than national average