Practicing in Orlando
Central Florida is one of the country's fastest-growing healthcare markets, home to two large systems, a purpose-built medical and research district in Lake Nona, and a steady pipeline of new hospitals and towers. Whether you are exploring Orlando before you apply, prepping for a site visit, or weighing an offer, this is here to give you the lay of the land with no pressure and no guesswork. Wherever you are in the process, you are welcome here.
Health systems you may be working alongside
- AdventHealth. One of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States, with its flagship Orlando campus and a dense network of hospitals across the region.
- Orlando Health. A large nonprofit system whose downtown Orlando Regional Medical Center is Central Florida's only Level I trauma center, with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.
- Nemours Children's Hospital. A pediatric specialty and research hospital anchoring the Lake Nona medical district.
- Orlando VA Medical Center. A large veterans hospital in Lake Nona serving Central Florida's veteran population.
- Academic and training pipeline. The University of Central Florida College of Medicine sits in Lake Nona's Medical City, pairing medical education and research with the surrounding hospitals.
What is being built right now
- AdventHealth is completing a new multistory hospital in Lake Nona on Narcoossee Road, built with shell space to expand its bed count substantially over time.
- Orlando Health has reopened an expanded and redesigned emergency department at its downtown Level I trauma center and continues to add specialty capacity, including a new children's pavilion.
- Lake Nona's Medical City keeps drawing new research, clinical, and nursing education space, including UCF health programs expanded with hospital partners.
- Orlando Health is extending its reach into surrounding counties with new hospitals and trauma capacity in the growing suburbs to the south and west.
Where physicians are landing
From walkable close-in neighborhoods to master-planned communities near the medical district, several areas sit within reach of the main campuses.
- Lake Nona. A master-planned southeast community built around Medical City, with newer homes and short commutes to the hospitals there.
- Baldwin Park. A walkable infill community northeast of downtown with a town center and lakes.
- College Park. An established neighborhood just northwest of downtown and Orlando Health.
- Winter Park. A historic, walkable suburb with mature streets and a well-known main street.
- Thornton Park. A close-in walkable district near downtown and Orlando Regional.
- Dr. Phillips. A southwest area near the attractions corridor with larger homes and golf communities.
- Winter Garden and Hamlin. Fast-growing western suburbs with newer subdivisions and public schools with high ratings.
Commute to the medical district
Drive times depend on which campus you join. To Lake Nona's Medical City, plan on 10 to 20 minutes from Lake Nona itself and 25 to 40 minutes from the north and west suburbs via SR 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and SR 528 (the Beachline). To downtown Orlando Health, figure 10 to 25 minutes from College Park, Baldwin Park, Winter Park, and Thornton Park along I-4 and SR 408 (the East-West Expressway). From Winter Garden and Dr. Phillips, plan on 20 to 35 minutes into downtown on I-4 and SR 408.
Cost of living and taxes
- Housing. Typical home values run roughly $370,000 within the city to around $380,000 across the broader metro, with average rents in the range of about $1,900 per month.
- No state income tax. Florida levies no personal state income tax, which can meaningfully change your take-home pay compared with many other states.
- Sales and property tax. The state sales tax base is 6 percent, with local surtaxes added on top across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Property taxes are assessed locally, and Florida's homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a primary residence.
Rent or buy
Many physicians rent first to learn the area, then buy once they are settled and sure of the commute and schedule that fit them. We connect you with physician-friendly lenders and can compare both paths against your start date so the math is clear before you commit. Confirm current figures with a tax professional.
Your move, handled
Changing jobs as a physician is tied to your contract, your start date, licensing, and credentialing. Here is what your Physician Relocation Advisor coordinates on an Orlando move:
- Florida licensure. Guidance on the Florida Board of Medicine application and timeline, plus your DEA registration for the new address.
- Credentialing. Support through hospital and payer credentialing, which commonly runs 90 to 180 days, so it lines up with your start date.
- Housing around your hospital. Homes matched to your commute and schedule, with vetted local agents and physician-friendly lenders.
- Family and schools. Research on neighborhoods and school options so your family has what it needs.
- One point of contact. We stay with you from offer to move-in, no pressure and no guesswork.
We're here to take care of you.
