The Best U.S. Cities for Locum Tenens Work & Adventure in 2025
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Locum tenens work offers the flexibility to explore new places while doing meaningful work and if you play it right, you can turn each assignment into a mini adventure. Whether you're craving mountains, coastlines, nightlife, or quiet charm, there’s a U.S. city that delivers both career opportunity and lifestyle perks. Here are our top picks for the best cities to live, work, and explore as a locum tenens provider in 2025.
🏞️ 1. Denver, Colorado
Why it’s great for work:
Denver continues to experience high demand for locum tenens providers, especially in family medicine, emergency medicine, and urgent care. With a strong healthcare infrastructure and competitive rates, it's a solid professional choice.
Why you’ll love it:
Adventure awaits in every direction. Rocky Mountain hiking, skiing, craft breweries, and a thriving arts scene.
🌊 2. San Diego, California
Why it’s great for work:
Southern California has a steady need for locum support due to physician shortages in both urban and rural areas. San Diego often offers premium assignments due to its high cost of living.
Why you’ll love it:
Gorgeous beaches, laid-back vibe, and endless sunshine. Surf in the morning, see live music at night.
🌆 3. Austin, Texas
Why it’s great for work:
Texas consistently ranks among the top states for locum tenens placements, and Austin leads in demand. Specialties like psychiatry, internal medicine, and urgent care are especially needed.
Why you’ll love it:
Live music capital of the world, food trucks, and lakeside paddleboarding. Plus, no state income tax.
🌉 4. Seattle, Washington
Why it’s great for work:
Seattle’s healthcare facilities frequently rely on locum providers to fill gaps in coverage. It’s also a hotspot for behavioral health and primary care roles.
Why you’ll love it:
Rainy days breed cozy coffee shops, mountain hikes, and scenic ferries to the islands. A dream for outdoorsy providers.
🏙️ 5. Nashville, Tennessee
Why it’s great for work:
The city is growing fast, and so is the need for healthcare coverage. Locum tenens providers are essential to keeping up with demand, especially in hospitalist and outpatient roles.
Why you’ll love it:
Honky-tonk nights, Southern charm, and some of the best barbecue you’ll ever eat.
🏜️ 6. Phoenix, Arizona
Why it’s great for work:
Arizona has long been a favorite for locum providers due to streamlined credentialing and high demand in internal medicine and hospitalist settings.
Why you’ll love it:
Stunning desert hikes, weekend trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon, and 300+ days of sunshine.
🌽 7. Des Moines, Iowa
Why it’s great for work:
Don't overlook the Midwest. Des Moines offers solid locum opportunities with lower competition and great compensation, especially in rural and community hospitals.
Why you’ll love it:
Low cost of living, friendly locals, and access to peaceful countryside adventures.
Final Thoughts:
Locum tenens work isn’t just about filling shifts, it’s about freedom, exploration, and balance. Whether you're looking for a bustling city with nightlife or a serene town with beautiful trails, there’s a location that fits both your personal and professional goals.
At Alumni Staffing, we specialize in placing locum providers in cities that work for your career and your lifestyle. Ready to find your next adventure?
👉 Contact us today to get matched with the right assignment.
