Practicing in Phoenix
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing major metros in the country, and its health systems are expanding to match, which creates steady opportunity for physicians and advanced practice providers across specialties. Whether you are exploring cities before you apply, working through an application, prepping for a site visit, or weighing an offer, this guide is here to help with no pressure and no guesswork. Wherever you are in the process, you are welcome here.
Health systems you may be working alongside
- Mayo Clinic Arizona. A nationally ranked academic medical center in northeast Phoenix, known for complex and specialty care and a large research and education presence.
- Banner Health. Headquartered in Phoenix, one of the largest nonprofit systems in the country, with Banner University Medical Center as its academic hub in partnership with the University of Arizona.
- HonorHealth. A large regional nonprofit network of hospitals and outpatient sites across the north and east Valley.
- Dignity Health, part of CommonSpirit, including St. Joseph's Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute. St. Joseph's is a major teaching hospital, and Barrow is one of the leading neurological and neurosurgical centers in the world.
- Valleywise Health. The county safety-net system and home to a Level I trauma center and the region's primary burn center.
- Academic and training pipeline. The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and Creighton University's Phoenix campus anchor the area's medical education and residency programs.
What is being built right now
- Mayo Clinic Arizona is carrying out a major multiyear expansion of its Phoenix campus, adding significant clinical space, operating rooms, and inpatient capacity.
- Banner Health is expanding across the Valley, including a women and infant services tower at Banner Thunderbird and added capacity at Banner Estrella.
- HonorHealth completed a large renovation and expansion at its Deer Valley Medical Center in north Phoenix, adding beds and operating rooms.
- Dignity Health's Chandler Regional Medical Center is building a new multistory facility expected to open in 2026 to meet rising demand in the southeast Valley.
- Regional growth continues with investment at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and expanding Valley Metro light rail service.
Where physicians are landing
These are areas physicians commonly consider, a mix of in-city neighborhoods and suburbs, across the Valley's main hospital corridors.
- Arcadia. An established area straddling Phoenix and Scottsdale with larger lots and mature citrus trees, close to several hospital campuses.
- Central Phoenix and the Biltmore area. Walkable in-city neighborhoods with historic districts, near downtown medical sites.
- Scottsdale. A city northeast of Phoenix with highly rated public schools, convenient to Mayo Clinic and HonorHealth campuses.
- Paradise Valley. A town between Phoenix and Scottsdale known for larger lots and desert views.
- Chandler and Gilbert. Southeast Valley suburbs with newer subdivisions and highly rated public schools, near Dignity and Banner campuses.
- Tempe. A central, walkable college city with light rail access, convenient to multiple hospitals.
- Peoria and the north Valley. Northwest suburbs with newer subdivisions, near Banner and HonorHealth sites.
Commute to the medical district
Phoenix spreads its major hospitals across the Valley rather than a single district, so commutes depend on your campus. Mayo Clinic Arizona sits in far northeast Phoenix near the Loop 101, convenient from Scottsdale and the north Valley in about 15 to 25 minutes. The downtown and midtown medical sites, including Banner University Medical Center and St. Joseph's, draw from Central Phoenix, Arcadia, and Tempe in roughly 10 to 25 minutes using Interstate 10, State Route 51 (the Piestewa Freeway), and the Loop 202. Southeast Valley campuses in Chandler and Gilbert are reached by the Loop 101 and Loop 202. Valley Metro light rail also connects central corridors for those who prefer transit.
Cost of living and taxes
- Housing. Typical home values across the Phoenix area generally run from the low $400,000s into the $500,000s and above in the most established neighborhoods, with average rents roughly in the $1,400 to $1,700 per month range depending on size and location.
- State income tax. Arizona has a flat personal income tax, currently 2.5 percent, which is among the lowest in the country for states that tax income.
- Sales and property tax. The Arizona state sales tax rate is 5.6 percent, and with local additions the combined rate in Phoenix is in the mid 8 percent range. Property taxes in Arizona are relatively low compared with many large metros, though you should verify the rate for a specific address.
Rent or buy
Many physicians rent first to learn an area before committing, then buy once a schedule and commute settle into place. We can connect you with physician-friendly lenders and vetted local agents, and we can compare both paths against your start date so the timing works. Always 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 a Phoenix move:
- Arizona licensure. Guidance on the Arizona Medical Board 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.
