Finding a nice place to live that is affordable can be really tough in today’s America because the cost of living and the availability of jobs can vary widely from region to region. The situation can be even worse for healthcare workers because many of them have to devote a large part of their income to paying off college loans.

Therefore, you need to consider both the cost of living and the availability of work when you plan a move. There are many affordable communities with very limited employment opportunities and many popular communities where average people can no longer afford a middle-class lifestyle.

Housing in many of the communities that appear at the top of the most “livable city” lists, such as Boulder, Colorado, is simply too expensive for the average middle-class family. The average home in Boulder costs around $500,000, according to zillow.com. On top of housing costs, jobs are often scarce in cities such as Boulder which are routinely cited as most livable, best places, or other lists which mark them as destination locations.

Some of the Best Places for Healthcare Workers to Live

Fortunately, the United States is a big country, and there are still great places to live that actually offer plenty of jobs and affordable housing. Some of these communities also provide many opportunities for healthcare workers. Here is a list of communities that offer jobs, affordable housing, a great climate, and lots of recreational activities.

• Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. An excellent healthcare system and large numbers of retired persons provide lots of job opportunities for healthcare professionals in this region. The city’s location provides for year round sunshine, water sports on the Gulf of Mexico, and some great beaches. There are also many big city amenities, including NFL football, Major League Baseball, and a thriving restaurant scene. Housing is also very affordable here; the average house costs around $173,500, according to livability.com.
• Fargo, North Dakota. This city has a booming economy because of oil and a cost of living that is 8% below the national average. It also has an abundant number of doctors per capita, according to Forbes, so there are lots of healthcare jobs available. Housing is still very affordable, with the average home costing around $165,000. Forbes even named it one of the 25 best places to retire in 2014, which could provide for more healthcare opportunities. The drawbacks are a remote location and very cold winters.
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The old steel town provides all the big city amenities, including walkability, historic neighborhoods, professional sports, and public transportation, with a low cost of living. The average home sells for around $130,000, according to Forbes. There is also a high level of doctors per capita, making for lots of healthcare job opportunities. Drawbacks are a high crime rate, cold winters, and legions of rabid Steelers fans.
• Salt Lake City, Utah. This is a good choice for those that love the West and the mountains. It has a terrific economy and a cost of living 5% below the national average. Many of the big city amenities (including public transit) are here, and camping, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities are just a short drive away. A booming economy and a high number of doctors per capita make for many job opportunities. Housing costs are a little high; the average home costs $226,000. 
• Cincinnati, Ohio. Named America’s third most affordable big city by Forbes, Cincinnati offers big city amenities at a low cost. The average home in the region costs around $149,525, according to Zillow. Cincinnati also boasts a growing economy with some of the nation’s largest and most successful companies, including Kroger and Proctor & Gamble, based in the city.

A great resource to check before you make a move is the lists of Best Cities to Retire In, prepared by organizations like Forbes and Kiplinger. These lists include the cost of living, the cost of housing, and the level of doctors per capita. Areas with a high level of doctors per capita will have lots of medical facilities openings for healthcare workers.

If you are thinking of moving to a new city, research it carefully and make several trips there before you make the move. A little reconnaissance can help you avoid an expensive move to a place you do not like.

Article sources:

http://www.zillow.com/boulder-co/home-values/

http://livability.com/best-places/top-100-best-places-to-live/2015?page=7

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjf45hfje/fargo-nd/

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjf45hfje/pittsburgh-pa/

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjf45hfje/salt-lake-city-ut/

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/emeg45imgk/3-cincinnati-ohio/

http://www.zillow.com/cincinnati-oh/home-values/

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjf45hfje/abilene-tx/